Sayonara
Air Force Major Lloyd Gruver is reassigned to a Japanese air base and is confronted with US racial prejudice against the Japanese people. The issue is compounded because a number of the soldiers become romantically involved with Japanese women, in defiance of US military policy. Ordinarily, a by-the-book officer, Gruver must take a position when a buddy of his, an enlisted man, Joe Kelly, falls in love with a Japanese woman, Katsumi, and marries her. Gruver risks his position by serving as best man at the wedding ceremony.
Critics Sentiment
Hana-ogi publicly announces their intention to marry despite opposition
Joe and Katsumi commit double suicide rather than be separated
The devastating suicide sequence plunges from romantic tension to tragic depths, followed by a gradual recovery as Ace's resolve strengthens toward the triumphant ending
Sayonara builds steadily from initial prejudice through cultural awakening to tragic devastation, then recovers with renewed determination. While critics consistently praised the film's progressive message and visual beauty, they noted pacing issues and mixed performances, ultimately celebrating the courageous ending as a breakthrough for 1957 cinema.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 25
Marlon Brando
Major Lloyd Gruver
Patricia Owens
Eileen Webster
James Garner
Capt. Mike Bailey
Martha Scott
Mrs. Webster
Miiko Taka
Hana-ogi
Miyoshi Umeki
Katsumi
Red Buttons
Joe Kelly
Kent Smith
Gen. Webster
Douglass Watson
Col. Craford
Reiko Kuba
Fumiko-san
Soo Yong
Terukosan
Ricardo Montalban
Nakamura
Dennis Hopper
MP in Kelly's House / MP at Tokyo Airport (voice) (uncredited)
Peter Brown
Second Military Police (voice) (uncredited)
Kenner G. Kemp
General at Tokyo Airport (uncredited)
William Meader
General at Tokyo Airport (uncredited)
Ralph Moratz
Soldier in Washroom (uncredited)
Rollin Moriyama
Reporter (uncredited)
Yvonne Peattie
Lady Vice-Consul (uncredited)
Phil Rhodes
Doctor (uncredited)
Crew
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