By Lee Pfeiffer
The Warner Archive has released the 1961 MGM production Bridge to the Sun as a burn-to-order DVD. The film is based on a bestselling memoir by Gwen Terasaki, a young American southern belle who fell in love and married Hidenari ("Terry") Terasaki, a diplomat assigned to the Japanese embassy in Washington D.C. in the mid-1930s. The film is an unusually mature and sensitive look at a young couple trying to find happiness in a marriage beset by prejudice and intolerance from both Americans and Japanese. Mixed marriages during this era were still largely taboo and film reflects how Americans during the era treated the Japanese as amusing, childlike people. When the couple moves to Tokyo due to Terry's transfer, the social situation isn't much better. Terry's family politely accepts his Western bride but it's clear she will never really adapt to the huge gap in cultural practices. Gwen dresses in traditional garb but bristles at the notion that she must follow Japanese custom and be a submissive, quiet wife. Her determination to break down social barriers earns her plenty of enemies and the anger of her husband, but the two remain steadfastly in love. Eventually Gwen gives birth to a little girl but their happiness is short-lived. Japan's new militaristic government invades China, sowing the seeds for WWII. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, the couple find themselves trapped between two worlds. Both view the Japanese government as wrong, but Terry can't bring himself to leave his job in the government, hoping in vain that he and other peace activists can bring about an end to the war. Gwen remains in Japan, but predictably suffers prejudice, as does Terry for keeping his "white" wife. When the tide of war turns against Japan, the couple suffer even more, with food shortages and constant bombings. Gwen resents the bombing of Japanese villages with the resulting deaths of innocent people, but can't bring herself to cheer when the attacking planes are shot down- after all, they are American.
Bridge to the Sun was fairly unique in its day because it shows a mixed marriage without any patronizing aspects or insulting stereotypes. Both Gwen and Terry have their flaws, but they are mature, intelligent and kind people. James Shigeta was one of the first Asian leading men to make it big in English-language cinema. He delivers an outstanding performance, as does Carroll Baker as Gwen. Both get to have plenty of big, emotional moments on screen, all of which ring true. The film builds in dramatic intensity under the excellent direction of Etienne Perier, who maximizes use of the exotic Japanese locations. The crisp B&W cinematography by an American/Japanese/French team adds immeasurably to the film's quality. The film was well-regarded in its time and was the American entry at the Venice Film Festival. Over the years, however, its status has seemed to fade. The release of the movie on DVD will give it a much-deserved return to the spotlight. It's an outstanding movie in every regard and is highly recommended.
The DVD features the original theatrical trailer.
Click here to order from Warner Archive and to see a clip.