The Burmese Harp

Kon Ichikawa's 1956 antiwar film was widely hailed at the time of its release for its power and commitment, though by today's standards it's likely to appear uncomfortably didactic.

The Burmese Harp, just as the titular instrument suggests songs without filling them out, is a slight film that suggests the heavy human toll of war without actually presenting it.

Thoroughly engrossing in its humanism and often heartbreakingly beautiful in both tone and image.

This is the pic that brought international acclaim to Ichikawa.

Nominated in the first year of the foreign-language Oscar, Ichikawa's art film was innovative at the time with its anti-war spiritual message and lyrical imagery.

most gentle of war dramas

Fascinating stuff.

From start to finish, there's a stirring humanism to Ichikawa's little seen classic. A powerful and affecting anti-war movie.

This lyrical antiwar film is the picture that brought the brilliant Japanese director international renown.