Return to Tarawa

Return to Tarawa is a poignant and emotionally resonant documentary film that focuses on a pivotal incident in US military history. The film, released in 2009, is both a return and a homage to the island where the Battle of Tarawa, one of the most ferocious and bloodiest of World War II, took place right in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. This battle signifies a crucial turning point for the United States and its allies, marking the direction of the war in the Pacific.

The film is directed and produced by Steven C. Barber and features the late Ed Harris, famous for both his film and stage work, as the narrator. Leveraging his calm and emotive voice, Harris adds an extra layer of depth to the multifaceted narrative. The film presents a unique fusion of history and storytelling that creates an educational and captivating experience for its viewers.

In Return to Tarawa, we follow Leon Cooper, a World War II veteran who experienced the shot and shell of the Battle of Tarawa firsthand. Cooper now returns, many years after the conflict, to this Pacific Island that carries the invisible scars of the exciting yet devastating past. What is noteworthy is Cooper's dual mission: On one hand, he honours the sacrifice of his fallen comrades and on the other, he brings attention to the current condition of the island, which is now adorned with rubbish and decay instead of reverence.

The filmmakers take the viewers on an emotional journey back in time, exploring the battle through the lens of Cooper's personal accounts, descriptions, and memories. Cooper's harrowing recount of the conflict brings home the brutal and uncompromising reality of wartime and resonates profoundly with the audience. Not only did he bear witness to the immense loss of American life, but he also performed the perilous function of a Higgins Boat commander, tasked with transporting troops from ships to the beach under heavy enemy fire, and then returning with the wounded and dead.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers intersperse contemporary footage of the 2009 expedition to Red Beach, Tarawa, with images, maps, and historical clips from the original 1943 battle. The film seeks to emphasize the stark contrast between the pristine tropic paradise and the war-ravaged battlefield. Through this visual contrast, the filmmakers provide a thought-provoking reflection on the price of freedom and the ravages of time.

A remarkable aspect of the film, and perhaps also its most compelling element, is its drive to raise awareness. Not only about the state of Tarawa today, but it also shines a spotlight on the many U.S. servicemen still listed as Missing in Action from the Second World War. It presents an argument for more concerted efforts to locate and identify these missing men, allowing them to finally return home. It draws attention to the need to honour and preserve the memory of those who fell in the line of duty.

Interestingly, the film also delves into the cultural and socio-economic dimensions of the Tarawa island today. It's heart-rending to witness how the hallowed battleground, soaked in the blood of American servicemen, has morphed into a garbage-strewn landscape. It gives a glimpse into the harsh realities of life on this remote Pacific island while juxtaposing it against the island's historical importance.

Return to Tarawa is a multi-dimensional documentary that offers deep insight into a significant moment in history, as well as a deeply personal journey of a battle-hardened veteran. It's a reflection on the horrors and sacrifices of war while also being a plea for recognition, conservation, and honour. The film's unique narrative structure, interweaving past and present, personal and collective, makes it a powerful and evocative experience. It's essentially a testimonial to those who gave their lives on the island and a call to action for the preservation and respectful treatment of these hallowed grounds.

Above all, Return to Tarawa is a poignant reminder of the vast enormity and devastating consequences of war. It does not shy away from painting a vivid and unsettling picture of the frontline conditions during one of the deadliest confrontations of World War II. At the same time, it is also a testament to the human spirit's perseverance and the crucial importance of remembering and acknowledging the past.