Two American veterans revisit the site of a secret Japanese invasion of Alaska during World War II
Red, White, Black, and Blue tells the story of Bill and Andy, the two toughest 85-year-olds you’ve ever met. Together, these life-long friends fought against 3000 Japanese soldiers in a secret Alaskan invasion during World War II. Now, 60 years later, these two forgotten heroes embark on an intense and emotional journey back to the remote Aleutian island of Attu, where they relive the brutal 19-day battle that America was never told about. The desolate, wind-swept island is not only one of the most dangerous places in the world, but also a living museum littered with crashed airplanes, unexploded bombs, and collapsed buildings from the war. As Bill and Andy retrace their steps over this untouched battlefield, the line between past and present begins to blur and long-forgotten memories resurface with moving force. Through intimate interviews with Bill and Andy, the film explores what it means to be a soldier then and now. And for Bill, that means continuing the battle—even at the cost of his own peace of mind.
Red, White, Black, and Blue tells the story of Bill and Andy, the two toughest 85-year-olds you’ve ever met. Together, these life-long friends fought against 3000 Japanese soldiers in a secret Alaskan invasion during World War II. Now, 60 years later, these two forgotten heroes embark on an intense and emotional journey back to the remote Aleutian island of Attu, where they relive the brutal 19-day battle that America was never told about. The desolate, wind-swept island is not only one of the most dangerous places in the world, but also a living museum littered with crashed airplanes, unexploded bombs, and collapsed buildings from the war. As Bill and Andy retrace their steps over this untouched battlefield, the line between past and present begins to blur and long-forgotten memories resurface with moving force. Through intimate interviews with Bill and Andy, the film explores what it means to be a soldier then and now. And for Bill, that means continuing the battle—even at the cost of his own peace of mind.
Red, White, Black and Blue was an insight into what I never knew before...the Japanese on American soil. I agree with Bill that the monuments should be taken away from the island. If the Japanese wanted to give the American people some form of “restitution” they should have extended themselves to the families of the victims of that canpaign. One that comes to mind is the family of the man Bill mentioned that had seven children and who should have been sent home on his discharge. That action alone would have meant so much more than any steel structures. The monuments, to me, would be a slap in the face if I lived through the same experience. For the Japanese to share that with us after the fact seems more like they had a right to claim that Attu was one of their lands to be consecrated.They invaded, they died, we took back Attu. The Japanese have NO right to it except for their dead. War is not glorious, Bill is right. They have desecrated “ holy ground” and he has every right to be angry.This film was very well made and I commend Mr.Putnam and company for a very informative piece.
Posted 01/01/09 by Kate
I watched this film with fascination and horror—exquisitely made and very moving. My father was in the 151 Engineers Corp. and spent 22 months on the Aleutian Islands—he tried to suppress memories of that time and never talked about that episode in his life. But these two old-timers provided insight into the hell which was their world during this “campaign.” Thanks, Mr. Putnam and crew, for this tragic peek into the sadness of war ...
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