Visas and Virtue (1997)

Europe, 1940. For thousands of Jews, a Japanese diplomat and his wife defy Tokyo and the Nazis, and offer visas, for life.

Director:

Chris Tashima

Writers:

Tom Donaldson, Chris Tashima,

Stars:

Chris Tashima, Susan Fukuda, Diana Georger

Won 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Chris Tashima	...	Chiune 'Sempo' Sugihara
Susan Fukuda	...	Yukiko Sugihara
Diana Georger	...	Helena Rosen
Lawrence Craig	...	Nathan Rosen
Shizuko Hoshi	...	Narrator (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Shauna Bloom	...	Woman
Jon Cellini	...	Brother
Martin Fontana	...	Man
Gibson Frazier	...	Cantor
Alan H. Friedenthal	...	Refugee #1
Linda Igarashi	...	Setsuko
Jonathan Klein	...	Brother
Noel Miller	...	Young Man
Kyoko Motoyama	...	Elderly Yuki
Richard Nakaoka	...	Sugihara child #1

Storyline

Haunted by the sight of hundreds of Jewish refugees outside the consulate gates, a Japanese diplomat and his wife, stationed in Kaunas, Lithuania at the beginning of World War II, must decide how much they are willing to risk. Inspired by a true story, VISAS AND VIRTUE explores the moral and professional dilemmas that Consul General Chiune "Sempo" Sugihara faces in making a life or death decision: defy his own government's direct orders and risk his career, by issuing live-saving transit visas, or obey orders and turn his back on humanity. This Academy Award® winning 26-minute portrait gracefully captured in period black and white by noted cinematographer Hiro Narita poignantly pays tribute to the rescuer of 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust.

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Plot Keywords:

holocaust | asian american | based on play | independent film

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Taglines:

A short film inspired by the true story of Chiune Sugihara

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Genres:

Short

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Details

Official Sites:

official homepage (moved) Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

May 1997 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cedar Grove Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

26 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Moving Film

We were living in Japan when we first saw this moving film. Sugihara-san was in the news since the Japanese government had finally acknowledged his humanitarian work during the war. What a special vantage point for viewing this particular movie! We were fortunate to know one of the members of the production staff on the film, so we were aware of the budget limitations. However, this lack was more than compensated for by the enthusiasm and dedication of all participants in seeing it completed. It is most worthy of the accolades heaped upon it. The story is compelling, the acting is outstanding and all the production values are on the screen. Filming the piece in black and white gave it just the right vintage look. A big, "Arigato gozaimasu" (thank you) to everyone who persisted in seeing this picture become a reality. Generations to come who see it will also be grateful.