Windtalkers: The Making of the John Woo Film about the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II (Newmarket Pictorial Movebooks) [Hardcover]

John Woo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook | Publication Date: April 26, 2002

With more than 100 dramatic movie and historical photos, the official tie-in to the film starring Nicolas Cage, based on real events about the Navajo Marine code talkers, who developed the only American code the Japanese never cracked—from MGM in June 2002. In the first movie made on the subject, director John Woo (Mission: Impossible 2, Face/Off) reveals the invaluable actions of the Navajo code talkers during the war in the Pacific, heroes whose bravery earned them the Congressional Medal of Honor. The code talkers transmitted radio messages using a secret, efficient, unbreakable code based on their native language. The film's gripping climax takes place during the Battle of Saipan, when the Marines, fighting off the Japanese, must risk their lives to safeguard the code. This full-color companion book tells the fascinating story behind the movie—from facts about the code's creation to historical background of the Navajo nation; from a glimpse into the rigorous code talker training program to production details about transforming a Hawaiian landscape into a Saipan battlefront. The pages are filled with captivating color images from the film and historic photographs from the U.S. Marines and the National Archives, as well personal reflections by Woo and Senator Jeff Bingaman, screenwriters, producers, and actors—plus samples and translations of the Navajo code. Approx. 100 color photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Navajo code talkers were instrumental in helping the U.S. win in the Pacific during World War II. There were only a few men who could speak the code, and Marines were told to protect them above all else. With 100 color photos, this book pays homage to John Woo's film Windtalkers, about the code talkers, which stars Nicholas Cage and Christian Slater. In addition to explanations about the "brutal" filming (the actors did many of their own stunts) and interviews with screenwriter John Rice and others, this official companion to the film also offers historical material. Included are a code talker dictionary, information about last year's Congressional Medal of Honor ceremony for the living code talkers and details about the Navajo nation and the code's origins. (June 14)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

John Woo is the acclaimed director of more than twenty-five American and Chinese films, including Mission: Impossible 2, Face/Off, Broken Arrow, and Hard Target. Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-New Mexico, led the process of awarding the Congressional Medal to the 29 Navajo Marines who developed the code, and silver medals to the approximately 400 Navajo Marines who became codetalkers. Antonia Felix was the co-editor of the illustrated companion book to the movie Pearl Harbor.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press; 1 edition (April 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557045151
• ISBN-13: 978-1557045157
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,735,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)