Lyrical and somber, it's sad but manages to avoid being depressing thanks to Ichikawa's deft touch. A beautiful film.

I can see how this probably influenced The Thin Red Line in some way, and it does contain some nice lyrical moments, but overall it feels too overdone and sentimental.

A war film set in the immediate aftermath of surrender, allowing the story to consider war themes without showing any battles. That was refreshing. Mizushima's journey is fascinating, particularly the heart-rending scene where he walks through the not-quite-empty battlefields.

Is this a story of spiritual rebirth or an idyllic resolution to Japanese angst for the destruction Japan brought on themselves? The apocalyptic harmny with Burmese and other Asian victims of their Imperialism seems impossible - the movie says "here at last the spirit of the honorable defeated can rest - far from the homeland." A soothing fairy tale for the families at home. Perfectly filmed but undeserved consolation for national arrogance.

The film had me in that first scene after the opening narration, as the tired men sing out in the middle of the jungle, especially the extremely wide shot where they are barely visible on the hillside. The journey of the lead character from soldier to a simple crusader motivated by religion is portrayed with sensitivity and tenderness. With choices like that, the film treats all its characters as human beings, people who suffer, yes, but who continue on in spite of their trials.

A very kind-hearted, humanist war film that brought international acclaim for Ichikawa. Characters are painted in brighter colors than it would be expected, but that doesn't make the message of the senselessness of war any less effective. There is something indescribably powerful about image of the buddhist monk wandering through the battlefields, burying the dead, with a parrot on his shoulder. Beautiful landscapes and cinematography. It has one of those endings you feel like weeping.

I had a really hard time choosing a score for this one. On the one hand this is a greatly directed film and it's never boring. On the other I couldn't care less about Mr "I'm gonna stay in Burma and bury all the soldiers". They're dead so what's the point, like that would change anything. Personally if I was already dead I wouldn't mind being a vulture's lunch. Big deal.

ii.dunya savasi sonu. burma'da ingilizlere teslim olan japon birligi. japon erlerden biri ekstra bir gorev alip birliginden ayrilir. tek basinayken savasin sonuclarini gormesiyle caldigi budist rahibin kiyafetlerini ruhen de doldurmaya baslar. omuzunda papagan, elinde arpiyla nirvanaya dogru ilerler.

This is a well-directed movie, containing beautiful scenery shots of Burma, and it's somewhat interesting in terms of history and Japanese perspective of history (one that is without a shred of national self-reckoning). The story itself is OK but quite simple-minded and sentimental (and who cares if the music is a plot device?). Like so many Japanese films of the period, The Burmese Harp is overrated.

I was hoping for something more inventive from Ichikawa, but that's not to say that it isn't a wonderful work. Not so much as anti-war film as it simply mourns the consequences. Death and the rituals of putting the dead to rest are themes that are repeated throughout, from different viewpoints. Death connects all of the involved parties, as does music, especially the harp music that serves not only as a beautiful soundtrack, but also a major plot device. Very moving and expertly crafted.

The Burmese Harp is an excellent movie, but it's not quite as effective as Fires on the Plain. It takes a somewhat more relaxed approach to the aftermath of WW2, although many of the themes are the same. The use of music as a plot device was beautiful.

Another war film from Kon Ichikawa that stands as one of the most powerful depictions of base humanity I've ever seen. After a bit of a slow, admittedly boring start, Mizushima's trek from physical desolation to spiritual enlightenment is nothing short of inspired. A much more subtle approach than Ichikawa's Fires on the Plain, but just as effective in its own way.

Has many of the typical themes to a Ichikawa movie, but this is somewhat more inventive than his other films. Features a more subtle and focused approach, containing gorgeous shots of Burma and a more effective premise. Powerful filmmaking.

One of the best Anti War films of all time. Ichikawa's direction is absolutely incredible. The shots of Burma and the imagery contained in this is not something I will soon forget. The performance from the Mizushima character was fantastic. This, to me, is one of the best depictions of a soldier during, and after the war. Sure he may not have gone gun running insane, but thats what was so touching about the Burmese Harp, is the aftermath of war, and the brotherhood shared even after death.

A remarkable and profoundly humane achievement. Although you'll find some nice shots throughout, Ichikawa keeps his lens focused on his actors, capturing every bit of the sorrow, guilt but also happyness, while maintaining its subtlety, energy and depth throughout. Mizushima is one of the great characters of cinema, he deals with the aftermath and doesn't just walk away from his responsibilities. A masterful and selfless anti-war film, highly recommended !!!

Such a beautiful film to watch, every frame is a masterpiece and the music is just as good. The Burmese Harp is pure power.

A touching movie about a Japanese soldier-turned buddhist that has a self-talent with a harp. The first 20-25 minutes was OK but then it picked up after. I enjoyed the film a lot and I want to see other films from Kon Ichikawa.

Easily now one of the best antiwar films I have ever seen, and the best from Japan. Apparently many aspects of the film were metaphors and references to the Buddhist religion, and while admittedly I know nothing of Buddha's teachings one could sense much symbolism within in the film. The direction was top notch with some excellent usage of shadows, and had alot of humanity in it. Great music and great characters the only thing holding it back was some odd editing choices but still excellent.

Truly one of the best anti-war films ever made. Mizushima's witness to the horrors of war parallels Siddhartha's first encounters with death and suffering along his path to enlightenment, and the triangle motif can be taken to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhist refuge. An incredibly emotional experience I will not soon forget. Highly, highly recommended.