The Tragedy of Bataan

Gr 9 Up--The Philippines--then an American territory--was invaded by Japanese forces on the same day in 1941 as the Pearl Harbor attack that opened the Pacific Theater of World War II. Although they bravely managed to resist the Japanese invasion longer than anyone thought possible, the overwhelming human and materiel resources of Japan ultimately captured the holdout 75,000 American and Filipino troops, forcing them on a 60-mile relocation march up the Bataan Peninsula while subjecting them to unheard of cruelties. This moving program, narrated by Alec Baldwin, utilizes personal reminiscences to tell that story. Their narratives are touchingly supplemented by diary excerpts, vintage still and archival footage, and well-developed graphics. What appears to be hand-sketched images of the harsh treatment exacted on the chronically ill and undernourished Allied soldiers are exceptionally moving. An excerpt of a Japanese propaganda film of the event includes English subtitles. Viewer discretion is advised because of some graphic footage. Bonus segments include the reflections of a U.S. Army nurse who was evacuated just before the Japanese captured her post, additional information on the capture of the island of Corregidor, and a grainy insert of silent Japanese film footage that provides additional visual impact. Sure to be a popular resource for individual research as well as classroom applications.--"Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL" Copyright 2012 Reed Business Information., ISBN13: B006JN86TE ISBN10: B006JN86TE Material Type: dvd