Battle Under Orion (2009) Poster

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6/10
Poetic, typical
poikkeus17 October 2010
A schoolgirl and a WWII sub veteran meet to uncover a story of sacrifice, tragedy, and redemption; the vet, now gray, tells about the final mission during the last days of the Pacific war. While the story is, at times, predictable and too metaphorical for its own good, its portrait of undersea strategy makes for fascinating viewing. Unlike most films in this genre, the protagonists wage war to live, not to die. and the ironies of violence and death balance with the all too human need to survive.

The WWII plot is more compelling, but there's a pleasing balance in this drama.
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6/10
Nowhere to hide on the open sea...
paul_haakonsen20 December 2015
This movie actually was quite nice for a war drama. For a World War 2 drama there was surprisingly little fighting going on, but the movie did quite well even without that aspect of the war.

The movie takes place at the end of World War 2, following a Japanese submarine pitched against an American destroyer. Doesn't sound like much of a story, but it was actually quite entertaining and good to watch. And if you enjoyed "Das Boot", then you will also like this movie.

Director Tetsuo Shinohara managed to put together a good movie, and really were able to portray some good drama on the screen, especially since the setting was limited to a submarine and a destroyer. But a lot of credit also goes to the cast who really put on amazing performances, especially the guy playing the Japanese submarine captain.

The movie is built up and filmed in such a way that you almost feel like you are part of the submarine crew and find yourself right there in the cramped space of the submarine.

If you enjoy World War 2 movies and want something that differs from the majority of the genre, then you should give "Battle Under Orion" (aka "Manatsu no Orion") a chance. I was thoroughly entertained and can warmly recommend this movie.
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7/10
Good war movie, but with a different perspective
Enchorde7 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
A movie about the final days of the Second World War in the Pacific, and the submarine I-77 which is given the task to be the final line of defense in the American assault on Okinawa. Supplies are low, and the fate grim for the submarine, but the captain is determined to return home with his crew alive. One reason for this is his best friend's little sister, who he is in love with. Their story is interwoven with the battle at sea to highlight the captains feelings and reasons behind his decision. He needs to be very shrewd to survive.

A good war movie with a good duel between the submarine and a destroyer. But it is the story which doesn't focus on just the action but also honor, duty and perhaps foremost compassion and the will to survive. The last is the most surprising. Many war movies tells harsh tales of suffering and death, and even though the situation is grim, the feeling is almost warm and comforting. An unusual contrast indeed, and the movie benefits from it. The story is not very surprising, almost predictable, but it doesn't matter much since it is the fate of the crew that is important.

Good acting all around (especially from the captain (Tamaki?)), and refreshing to see a war movie not from an Allied viewpoint with another perspective.

7/10
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