Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle (original title: Onoda, 10 000 nuits dans la jungle) is a critically acclaimed French-Japanese historical drama film directed by Arthur Harari. Released in 2021, the movie is based on the true story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier who famously spent nearly 30 years hiding in the Philippine jungle after World War II, unaware that the war had ended.
Plot Summary
The film begins with Onoda's recruitment during World War II, highlighting his rigorous training and indoctrination in the art of guerrilla warfare. Onoda is sent to the island of Lubang in the Philippines in 1944, where he is instructed never to surrender and to continue fighting, no matter the circumstances. When Japan surrenders in 1945, Onoda and a small group of loyal soldiers refuse to believe the news, considering it enemy propaganda. Over the next 10,000 nights, Onoda remains in the jungle, battling isolation, dwindling resources, and his evolving sense of purpose.
The movie meticulously portrays the psychological toll and the bonds between Onoda and his comrades, while reflecting on themes of loyalty, duty, and the cost of devotion to an ideal.
Key Features
- Runtime: 165 minutes
- Language: Japanese (with French production backing)
- Cast:
- Yuya Endo as young Hiroo Onoda
- Kanji Tsuda as older Onoda
- Shinsuke Kato, Tetsuya Chiba, and others play his comrades.
- Director: Arthur Harari
- Cinematography: The film’s lush visuals capture the dense, vibrant jungle, emphasizing the harsh environment in which Onoda survived.
Critical Reception
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard section) and was praised for its nuanced storytelling and historical accuracy. Critics commended Arthur Harari for presenting Onoda's story with empathy while exploring its ethical and psychological complexities. The performances, especially those of Yuya Endo and Kanji Tsuda, were also highly regarded.
Historical Context
Hiroo Onoda's story is one of the most famous instances of Japanese holdouts, soldiers who continued to fight or refused to surrender after Japan's defeat in World War II. Onoda was finally persuaded to leave the jungle in 1974 when his former commanding officer traveled to Lubang to formally relieve him of his duties. Upon his return to Japan, Onoda’s story stirred both admiration for his loyalty and questions about the futility of his long struggle.
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