Rating: 
Summary: Genuine Cagney
Review: If you're a Cagney fan (especially a female one) I think you'll love this film. Cagney lays down some classic lines and is invloved in a number of romantic moments which will make the ladies swoon (well, I did anyway). Despite the fact that this is one of his later films, Cagney still bring to the film a certain sexiness and assertiveness that I have come to love him for. Not to mention that he gets to throw a few punches! If you are truly a diehard Cagney fan, this is a must see.
Rating:
Summary: Genuine Cagney
Review: If you're a Cagney fan (especially a female one) I think you'll love this film. Cagney lays down some classic lines and is invloved in a number of romantic moments which will make the ladies swoon (well, I did anyway). Despite the fact that this is one of his later films, Cagney still bring to the film a certain sexiness and assertiveness that I have come to love him for. Not to mention that he gets to throw a few punches! If you are truly a diehard Cagney fan, this is a must see.
Rating: 
Summary: Frank Lloyd Strikes Out
Review: Maybe if Alfred Hitchcock had directed Blood On the Sun the film wouldn't be strangled by the phlegmatic pace and the sluggish acting. Based loosely on a true story involving Japanese plans for a world invasion, Blood On the Sun failed to convince this viewer of any suspenseful legitimacy. Although director Frank Lloyd uses Japanese actors for some of the roles, the evil characters do not possess depth or individuality. The Japanese spys, police officers, and government officials all talk, walk, look, and act similarly. In addition the Japanese characters become muddled in murders, inquistions, and counter intelligence which fail to define their contributions to the plot. James Cagney as the American reporter who has obtained a copy of the invasion plans seems to be sleepwalking through his part. Cagney does spark in the judo fight scenes in which he purportedly trained for with a master judo expert. Why Warner Brothers would release this film in 1945 when Japan had already been devastated by the horrors of Atomic warfare is a mystery. The film rankles with American jingoism and takes a condescending stance against Japanese culture. The film is tiresome and bogged down by poor editing, plot structure, and dismal camera work. One highlight of the film is the appearance of Sylvia Sydney who has never looked more radiant on the screen. Her face shines like an angel and her wardrobe accentuates her petite body. Even for Cagney fans, Blood On the Sun is a pass. I took two twenty minute naps during the film's 90+ minute running time.
Rating: 
Summary: Historically Interesting, Carelessly Presented
Review: The film is an adventure film in Japan, after the conquest of China by Japan and before Japan launches its attack against the US. Some, in the Japanese military, caressed the idea of conquering the world and for them that implied conquering China first and then the US. This plan did exist of course but its revelation around 1940, a scoop by an America newspaperman of the Tokyo Chronicle caused a severe crisis in Japanese political circles because the surprise effect that was supposed to be essential for the attack on the US was destroyed. The plot is slightly thickened by the use of a Chinese woman as a spy by the Japanese secret police. This Chinese woman had her own objective : blocking Japan in order for China to reconquer its freedom. The film is well done though some details are a little bit sloppy, particularly concerning this Chinese woman who is spied upon by Japanese secret services without her seeming to know. Kind of naive.Dr Jacques COULARDEAU
Rating:
Summary: It did not prevent Pearl Harbor
Review: The film is an adventure film in Japan, after the conquest of China by Japan and before Japan launches its attack against the US. Some, in the Japanese military, caressed the idea of conquering the world and for them that implied conquering China first and then the US. This plan did exist of course but its revelation around 1940, a scoop by an America newspaperman of the Tokyo Chronicle caused a severe crisis in Japanese political circles because the surprise effect that was supposed to be essential for the attack on the US was destroyed. The plot is slightly thickened by the use of a Chinese woman as a spy by the Japanese secret police. This Chinese woman had her own objective : blocking Japan in order for China to reconquer its freedom. The film is well done though some details are a little bit sloppy, particularly concerning this Chinese woman who is spied upon by Japanese secret services without her seeming to know. Kind of naive. Dr Jacques COULARDEAU
Rating:
Summary: Historically Interesting, Carelessly Presented
Review: These comments apply to the edition released by Artisan in July of 2003. Aurally and visually, this version is relatively clear, particularly when one considers its age. However, there are problems with its presentation.
The film is described on its container and on the disc itself as being in black and white. In fact it is colorized, and rather unnaturally so.
Special features are promised by the insert, accessible through the MENU button. In fact, there are none.
Incidentally, there was a version of this on VHS with a time of 98 minutes; this runs 94.
One might hope that Steve Beeks of Artisan will act to insure more care in future offerings.
Rating:
Summary: Hollywood vs The Kodakan
Review: This video is a must have item for any long time devotee of the Martial Art of Judo. Not only does it feature Jimmy Cagney in a Dojo during Class, but it also features a "Judo" fight in the climactic good vs evil battle at the end. Sure, the fights scenes are a little hokey by today's standards, the Japanese villians are just Americans with bad makeup, and of course the movie is in Black & White, but this movie is now a permanent part of my Hollywood Judo movie collection. Well actually it's my only Hollywood Judo movie.
Rating:
Summary: Hollywood vs The Kodakan
Review: This video is a must have item for any long time devotee of the Martial Art of Judo. Not only does it feature Jimmy Cagney in a Dojo during Class, but it also features a "Judo" fight in the climactic good vs evil battle at the end. Sure, the fights scenes are a little hokey by today's standards, the Japanese villians are just Americans with bad makeup, and of course the movie is in Black & White, but this movie is now a permanent part of my Hollywood Judo movie collection. Well actually it's my only Hollywood Judo movie.
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