Sinatra's Directorial Debut: 'None But the Brave' (1965) Review

Simon (0:00)

Let's review None But the Brave.

None But the Brave, directed by Frank Sinatra, is a unique war drama set during World War II. Released in 1965, the film explores the unlikely alliance between American and Japanese soldiers stranded on a remote Pacific island. The story unfolds through the perspectives of the American captain, Dennis Book, played by Clint Walker, and Japanese Lieutenant Kuroki, portrayed by Tatsuya Mihashi, who must navigate the growing tension and distrust among their men.

This film marks Sinatra's first and only directorial effort, and it stands out as the first Japanese-American co-production, a collaboration between Warner Brothers and Toho Studios. The movie is notable for its attempt to present both sides of the conflict with equal respect, allowing the Japanese characters to speak in their native language without subtitles, a bold choice that alienated some American audiences at the time. The plot centres on the two groups of soldiers who, after initial skirmishes, agree to a truce to survive on the island. The Americans, led by Captain Bork and the Japanese under Lieutenant Kuroki, find themselves in a situation where cooperation is necessary. The Americans have a medic, played by Sinatra, while the Japanese have a skilled fisherman. Despite their efforts to work together, mutual distrust eventually leads to a tragic conclusion.

While the film's anti-war message is clear, it is often delivered in a heavy-handed manner. The screenplay, penned by John Twist, Katsuya Susaki, and Kikumaru Okuda struggles to maintain tension and relies on cliched dialogue and characterisations. The film's pacing suffers, particularly in the final act, where it fails to capitalise on earlier momentum, resorting to unnecessary flashbacks that disrupt the narrative flow. Sinatra's direction, though earnest, reveals his inexperience. The widescreen format is underutilised, with many scenes framed in routine close-ups. The action sequences lack excitement and clarity, and the supporting characters are underdeveloped. Tommy Sands' performance as Second Lieutenant Blair is notably poor, detracting from the film's overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, None But the Brave has its moments. The film's attempt to humanise both sides of the conflict is commendable, and Mihashi's portrayal of Lieutenant Kuroki is a standout. The movie's historical significance as a cross-cultural production adds to its intrigue, even if the execution falls short. In summary, None But the Brave is a film with noble intentions that struggles to deliver a compelling narrative. While it may not be a masterpiece, it remains an interesting artefact of its time, offering a glimpse into the complexities of war and the potential for understanding between enemies. For those interested in war dramas or Sinatra's work, it is worth a watch, but temper expectations for a film that ultimately does not fully realise its ambitious goals.

That's my take on None But the Brave, and I'm giving it two and a half stars out of a possible five stars. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this review, please like, subscribe, and I hope to see you next time.