American Pastime (2007)

American Pastime Poster

American Pastime tells a poignant story set against the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. Rounded up and uprooted from their everyday lives, they remained loyal to the United States and ironically turned to that most American of sports - baseball - as a way to deal with their plight.

Intro
"American Pastime" is a 2007 function movie directed by Desmond Nakano, combining aspects of both sport and drama. The story is set during World War II and contrasts the experiences of Japanese-Americans interned in camps with the traditional American sport of baseball.

Plot
The movie revolves around the experiences of the Nomura family, a Japanese-American family who endure internment at the Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah during World War II. Their enthusiasm for baseball stands out in the severe truth of the camp. The family consists of the father, who has strong standard views; his boys Lane and Lyle, and Lyle's enthusiast Katie, who is an American woman.

Characters
The older son Lane, played by Aaron Yoo, is an excellent baseball player and appreciates his dad's standard standards. He picks to sign up with the American Army to show his loyalty, much to his dad's dismay. Consequently, he is released to eliminate in Italy.

Lyle, the younger child played by Leonard Nam, is a defiant rebel. He is incredibly in love with Katie, a Caucasian American girl from outside the camp. Katie, played by Sara Drew, represents a symbol of hope and normalcy for Lyle in the disorderly environment of the camp.

Their dad, played by Masatoshi Nakamura, is a traditionalist and teaches kendo, a kind of traditional Japanese martial arts in the camp. He is an ardent critic of the continuous war.

Dispute
The key aspect of the story is a forced baseball match in between the regional all-white team and an all-Japanese team from the camp. This produces stress and conflict, with the match representing much more than an easy video game. It's treated as a symbol of regard, dignity, and an opportunity to prove their worthiness as American residents.

Resolution
The climax arrives when Lane passes away in Italy. He compromises his life for a nation that questioned his commitment, leaving an impactful message for the audience. On the other hand, the baseball match results in a surprise triumph over the all-white group, developing a considerable and favorable shift in the mindset of the camp administrators and residents. The match serves as a driver of integration and understanding in between the 2 communities.

Styles
American Pastime brilliantly uses baseball as a metaphor to tackle numerous socio-political issues. It explores styles such as racism, patriotism, loyalty, and nationwide identity during a rough historical period. The film compellingly records the battles of the Nomura family, therefore humanizing the broader experience of Japanese-American internment during World War II.

Conclusion
The movie concludes on a confident note with completion of the war. Despite the awful death of Lane, the motion picture ends with a bittersweet triumph as the surviving Nomuras move forward favorably with their lives. Their sacrifices, durability, and baseball victory leave a lasting impression on individuals who as soon as viewed them with mistrust and contempt.

In conclusion, "American Pastime" uses the background of a terrible historical occasion to inform a compelling human and sport-centered story. Despite the grim setting, the movie is not devoid of optimism, highlighting the incredible durability of the human spirit in times of difficulty.

Top Cast

  • Gary Cole (small)
    Gary Cole
    Billy Burrell
  • Leonardo Nam (small)
    Leonardo Nam
    Lane Nomura
  • Aaron Yoo (small)
    Aaron Yoo
    Lyle Nomura
  • Masatoshi Nakamura (small)
    Masatoshi Nakamura
    Kaz Nomura
  • Judy Ongg (small)
    Judy Ongg
    Emi Nomura
  • Jon Gries (small)
    Jon Gries
    Ed Tully
  • Susanna Thompson (small)
    Susanna Thompson
    Shirley Burrell
  • Seth Sakai (small)
    Seth Sakai
    Nori Morita
  • Sarah Drew (small)
    Sarah Drew
    Katie Burrell
  • Olesya Rulin (small)
    Olesya Rulin
    Cathy Reyes
  • Carleton Bluford (small)
    Carleton Bluford
    Lester Johnson