Customer Reviews

Victims of Circumstance

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful accounting of the American citizens (and others) during WWII when the Philippines were taken over by the Japanese. Most were taken from a tranquil and priviledged lifestyle to one of deprivation and uncertainty as they struggle to survive while waiting for their rescue by the American Military. Some didn't live to see that day, but luckily for us there are others who survived and share their stories in this documentary. I encourage those who wish to learn more about WWII to watch this DVD because to most this was a previously untold and unknown part of history.

This film brought back a flood of memories. I was born in Manila, and my family and I were in Manila during the Japanese occupation. My dad was imprisoned in Santo Tomas for three years during WW11. We left Manila in July of 1945 and I was 15. That was an experience my family and I will never forget. I am glad to be able to have a recorded history of that period of my life. Many thanks to Kawayan Production,Lou Gopal and Michelle Bunn.

I bought this product because my great uncle was held the camp. It was a very interesting, moving documentary. It was a little slow in parts, but gave a good idea of what the people and times were like there.

I was looking for some documentary material regarding WWII (Pacific). This was good information but a little boring in the presentation.

My mother, father, grandparents, and sister were in Santo Tomas and this film mimics what I was told growing up. A sad experience for me watching this now that my parents and grand parents are gone.

There have been several books written about "the Santo Tomas experience" over the years since WWII, but it takes a video portrayal of the conditions to enable most of us to understand just how bad conditions became towards the end of 1944 and up to liberation on February 3, 1945. Amazon also stocks Cleo Mathews Wetmore's *Beyond Pearl Harbor* that I think comes the closest to helping one to understand. Another title that one should read might be Teedie Cowie Woodcock's *Behind the Sawali* (remember in the DVD the repeated references to Sawali, a plant material used to screen the huts and main gate from prying eyes). Other titles are *One Hundred Candles* and *Living with Post-traumatic Stress*. Amazon usually stocks all of these for those of us who want to learn more about this small corner of WWII.

This is the best information I have seen on the civilian prisoners of war in the Philippines. Everyone who was there or had friends or family there should see this. In addition, anyone who is interested in history will find this excellent. Thanks to Lou Gopal.