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I'll Remember April

2000 1h 30m Drama List
Reviews 61% Audience Score 250+ Ratings
A Japanese sailor deserts his submarine in California waters in World War II, hiding in an abandoned factory frequented by neighborhood boys. Read More Read Less

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I'll Remember April

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Critics Reviews

View All (1) Critics Reviews
Brian Webster Apollo Guide Rated: 65/100 Feb 7, 2001 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
E C Great movie that does an excellent job of developing several characters you'll care about without sentimentality. The story is set during WWII. When a wounded Japanese soldier is washed upon the USA shore, 4 boys find him and can't figure out what to do with him. One of the boys is Japanese-American, and his family is receiving threats and is being sent to an interment camp. Trevor Morgan, a 12 year old, is the main protagonist. His instincts about protecting the young Japanese soldier are complicated by the fact that his older brother (who he adores) is off fighting in the war, possibly against Japan. This becomes more difficult when he is informed that his brother has been shot. If a child actor ever deserved an Oscar, Morgan should have gotten one here. The range of emotions he goes through is astounding, and always believable. Even his haircut and clothing perfectly depict the era. Haley Joel Osment has an somewhat smaller role, but is equally excellent, trying to support his friend while showing love of his country. Pat Morita has a limited role as the grandfather of one of the boys. He does a solid job, depicting a long time US citizen trying to understand former friends treating him with suspicion. Finally, Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber do well in small roles as Trevor's parents. As some other reviewers have noted, omitting any references to the atrocities carried out by the Japanese is a missing link. They may not justify the actions taken against Japanese families in the US, but it may help younger reviewers understand some of the anger and fear - the fact is that Japanese massacred many Americans at Pearl Harbor, but that's conveniently left out. To summarize, I recommend everyone to watch this movie, with your kids or grandchildren if you have them. I also wish current movies did as good a job in developing such full, complex characters, and spent less time on one-dimensional "supr heroes" Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Cliche story, generally bad acting. A big meh. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member A very touching film. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Great heartwarming movie! It's a movie for the whole family to see! I don't see many kids play like that anymore. Not it is all video games and computers. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member You gotta love old classic war films like this. I always enjoy war films that are told from the American heartland side. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member one of the best movies u ever watch..very touching and emotional Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews
I'll Remember April

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis A Japanese sailor deserts his submarine in California waters in World War II, hiding in an abandoned factory frequented by neighborhood boys.
Director
Bob Clark
Producer
Paul Colichman, Mark R. Harris
Screenwriter
Mark Sanderson
Production Co
Regent Entertainment
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 4, 2017
Runtime
1h 30m
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