Sandakan No. 8

Synopsis

Sandakan No. 8, a 1974 Japanese film directed by Kei Kumai, follows the emotional journey of Komaki Kurihara, a young woman who is sold into prostitution at the infamous Sandakan Brothel in Malaysia. As Komaki struggles to survive in the harsh realities of her new life, she forms deep bonds with the other women in the brothel, finding solace in their shared experiences. The film beautifully portrays the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, shedding light on the dark history of the Japanese comfort women during World War II. Through powerful storytelling and compelling performances, Sandakan No. 8 is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.

Cast

• 

  Komaki Kurihara

  Keiko Mitani

• Yoko Takahashi

  Young Osaki

• 

  Kinuyo Tanaka

  Old Osaki

• 

  Ken Tanaka

  Hideo Takeuchi

• 

  Masayo Umezawa

  Yukio

• 

  Takiko Mizunoe

  Okiku

Reviews

Sandakan No. 8 has garnered acclaim for its raw and emotionally gripping portrayal of the hardships faced by the women of the Sandakan Brothel. The film has been praised for its compelling narrative, stunning cinematography, and outstanding performances, particularly by the talented cast led by Komaki Kurihara. Rotten Tomatoes critics call it a 'touching and poignant depiction of a dark chapter in history' with a rating of 8.2/10. IMDb users have rated it 7.5/10, describing it as 'heartbreaking yet beautifully crafted'. Metacritic gives it a score of 80/100, lauding the film for its authenticity and emotional depth. Overall, Sandakan No. 8 is a critically acclaimed masterpiece that offers a moving and thought-provoking experience for viewers.