Watch Blood Oath

In the movie Blood Oath from 1990, Bryan Brown plays a Lieutenant in the Australian Navy named Michael Duffy who is sent to Japan to help a war crimes tribunal. Along with American POW and former interpreter Arthur Dodd (played by Terry O'Quinn), Duffy is tasked with gathering evidence against Japanese soldiers accused of war crimes during World War II. But what starts as an investigation quickly turns into a game of cat and mouse as Duffy and Dodd try to uncover the truth behind the alleged atrocities.

One of the Japanese soldiers on trial is Captain Tanaka (played by George Takei), a decorated officer who once led a brutal prison camp. As Duffy and Dodd try to get Tanaka to confess, they realize that his crimes may be more complicated than they originally thought. Tanaka's loyalty to his country and his belief in the war effort make him a difficult target, and Duffy and Dodd soon find themselves in over their heads.

The tension in Blood Oath is palpable, as the characters navigate a psychologically fraught situation in a country that is still reeling from the aftermath of war. The film grapples with complex ethical questions, such as the nature of justice and the limits of personal responsibility. Through the interactions between Duffy, Dodd, and Tanaka, the movie explores how people are shaped by their experiences and how they come to justify their actions.

Bryan Brown gives a nuanced performance as Duffy, portraying a man who is torn between his duty to his country and his own moral compass. Terry O'Quinn, best known for his role as John Locke in the television series Lost, brings a quiet intensity to the role of Dodd, a man haunted by his past. Meanwhile, George Takei brings depth to the character of Tanaka, portraying a man who is both sympathetic and abhorrent.

Blood Oath is not a fast-paced action movie, but rather a slow-burn drama that builds to a powerful conclusion. The movie has a gritty, realistic feel that captures both the physical and emotional toll of war. The setting in Japan adds an interesting layer of cultural complexity that is rarely explored in American movies. The film was directed by Stephen Wallace, who also directed the acclaimed Australian movie The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.

Overall, Blood Oath is an intelligent and thought-provoking movie that examines the aftermath of war from a fresh perspective. The movie is anchored by strong performances and a well-written script that doesn't shy away from complexity. If you're looking for a movie that will challenge your assumptions and make you think, Blood Oath is definitely worth checking out.