There are two "Sayonara"s: the James Mitchner book and the
Hollywood adaptation. The Major Llyod Gruver portrayed in the book is
introduced as an army brat, graduate of West Point, no-nonsense air
force pilot and career officer who does not discuss personal matters
with enlisted men. The Ace Gruver introduced in the film is a
brooding Brando who arrives in a fighter jet instead of on a Triumph
motorcycle and whose best friend is Airman Kelly. The Japan portrayed
in the Mitchner book is the everyday Japan of narrow streets, noodle
vendors, ramen shops, yakitori stands, tatami rooms, and futon at bed
time. The Japan portrayed in the film is a land of geisha,
Takarazuka, kabuki, bunraku, pagoda, arched bridges, and a lot of other
Japan stereotypes I have yet to encounter although I have lived in
Japan for the past 31 years and have a masters degree in Far East Asian
Studies from Sophia University, Tokyo. Both "Sayonara"s offer something o value. One is realistic. One
is a beautiful fantasy. Read the book and watch the movie and take
your choice of endings.
Hollywood adaptation. The Major Llyod Gruver portrayed in the book is
introduced as an army brat, graduate of West Point, no-nonsense air
force pilot and career officer who does not discuss personal matters
with enlisted men. The Ace Gruver introduced in the film is a
brooding Brando who arrives in a fighter jet instead of on a Triumph
motorcycle and whose best friend is Airman Kelly. The Japan portrayed
in the Mitchner book is the everyday Japan of narrow streets, noodle
vendors, ramen shops, yakitori stands, tatami rooms, and futon at bed
time. The Japan portrayed in the film is a land of geisha,
Takarazuka, kabuki, bunraku, pagoda, arched bridges, and a lot of other
Japan stereotypes I have yet to encounter although I have lived in
Japan for the past 31 years and have a masters degree in Far East Asian
Studies from Sophia University, Tokyo. Both "Sayonara"s offer something o value. One is realistic. One
is a beautiful fantasy. Read the book and watch the movie and take
your choice of endings.