Toru Ibuki Movies
- 1968
Originally released in Japan as Chintao Yosai Bakugeki Meir Ei, Siege of Fort Bismarck is set during World War I, when (though not commonly acknowledged) the Japanese fought aggressively against Germany - a series of events that gain immense historical significance in retrospect because they marked Japan's very first use of naval aviation in warfare. As the tale opens, the Germans have built an outpost fort on the coast of China, christened Fort Bismarck. But Japan casts its lot with the Allies, thus its military leaders want to capture Fort Bismarck and rout the Kaiser's forces. Unfortunately Japan has no air force -- at least not until they purchase two planes from the French. Though heavily outflanked, the Japanese forces team up with the Brits and finally cripple the German fighting machine via aerial assault. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Frank Sinatra took over the directors' chair for the first (and only) time in this unusual WWII drama. Lt. Kuroki (Tatsuya Mihashi) is the leader of a Japanese platoon stranded on a remote Pacific island, where with an iron hand he oversees the construction of a rescue ship. An American plane crash-lands on the island, leading to a skirmish between the two rag-tag legions; eventually, both sides call a truce, and medical officer Maloney (Sinatra) treats a Japanese soldier who was seriously wounded in the fighting. American commander Capt. Bourke (Clint Walker) and Lt. Kuroki come to an agreement -- they will work together to bring needed help to the island, but once either side's forces reach them, the fighting will pick up where it left off. None But the Brave was an international co-production of Artanis Productions (Sinatra's production company -- "Artanis" is Sinatra backwards), Warner Brothers, Tokyo Eiga, and Toho. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Frank Sinatra, Clint Walker, (more)
- 1964
In this war drama, set during the Sino-Japanese war, a Japanese battalion must fight guerrilla attacks in China's northern mountains to protect a sympathetic warehouse owner. The Japanese troops face great danger, but help the owner transport his goods away from the jungle marauders. The trouble really begins when a lieutenant discovers that the guerrilla leader is the warehouse owner, and that the Japanese have been graciously transporting an arms shipment for him. Unfortunately, before he can warn his troops, the officer is captured by the Chinese who attempt to force him into leading the battalion into an ambush. Fortunately, the lieutenant escapes and destroys the guerrilla arms. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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