Children of Hiroshima

A dishearteningly pure film surrounding the impact of the most questionably devastating event. It really puts the whole atomic bomb question into perspective, instead of thinking about winning a war, killing the enemy, Children of Hiroshima displays what was actually lost - the innocence, spirit, and family-structure of the Japanese people. Kaneto Shindo used real-life testimony from people who managed to survive the merciless event, making the film all the more impacting and brutal to watch. The actual re-enactmnet of the bombing was what really left an impression on me, it happens fairly early in the films 95 minute duration; but it is the stuff of nightmares, watching those covered in rubble, blood, and torn-clothes screaming in agony. The children hold onto their mothers corpses, it doesn't even do the real event any justice...but it sure does give you a small idea of what it may have looked, and sounded like.

The film does carry a large sentimental feeling to it, with the plot taking place sometime after the saddening bombing. It touches on a demolition of virtues and purity, emphasizing the permanent trauma that lasts...symbolized through the scars, radiation and genetic-defects that many of the citizens now are forced to live and adapt with. Children of Hiroshima really puts into perspective how fragile human life can be, but at the same time displays the resilience of the human existence and spirit. Many were obliterated and turned to ash in a flash-of-light; however the idea that 'thoughts live on' suggests that the dreams, hopes and integral consciousness of human beings can transcend physical annihilation.

A dishearteningly pure film surrounding the impact of the most questionably devastating event. It really puts the whole atomic bomb question into perspective, instead of thinking about winning a war, killing the enemy, Children of Hiroshima displays what was actually lost - the innocence, spirit, and family-structure of the Japanese people. Kaneto Shindo used real-life testimony from people who managed to survive the merciless event, making the film all the more impacting and brutal to watch. The actual re-enactmnet of the bombing was what really left an impression on me, it happens fairly early in the films 95 minute duration; but it is the stuff of nightmares, watching those covered in rubble, blood, and torn-clothes screaming in agony. The children hold onto their mothers corpses, it doesn't even do the real event any justice...but it sure does give you a small idea of what it may have looked, and sounded like.

The film does carry a large sentimental feeling to it, with the plot taking place sometime after the saddening bombing. It touches on a demolition of virtues and purity, emphasizing the permanent trauma that lasts...symbolized through the scars, radiation and genetic-defects that many of the citizens now are forced to live and adapt with. Children of Hiroshima really puts into perspective how fragile human life can be, but at the same time displays the resilience of the human existence and spirit. Many were obliterated and turned to ash in a flash-of-light; however the idea that 'thoughts live on' suggests that the dreams, hopes and integral consciousness of human beings can transcend physical annihilation.

Mandatory viewing for all Oppenheimer fans.
A very real showing of post-war Hiroshima, bookended by a soul-crushing story of sacrifice. Really heartbreaking how believable the fictional aspects were, with the film even crossing into documentary territory at times.

Mandatory viewing for all Oppenheimer fans.
A very real showing of post-war Hiroshima, bookended by a soul-crushing story of sacrifice. Really heartbreaking how believable the fictional aspects were, with the film even crossing into documentary territory at times.