Go For Broke! (1951)

Plot: Lieutenant Grayson (Van Johnson) is from the Deep South - Texas, to be exact - and when World War II began, he enlisted in the army to fight the Japs. Only ... when he got his commission, he wound up with the 442nd, the only Japanese-American unit in the United States Army. At first, Grayson tries to torment his "Jap" subordinates through harsh discipline and lack of respect; but as the 442nd surges across France and his soldiers courageously perform rescue after rescue, he begins to take another look at his racist attitudes.

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High Points:
- Most of the Japanese-American actors were actual veterans of the heroic 442nd Regiment
- Endearing characters
- Historically significant
- Excellent balance of action, dialogue, humor, conflict, and growth

Could Be Better:
- The balance of the movie is dialogue and character development, with very little action; some viewers might get bored with this.

Possible Concerns:
- There is moderate alcohol consumption in this movie, including drinking in homes and a brief bar scene at the end. The drinking is always secondary to the dialogue, and is not the focus of the scene; however, some families may find this uncomfortable.
- As is typical of Van Johnson's 1950s war movies, he is constantly on the lookout for beautiful women as he moves through Europe. He only "catches" one; they drink wine and kiss passionately in her house for a few minutes ... until he catches sight of all her souvenirs from other soldiers who have been through before, that is. :-) Other than the concept being bad, the scene is not revealing or suggestive; and it can easily be skipped over if you like, as well.

Vicki's Vote: 5/5

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Review: Go For Broke! is a fascinating "time capsule" of a movie - it not only captures the experiences of Japanese-American soldiers just a few years after the war is over, but it does so in the most authentic way possible: by bringing together veterans of the real 442nd regiment to portray their experiences.

The movie is unusual for the time period as well, because it explores the backgrounds and personalities of the soldiers and discusses the prejudices and bigotry they faced back home, in their jobs or in the internment camps. Each of them has a different reason for joining the army, but each of them is committed to fighting for their country and their right to be first-class citizens.

I really enjoy this movie every time I watch it. Van Johnson starts out so obnoxious that I just can't stand him. Why can't he see the humor in Masami's hula dancing, or the wisdom of philosophical Sam, or the sweetness of little Tommy? In this way, we see just how blinding racism can be. But we are allowed to see the men, to learn their stories and why they joined the army - some to get away from the internment camps, some to earn better lives for their wives and children, some to try to make more money to follow their dreams. And in the middle of their conversation, Lt. Grayson barges in and starts yelling derisive orders, ensuring that they won't like him any more than he likes them.

But just as you expect, they all get thrown together and head for the battlefield; and that's where things heat up. Lt. Grayson almost gets busted for being so busy with an Italian girl that he misses the order to march ... but for some reason, his men decide to cover up for him. Then they start proving their worth on the battlefield. By the time Lt. Grayson's coveted transfer papers come through, he suddenly isn't sure that he wants to go. And then the men start to find out that maybe they've misjudged Lt. Grayson, too.

I heartily recommend this movie! It's a fascinating story of racism and respect in a difficult time for minorities, and how one group of courageous men started changes coming for other Japanese-Americans back home. Definitely give this movie a try!

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For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer