As we approach the eightieth anniversary of the American entry into World War II, we look at four Japanese films about the devastating consequences of that war. With themes that range from pathos to brave sacrifice, the four films of the 13th Annual February Film Watch Parties span half a century of reactions to its tragedy.

Due to the continuing pandemic, these films will be presented as watch parties beginning at 7:00 PM with an introduction and concluding with a brief discussion session. The discussion is led by Dr Frank Chance, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at University of Pennsylvania.

The 13th Annual February Film Watch Parties are presented by the University of Pennsylvania Center for East Asian Studies (UPenn CEAS) and the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.

February 3: The Burmese Harp, 1956
Directed by Ichikawa Kon

After becoming separated from his platoon, a Japanese soldier dons a Buddhist monk’s robe and tends to the bodies of casualties strewn across the war-torn countryside