ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
Based on the award-winning book, UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN is the gripping story of a young Japanese American boy in Hawaii who comes of age after Japan attacks Pearl Harbor.

SYNOPSIS
December 7, 1941: Thirteen year old Tomikazu ‘Tomi’ Nakaji and his best friend Billy Davis are playing baseball in a field near their homes in Hawaii when Japan launches a surprise attack on the US at Pearl Harbor. As Tomi looks up at the sky and recognizes the blood-red sun emblem on the fighter planes, he knows that his life has changed forever. Torn between his love of all things American and the traditional ways of his parents, Tomi feels frightened and ashamed of his native land.

Tomi’s friendship with Billy is soon tested as prejudice divides their island community. He must find the courage to stand up to a neighborhood bully, while protecting his family’s honor and its katana, a centuries-old samurai sword. Tomi is soon forced to become the man of the family and care for his mother and sister, after his father is arrested and taken to an internment camp.

UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN explores issues of prejudice, discrimination, bullying and intolerance, focusing on an immigrant community, those of first and second generation Japanese Americans. The story and characters provide a platform for teaching cultural identity, cultural differences, diversity and tolerance.

With a number of refugee and immigrant populations currently facing ethnic, racial and religious prejudice, the treatment of Japanese American citizens seventy-five years ago serves as a timely reminder.

In addition to the historical, social and political relevancy of UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN, the story addresses humanities subjects of civility, responsibility and integrity, as well as character values of honor, courage, humility and perseverance. With many of these qualities lacking or under fire from the current presidential administration, as well as debated daily by the media and our elected officials, the movie is a perfect exemplar to bring these issues into discussion in today’s classrooms.

PROJECT TYPE Narrative Feature

DIRECTOR Tim Savage
PRODUCER Dana Satler Hankins

WEBSITE underthebloodredsun.com