Sayonara

Released Dec 5, 1957

2 hr. 27 min.

Drama

List

82%

57 Reviews

Tomatometer

79%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Stationed in Japan during the Korean War, U.S. Air Force Major Lloyd "Ace" Gruver falls for the beautiful Japanese actress Hana-ogi (Miiko Taka). However, he is hesitant to pursue the relationship due to the unfortunate example of his crew chief, Airman Joe Kelly (Red Buttons). Kelly, against official military advice and the prejudices of his commanding officers, married a Japanese woman, Katsumi (Miyoshi Umeki), and his military career has suffered ever since.

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Critics Consensus

As sumptuously staged as it is ponderously paced, Sayonara flutters by on the strength of its touching story and solidly assembled cast.

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Franky L

Superb performances by this outstanding cast. Marlon Brando shows his acting superiority, against Red Buttons' Oscar performance. Set in post WWII Japan, this movie touches on prejudice against interracial marriages. Brilliantly shot and acted.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/18/24

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Ash P

Y'know, once in a while, I'll watch a movie way back in the mid-1900's for the fun of it and this movie was free to view on YouTube currently so I'd popped it on and I friggin love it. Balanced character development, balanced story telling, even the performances were well balanced. Sure a couple of parts do get me but honestly, I was glad enough to love it all from start to finish even when the period takes place after the second World War especially when both sides would still bicker and some would let it all go and move on. If it comes to some old movies, I do recommend this.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/24/23

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Marc K

One of my favorite movies, a must see

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/23

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Leaburn

This film was not good 👎

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/16/22

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Audience Member

U: The Japanese are better than US. Just look at their automobile production! UDad: They can't make decisions. U: Seems they can on cars. UDad: When I worked with them, they gotta all consult each other and go through lots of team communication- U: Sounds good. UDad: No. Just make a freaking decision. They treat their managers like God as he always makes the final decision, but it's really the team's decision. U: What's wrong with that? UDad: (waves hand away) And everything is so deep to them. U: So? UDad: This guy hands me a kanji of my name and went over how deep everything was in it (imitates badly) This is a very sacred letter... U: That sounds beautiful. UDad: Who cares. U: The Japanese do! UDad: Then this one guy spends at least a few minutes talking about his zen garden every time I just needed numbers (imitates badly) Oh how the sunrise on my coy pond made me connect with the entire universe! U: That sounds really nice, Dad. I think you're jealous. UDad: (drinks beer) It ain't my thing, my dear. U: You just can't handle they are better than US. UDad: They do have better toilets. U: Yeah, I know...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I have to admit even though I didn't like the submissive Japanese women demonstration, this is a beautiful story with some sad and happy moments. The movie is beautiful to watch and at least tries to show some light on Japanese culture.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Joshua Logan

Director

Marlon Brando

Maj. Gruver

Miiko Taka

Hana-Ogi

Patricia Owens

Eileen Webster

Red Buttons

Joe Kelly

Ricardo Montalban

Nakamura

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Kate Cameron

New York Daily News

A "must" for moviegoers.

Rated: 4/4

Mar 3, 2023

Full Review

Marjory Adams

Boston Globe

This is a memorable presentation.

Mar 3, 2023

Full Review

Jean Yothers

Orlando Sentinel

There is much of beauty in the setting. And the story is touching and sympathy-inspiring.

Mar 2, 2023

Full Review

Buck Buchwach

Honolulu Advertiser

[Miyoshi Umeki] is the real star of Sayonara. If she doesn't get an Academy Award for her performance, the judges should be charged with grand larceny.

Mar 17, 2023

Full Review

Florence Epstein

Modern Screen

Sayonara means goodbye, but you won't be forgetting this movie for a long, long time.

Mar 3, 2023

Full Review

John Bustin

Austin American-Statesman

Seldom has this subject been presented with as delicate a touch or in as attractive a mounting as in "Sayonara."

Mar 3, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

Stationed in Japan during the Korean War, U.S. Air Force Major Lloyd "Ace" Gruver falls for the beautiful Japanese actress Hana-ogi (Miiko Taka). However, he is hesitant to pursue the relationship due to the unfortunate example of his crew chief, Airman Joe Kelly (Red Buttons). Kelly, against official military advice and the prejudices of his commanding officers, married a Japanese woman, Katsumi (Miyoshi Umeki), and his military career has suffered ever since.

Director: Joshua Logan
Screenwriter: Paul Osborn
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Pennebaker Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 5, 1957, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2018