Battle Under Orion (2009)

World War II story alternates between the past and present, linked by a fateful song. Japanese sub I-77 battles an American destroyer off the coast of Okinawa. Before heading to war, the ... See full summary »

Director:

Tetsuo Shinohara

Writers:

Tsukasa Ikegami (based on the novel by), Kenzaburô Iida (based on the novel by)

Stars:

Yoshikuni Dôchin, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Mutsutoshi Furuhata

Cast

Credited cast:
Yoshikuni Dôchin
Mitsuru Fukikoshi
Mutsutoshi Furuhata
Yûta Hiraoka
Yuto Hoshi
Fumio Itô
Masaya Kikawada
Keiko Kitagawa
Andrew Krakat	...	American Soldier
Tôru Masuoka
Naoya Matsunaga
Raina Miyoshi
Yurika Nagamori
Taiga Nakano	...	Katsumi Suzuki (as Taiga)
Kyôsuke Ohta

Storyline

World War II story alternates between the past and present, linked by a fateful song. Japanese sub I-77 battles an American destroyer off the coast of Okinawa. Before heading to war, the captain received a final present from his lover, the score to a song titled Manatsu no Orion. 64 years later, his granddaughter discovers the score and the significance behind the song.

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Genres:

Action | War

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The WWII ship used in the production of this film is the USS SLATER DE 766, which is the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, which is currently on display on the Hudson River in Albany, New York, USA. The on-ship scenes where filmed on the ship, in Albany, NY.

User Reviews

Poetic, typical

A schoolgirl and a WWII sub veteran meet to uncover a story of sacrifice, tragedy, and redemption; the vet, now gray, tells about the final mission during the last days of the Pacific war. While the story is, at times, predictable and too metaphorical for its own good, its portrait of undersea strategy makes for fascinating viewing. Unlike most films in this genre, the protagonists wage war to live, not to die. and the ironies of violence and death balance with the all too human need to survive.

The WWII plot is more compelling, but there's a pleasing balance in this drama.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

13 June 2009 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Battle Under Orion

Filming Locations:

Albany, New York, USA

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,474,821

Company Credits

Production Co:

Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Destiny, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1