Life is brutally harsh in the Japanese camps, as in one in Burma where POW’s, mainly from a Scottish regiment, must build part of the enemy’s supply railroad trough the ever-inhospitable jungle, and not just in terms of poor conditions, but also brutal discipline under a bushido logic which assumes Westerners to be an inferior race, in need of doggish discipline, while even for Japanese troops and Korean auxiliaries severe corporal punishment always looms.
The POWs realize respect is the key, and earn some from the camp staff by taking efficient charge of the engineering challenge, and self-respect furthermore by mounting a Shakespeare play and a ‘jungle university’. Still a violent escape attempt is made, not without punishment and gruesome twist, and again as the fortune of war turns the tables…
To End All Wars is a 2001 war film starring Robert Carlyle, Kiefer Sutherland and Sakae Kimura and directed by David L. Cunningham. It stars Robert Carlyle, Kiefer Sutherland, Ciarán McMenamin, Mark Strong, Sakae Kimura, Masayuki Yui, James Cosmo, Brendan Cowell, James McCarthy and Winton Nicholson.
It was filmed primarily on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, with some excerpt shots of Thailand. The film was rated R in the U.S. for war violence and brutality, and for some language. The film was produced by Jack Hafer and David Cunningham.
The screenplay is based on the autobiography of Ernest Gordon and recounts the experiences of faith and hope of the interned men. The autobiography was originally published under the name Through the Valley of the Kwai,[4] then later as Miracle on the River Kwai (not to be confused with the separate novel The Bridge over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle). Gordon’s book was finally re-issued with the title To End All Wars to tie in with the film.
Post-production of the film footage was delayed because of lack of funding, which was eventually provided by Gold Crest Films.
To End All Wars (2001)
Directed by: David L. Cunningham
Starring: Robert Carlyle, Kiefer Sutherland, Ciarán McMenamin, Mark Strong, Sakae Kimura, Masayuki Yui, James Cosmo, Brendan Cowell, James McCarthy, Winton Nicholson
Screenplay by: Brian Godawa, Ernest Gordon
Production Design by: Paul Sylbert
Cinematography by: Greg Gardiner
Film Editing by: Tim Silano
Costume Design by: Tami Mor, Rina Ramon
Set Decoration by: Daniel Loren May
Art Direction by: Patrick Lumb
Music by: John Cameron
MPAA Rating: R for war-related violence.
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: September 2, 2001
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