The Teahouse of the August Moon (1957)

Overrated

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I have seen this movie a few times in the last couple of years, and it has become one of my favourites. I love the light-hearted comedies of that era, and "Teahouse" certainly lives up to its contemporaries in that regard. It's not only a fun movie, but it also says a lot about Western Imperialism, which still goes on today in different guises. One of my favourite lines in this film is "I'll teach them Western Democracy if I have to shoot every one of them!" That kind of says it all, doesn't it?Marlon Brando is, of course, brilliant in the film, and funny too. I believe that there was some controversy among audiences when the movie came out; they could not accept Marlon as "Japanese". I have no problem with it. I think that the way he tackled the role simply shows us that he could do more than just the serious parts, which is the mark of any actor worth their salt. Maybe I was more prepared for it, as I had already seen Mickey Rooney as a Japanese in Breakfast at Tiffany's.I think that Teahouse of the August Moon is a brilliant film, with several great actors driving it. A light-hearted premise with a touch of romance caps it off nicely, and there's even a sprinkling of foreign culture to add colour! The classic twist in this film is that the "Conquered" Japanese race ends up getting their own way in the end, after playing the Yanks like a fiddle all the way along.I'm looking out for the DVD, as my VCR wouldn't record when I tried to catch it today; oh well !! 10/10!!

This is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is G-rated, and while some people might find a couple of mentioned subjects worth adding a P to G, I oppose the idea.1. Racism: The subject of racism is mentioned because the movie is essentially about American soldiers trying to change Asians into Americans; essentially, they emphasize difficulty in the Okinawans learning to speak English, but this does not--in my opinion--make fun of them.2. Prostitution: When a Geisha is brought into the village, it is suggested that she is a prostitute; however, the character Sakini does an excellent job of explaining that a Geisha is definitely NOT a prostitute, and does so keeping the explanation G-rated.3. Drunkeness: Let's face it, in this day and age, alcoholism is so common that mentioning it in a movie is blasé. No problem here.This is--in my opinion--one of the best comedies of the time, and definitely belongs in the genre of Family Film.

Blurb in the TCM on line guide said Brando as a translator tried to thwart Glenn Ford's intentions but that is not true. Brando and his people are genius in getting the U.S. military (via Ford and later Eddie Albert) to get what they want in their village, not what the U.S. was to build.Brando in full make-up and faux Japanese speech is hilarious. He is good natured and really does help Ford adapt but just twists things a bit to go his way (or the town's way).Glenn Ford feels he is a failure at everything he has done and wants this to be his success. After a few tries at what he is supposed to do: teach democracy, build a school, etc., he yields to the townspeople's wish of getting a Teahouse just like other villages have as to not appear so poor. The ultimate scheme to make the money they need to build, winds up being selling liquor to the U.S. Military when traditional handmade trinkets fail. The soldiers tell the townspeople that they can get the same stuff and the 5&dime for much cheaper made by something called "a machine".Saving face is the key at the beginning of the film - which is how Brando manipulates Ford. As the film goes on, things get funnier and funnier -- the end is poignant but you will walk away smiling.

I am amazed about some of the other comments here. This is a hilarious movie!! Brando was great . . . no doubt. Some people say that this was an example of awful casting but I read somewhere that Brando saw the play and just loved it. He pushed for the movie to be made and insisted that he be given the role of "Sakini" so it was Brando himself who did that casting! I just laughed out loud at many scenes in this movie. The initial meeting of Capt. Fisby (the amazing Glenn Ford) and Col. Purdy (the perfect Paul Ford) is GREAT! Also, the "wrestling match" between the Captain and his geisha is hysterical. This movie IS a classic! It is one of my favorites because of the great writing and the wonderful acting. Glenn Ford is ALWAYS good and this one is no different. He IS Capt. Fisby and he is hilarious!! I've seen this movie many times and I know I will still watch it any time that it is on.Enjoy!