Forgive - Don't Forget

Forgive - Don't Forget is an enlightening and heart-warming documentary film that touches on themes of reconciliation, empathy, and remembrance. Released in 2018, the film is directed by Brad Bennett, Jonah Guelzo, Austin Journey, Paul Ufema and is starred by notable figures such as Alex Bennett, Glenn D. Frazier, and Kazuaki Kato.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film begins with a simple premise: a World War II veteran's found, old, corroded Samurai sword. The rediscovery of the blade sets in motion a journey spanning continents and generations; bridging the gap between two seemingly disparate cultures forever marked by the scars of a long-ago war.

The film captures the nuanced emotions and the heavy weight of history through its intimate, personal stories while also drawing out universal truths about the human capacity for forgiveness and understanding. It goes beyond showcasing historical artifacts; it's about understanding the stories behind those artifacts to foster connections and improve relations between cultures.

The film's protagonist, Alex Bennett, is a New Zealander who has spent most of his life in Japan and has devoted his life to the study and mastery of Japanese martial arts. With his deep interest in Japanese culture, Bennett gets intrigued by the World War II Samurai sword brought back by an American solider, now at the dusk of his life. Determined to trace the origins of the sword and return it to its rightful owners, Bennett embarks on a journey across the Pacific, with cultural discoveries and a unique insight into humanity's capacity for forgiveness.

The film depicts how Bennett, assisted by various historians and experts along the way, tries to track down the family from which the sword was taken during the tumultuous days at the end of World War II. His quest for the sword's origins serves as a powerful metaphor for attempts to reconnect a shared yet violent history between Japan and America.

Alongside Bennett's story, the film also introduces Glenn D. Frazier, a war veteran himself who, after being held captive as a prisoner of war during World War II, tried to reconcile with his past through forgiveness. Interweaving these narratives, the film explores complex emotions surrounding conflict, hatred, and the enduring aftermath of war.

The documentary also includes interviews with other World War II veterans and their family members. These individuals share personal, poignant stories about their experiences during and after the war, discussions about the difficult process of forgiving but not forgetting the past. Unveiled through these narratives is an exploration of the psychological trauma inflicted by war and the stories of resilience and human spirit that exist there too.

A crucial element in the film is the sword itself, representing the Japanese spirit, martial culture, and the turbulent historical past. The simple, corroded sword becomes the centerpiece of a cross-cultural narrative, linking threads of history, clashing cultures, human resilience, and forgiveness.

Forgive - Don't Forget employs poignant imagery, compelling narrative, and a thoughtful exploration of historical events to create a deeply moving filmic experience. The film's composition, from its enrapturing cinematography to its reflective score, heavily contributes to shaping the emotive content that makes it an engaging and thought-provoking documentary.

Kazuaki Kato lends his skills as a producer, helping to craft the documentary's compelling narrative and tone. His collaborative efforts with the directors and other makers have resulted in a film that is a heartfelt documentation of human experiences intertwined in a shared past.

In essence, Forgive - Don't Forget is a contemplative and informative historical documentary that challenges its viewers to consider the complex realities of forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of a shared violent past. It beautifully encapsulates how various individuals, seared by the fiery furnace of World War II, struggles to turn the pages of history by forgiving but not forgetting the past. The film leaves its audience pondering about the cost of war and the price of peace, making it an impactful watch.