11 judges, 11 countries represented, 11 official court records of which I owned one of the 11 (another story) prior to donating to the Museum of the Pacific War. My father attended in person the entire trial as he was in charge of the judges and their needs. He actually lived in the courthouse. (Former War Ministry). Based on his many stories and amazing memory, and long life (age 91) combined with the actual court records, this is a very historically true film. Right down to the "issues" different judges had. The film company did an amazing job blending actual footage (I found my dad 4 times) with new filming. Perfect acting and the accurate portrayal of emotions etc. This is the first review I have EVER written anywhere, but the truth deserves to be recognized. If this company makes future films, I will watch.
A side note: Unfortunately the Nuremberg trial, being first, received all the attention. With the Tribunal of the Far East being later, and being much longer, it received little attention including films and books. Basically prior to this well-done series, there was a short documentary and later a drama staring Tommy Lee Jones called "The Emperor". It was about trying the emperor. From my fathers first hand experience, MacArthur made the correct decision. Although difficult as it was. Serving on General Head Quarters under MacArthur, my father would often spend Sunday afternoons in MacArther's home watching movies. (The General brought his wife). He talked about this tough decision. Regardless of the emperors awareness and/or involvement; he did have a high control over the hearts of the people. Putting the Emperor on trial carried great risk of a large scale revolt or worse. Tojo was by far the worse of all, and got what he had coming. Sadly, much later, our government gave amnesty to many of the Japanese war criminals, some of which were in hiding. Such as the "Bird" who beat regularly Louie Zamperini in was portrayed in the book and not as detailed movie, Unbroken.
