Watch The War Between Us

The War Between Us is a 1995 drama film directed by Anne Wheeler. The story is set during World War II and follows the tumultuous relationship of an American soldier and a Japanese-Canadian girl who are forced to confront their own prejudices and loyalty to their respective countries. The film begins when 12-year-old Japanese-Canadian girl Tomiko (Mieko Ouchi) is sent to an internment camp along with her family when the Canadian government declares all people of Japanese descent to be a threat to national security during the war. The family is stripped of their possessions, and Tomiko is forced to leave her beloved dog behind with no idea whether she will ever see him again.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old American soldier Jack (Shannon Lawson) is stationed in British Columbia to train for the eventual invasion of Japan. Jack is initially antagonistic toward Tomiko and her family, seeing them as the enemy. However, over time, Jack and Tomiko begin to form a tentative friendship, bonding over their shared love of music and their loneliness.

Their relationship is further complicated by the arrival of Tomiko's brother Taro (Robert Ito), who has been fighting for the Japanese army and has been captured by the Americans. Tomiko and Taro have always been close, but Taro's involvement with the enemy causes tension between the siblings and brings Jack's own loyalty to his country into question.

As the war rages on and the relationship between Jack and Tomiko deepens, they are forced to confront their own prejudices and desires. Jack must choose between his duty to his country and his feelings for Tomiko, while Tomiko struggles to reconcile her love for her country with the injustices inflicted upon her and her family.

The War Between Us is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions and conflicting loyalties that arise during times of war. The film skillfully portrays the human cost of war, showing how it can tear apart families and friendships and force people to make impossible choices. The performances are excellent, particularly that of Mieko Ouchi, who brings a quiet intensity to her portrayal of Tomiko.

Overall, The War Between Us is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the experience of Japanese-Americans during World War II. It is a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in times of conflict, and of the devastating impact of war on ordinary people.

The War Between Us is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.