Customer Reviews

The Teahouse Of The August Moon (DVD) Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first saw this film when I was 9 or 10, at a time when I was already a bit of a Japanophile, and vaguely aware of geisha because of a beautiful music box I got one Christmas that had a tiny dancing geisha inside, and so when Lotus Blossum (the wonderful Machiko Kyo, who has played opposite such greats as Toshiro Mifune) wore her lovely lavendar kimono with the purple parasol, and later danced in the Tobiki Teahouse, it was one of the most magical things I had ever seen, and began my lifelong fascination with geisha.

This charming, often under-rated movie is set in post-war Okinawa, which looks in this film as if it was still lost in time (I half expect to see the blind swordsman, Zatoichi, comning down the road). The main lesson being taught, I suppose, is that people like Col.Purdy see the world in a very narrow perspective and wanted to squeeze his little bit of conquered Japan into his own image. He is a bureaucrat who doesn't understand the Army, doesn't understand Japan, and doesn't seem to understand anything that rocks his little boat. And even though the hard work of Captain Fisby and the people of Tobiki in restoring their village is succeeding beyond anyone's wildest dreams, Purdy nearly destroys it to make it conform to his obtuse reality.

The kudos of this film go to Glenn Ford, Eddie Albert, and Machiko Kyo for unforgetable characters, and Brando is likable as a Japanese gofer, even if he still looks and sounds like Brando beneath the makeup. It is not one of his best roles, but it is still fun to watch.

Minor quibbles:
Why does Lotus Blossom wear her geta and zori indoors, and why does Brando slip several times and call her a "Gee-sha girl" unless he is catering to the name occupational troops ignorantly gave to hookers pretending to be geisha? That doesn't make sense since he does his best to explain to Fisby what a geisha actually is. I would also like to know more about Lotus Blossom, where she came from, why she was in Okinawa at all.

This was a movie on DVD. It had all the promotional material I'd like to know: actors and director, wide or full screen, black and white or color, sound capabilities, etc. A color picture of the actors on the cover was important. If I hadn't seen it, I'd want to know something about the plot. It actually was a popular play just after World War II and then was filmed in the 1950s.
It's about a well-meaning US Army Lieutenant in Okinawa, who is somewhat of a misfit in the service. He is given the job of carrying out the Pentagon plan for reconstruction for a small village there after the war. He is given a rogue of a native interpreter to help, but the people and interpreter have their own ideas about what's good for them. Along the way he is given a Geisha girl, which adds to the confusion. There are many subtle witicisms and body language communicates even more, which helps as there are two languages. He comes to understand their point of view and adapts to what they want of him. They value his kindness, fairness and abilities. It is a humorous look at cultural views and interaction, sometimes with misunderstanding, but how with good will people can work together for a positive outcome.

My parents took me to this film at its opening at Loews, in Manhattan, New York. It is a gem of a movie, filled with characters so vivid and well turned out, that it is easy to immerse yourself in it. Up to that time I had only seen Brando in "On The Waterfront", so the transformation was over-whelming! Glenn Ford always seemed to fit the role of a put-upon Army or Navy subordinate, and Paul Ford, who is never able to cope with the depth and complications of the world outside the military. Throw in Eddie Albert as the mad gardener, and a very young Harry Morgan with a yen for 7-star batata, and you have the makings of an absolutely wonderful story. Never mind the wonderful Japanese actors, who not only lend an aura of authenticity, but are really into the making of their story--which opens your eyes to the importance of other people's traditions and culture. If you don't laugh yourself silly, well -- maybe you just need a shot of 10-star batata!!

A wonderful film that a family can enjoy. There are no foul words or bedroom spectacles to evade. The whole cast did a fine job in making this movie. I have watched it 2 or 3 times and recommend it to anyone that enjoys clean fun.

The Teahouse of the August Moon is one of those rare films that can make you laugh and cry. With Marlon Brando (in an almost unrecognizable role) and Glenn Ford giving heartfelt preformances, this is a warm and memorable film that just keeps getting better upon each viewing.

I find this Marlon Brando's greatest movie, his flare for comedy was never better displayed. Glen Ford as the hapless officer, is also very convincing. A sit back, relax and escape out your living room movie.

I took my mother & sister to see this movie back when it first came out in the late 50's....seeing it again brought back some good memories since mom passed away in 2000, and my sister passed away 2 yrs ago, these memories were most welcome.Thank you.

ESSENTIAL MOVIE!!! This movie stars Marlon Brando & Glenn Ford. It's a tour-de-force for Brando in a rare comedic performance. I've never been a fan of Brando but he is excellent in this movie. If you have ever doubted his acting ability then you need to see this in which he portrays an Okinawan(!) &, yes, his makeup includes the slanting of the eyes. Glenn Ford is also excellent in a comedic role which he proved to be very adept at & would do many more times following this movie.

The movie takes place in Okinawa immediately following the end of WWII. The American occupation force is there to assist the Okinawans in their rebuilding effort; & this is where the conflict of cultures comes in, the Okinawans have their own ideas in contrast with what the Americans have in mind. Brando shines as the scheming Sakini, a hustler without peer. Glenn Ford is the harried local commanding officer who's a misfit not in line with his superior officers. The movie also has two excellent co-stars: Paul Ford & Eddie Albert. Paul Ford reprises his role from the Broadway play of the same name.

The DVD does have bonus features that includes the featurette "Operation Teahouse" & a Marlon Brando Trailer gallery. The Buyer should know this DVD version comes from a Marlon Brando set that has been broken up for individual sale. I'm ambivalent about that but the sellers are now charging way too much for this. I was lucky, I didn't pay anywhere near the exorbitant prices that are now reflected by the sellers. This is one of the best comedies ever done & most should at least want to see it or own it. But, honestly, not at the prices they are now charging.

This movie has been a favorite for many years. My family loves it - especially since my Mother was an Okinawan from Okinawa. Marlon Brando is great as the "guide". He's pretty slick and really runs the whole show. My favorite, of course, is the ending (spoiler alert) - when they unveil the teahouse. It is so beautiful. It really is a story about what can be accomplished when everyone works together and it is also a story about accepting people as they are and recognizing each person has a talent of some sort.

Great movie. I love the cast. The first time I watched this I had to look hard to see Marlon Brando. I was looking for him as normal Brando not Japanese Brando. He really looked the part. This is a great movie with great humor in it. It is a must have in any classic DVD collection.