A Most Unlikely Hero 2004
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Steve Okino
Directed by Sreve Okino
VHS, color, 57 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Asian American Studies, Multicultural Studies, Civil Rights
Date Entered: 04/05/2006
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgA Most Unlikely Hero chronicles the journey of Bruce Yamashita from dismissed Marine Corps officer candidate to vindication. The film uses Bruce as an effective narrator and interviews others directly involved in his ultimately celebrated case. Tamashita grew up in Hawaii third generation Japanese American. He admits to being naïve to racial diversity, a result of growing up in an amazingly diverse and accepting culture. Even the very visible civil rights campaign being waged on the Mainland eluded his deserving attention. After graduating from Georgetown Law School, and failing to pass the bar exam on his first try, he joined the Marine Corps with hopes of becoming an officer. While completing his training, Yamashita was subjected to taunts, name calling, and humiliation. The All-American boy was startled by the slurs and shocked at the discrimination but still determined to finish Officers’ Training. During his 9th week review, he was disenrolled by the Review Board for lack of leadership skills. His decision to appeal and request an investigation is the core of the video. 57 minutes may be too long for most high schoolers, and the scenes describing the ultimate resolution with Yamashita standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial sink to stereotypical flag waving. Recommended for large collections.