Movie·1994·0h 56m

The Forgotten Force

Tells the story of Australia's role as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in the occupation of Japan

Country

Australia

Language

English

✦CineAI Pitch

Why watch this?

Tap below for a spoiler-free 3-bullet take.

// overview

The Story

After the atomic obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, over 36,000 Australian men and women, part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF), marched onto Japanese soil. They were assigned the toughest and most dangerous area of Japan: Hiroshima Prefecture, which included the atom-bombed city. The Forgotten Force tells for the first time the story of Australia's role in Japan. Rare archival and private footage, photographs and eyewitness accounts from both sides vividly recreate the atmosphere of post-war Japan - the horror of Hiroshima and its aftermath; the struggle to build a new "democratic" society while under the heel of military rule; the growth from suspicion and fear to friendship and trust between foes.

Written By

Julian Leatherdale

Producer

Adrienne Parr, Chris Oliver

Cinematography

Rod Jong

Music

Jan Preston

Editor

Doug Howard

Themes

hiroshima, japanpost war japanbcof