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In Japan, WWII Kamikaze are still revered as self-sacrificing heroes. Internationally, they remain a potent symbol of fanaticism. In astonishingly candid interviews, four former Kamikaze reveal that they were neither suicidal nor fanatical. In fact, they were young men sentenced to death by a military that could not admit defeat. In heartbreaking testimony corroborated with rare archival footage, they tell us about their dramatic survival and their survivors guilt. This riveting, seamlessly edited film is an emotionally charged and timely expose, probing the responsibilities that a government at war has to its people and its soldiers.

Wings of Defeat is a remarkably fascinating documentary, as well as a major contribution to our understanding of the history of World War II, from a heretofore untold point of view--that of the Kamikaze pilots whose training and contributions to the Japanese cause have long been shrouded in myth.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Harvard University
full review

Ever since the Pacific War, the Kamikaze have been presented as true believers
who embraced death without qualm or question. WINGS OF DEFEAT succeeds
brilliantly in puncturing this myth, placing viewers face to face with elderly Japanese
who as young men were prepared to die as Kamikaze.
John W. Dower
Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Embracing Defeat, Professor of History, MIT
full review

WINGS OF DEFEAT is an extraordinary film, revealing the terrible power of nationalist fervor as it seizes young minds, and makes them both victims and
accomplices in the crime of modern warfare. This film is instructive and sobering for anyone caught up in what is considered patriotic duty to ones country.
Howard Zinn
Author, A People's History of the United States
full review

Sixteen-year-old Anika Warner, a student at Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, Md., says she never thought the experiences of kamikaze pilots could suddenly feel so personal.
Neda Ulaby
NPR
full review

Wings Of Defeat is an exemplary scrutiny of the emotional and psychological manifestations of patriotism. And a candid and bold challenge to the whole notion of preconceptions and stereotypes.
Prairie Miller
Newsblaze
full review

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AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• 2009 WINNER, Erik Barnouw Award, Organization of American Historians

• Special Jury Award, SF International Asian American Film Festival

• Audience Award, NY Asian American International Film Festival

• Best Film, Best Director, Best Editing, Southern Appalachian International Film Festival

• Theatrical release in 23 cities in Japan

• Official Selection, Doc Aviv International Documentary Film Festival, Tel Aviv

• Official Selection, Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival, Toronto

• Official Selection, Nippon Connection Film Festival, Frankfurt

• Official Selection, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

• Official Selection, Chicago Asian American Showcase
• Official Selection, Delray Beach Film Festival
• Official Selection, EBS International Documentary Film Festival, Seoul
• Official Selection, Raindance Film Festival, London
• Official Selection, Minneapolis International Film Festival
• Official Selection, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
• Official Selection, Hawaii International Film Festival

Resource Web Sites

Free teaching guide available with each purchase. Preview sample available.