Film Lens
The documentary examines the growing tensions in the Pacific leading up to World War II, focusing on the experiences of American citizens and Japanese residents on the West Coast. It shows the increasing military activity along the Pacific, with ships arriving from Sydney and Wellington carrying airmen to Canadian training bases, and tankers transporting fuel to Soviet Russia. The film paints a picture of a region on high alert as preparations for war intensify, with shipyards working around the clock to build new warships for defense.
It also covers the complex identity of Japanese residents in America, who are portrayed as loyal citizens despite the looming threat from Japan. The documentary captures the anxiety felt by the people along the Pacific coast as they witness military mobilization and the establishment of new airports in Canada for fighter squadrons heading northward. The narrative makes clear the shift from peace to preparation for conflict, as the Pacific becomes a focal point in the global tension of the era.
Why Watch
- •See military preparations along the Pacific coast.
- •Meet Japanese residents navigating wartime tensions.
- •Find out how Canada builds airports for fighter squadrons.
Did You Know
•Japan is the sixth largest trading nation in the world.
•70 million people live in Japan, which poses significant questions for the world.
•The documentary mentions the construction of airports from the border to the Yukon.
•American and British Japanese subjects are described as intensely loyal to democratic principles.
Perfect For
World War II historyPacific military strategyJapanese American experiences