Detailed Summary
Introduction: Life Before the Bomb
The film begins by introducing Gen Nakaoka, a six-year-old boy living in Hiroshima during the final months of World War II. We meet his family: his pregnant mother Kimie, his father Daikichi, older brother Koji, and younger sister Eiko. Despite food shortages and the omnipresent threat of air raids, the family remains optimistic, with Gen’s father voicing strong anti-war sentiments.
This opening sequence paints a picture of normalcy amidst chaos, setting the stage for the devastation that follows.
The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima
In one of the most gut-wrenching sequences of the film, Hiroshima is bombed on August 6, 1945. The portrayal of the atomic explosion is graphic and disturbing, showing the sheer destruction, the immediate deaths of thousands, and the aftermath of radiation exposure.
Gen’s father, sister, and brother are trapped and killed under the rubble of their house. Gen and his pregnant mother manage to survive, but they are left to navigate the horrors of post-bomb Hiroshima alone.
Survival and Desperation
The second half of the movie focuses on Gen and his mother’s struggle to survive. They wander through the apocalyptic ruins of Hiroshima, encountering grotesquely wounded survivors, starving children, and the relentless effects of radiation sickness. Gen’s newborn baby brother dies soon after birth due to malnutrition.
Despite the overwhelming tragedy, Gen remains determined to care for his mother and find food, showing immense resilience and optimism in the face of unimaginable hardship.
The Kindness of Strangers
Gen encounters Ryuta, a young orphan who looks remarkably like his deceased brother. They form a close bond, and Ryuta joins Gen and his mother in their struggle for survival. Along the way, they receive help from strangers, such as a kind farmer and a compassionate doctor.
Movie Ending: Hope in the Face of Despair
The film ends on a bittersweet note. Although Gen’s family has been decimated by the bombing, he refuses to give up. His perseverance symbolizes hope amid the ruins. As the film closes, Gen and Ryuta vow to rebuild their lives, hinting at a future where the horrors of war may one day be overcome by resilience and hope.
Post-Credits Scene
There is no post-credits scene in Barefoot Gen. The movie’s ending is left as a powerful statement of hope and survival, without any need for further epilogues.
Type of Movie
Barefoot Gen is a historical drama, and more specifically, a war drama that delves into the emotional and physical toll of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. The film is animated but carries a deep message about war, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Cast (Voice Actors)
- Issei Miyazaki as Gen Nakaoka
- Catherine Battistone as Kimie Nakaoka (English Dub)
- Yoshie Shimamura as Kimie Nakaoka (Japanese)
- Masaki Kôda as Ryuta
- Takao Inoue as Daikichi Nakaoka
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack was composed by Toshiyuki Watanabe, whose score blends melancholy with moments of quiet optimism, perfectly matching the film’s emotional tone. The music underscores both the beauty of pre-bombing Hiroshima and the sorrow of the destruction that follows.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, Barefoot Gen wasn’t filmed on location, but the story is set in Hiroshima and features meticulously recreated images of the city before and after the bombing. The destruction depicted in the film is an accurate representation of the horrors of the atomic bombing and its immediate aftermath.
Awards and Nominations
While Barefoot Gen wasn’t a major contender at international award shows, it has been widely praised for its historical significance and emotional impact. It is considered a classic in Japanese animation and is regularly shown in educational settings to teach about the effects of nuclear warfare.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Barefoot Gen is based on the experiences of its creator, Keiji Nakazawa, who was a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. His autobiographical manga of the same name served as the source material.
- The film was seen as a way to help younger generations understand the realities of war, particularly the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons.
- The animation studio had to balance depicting the gruesome realities of the bombing with the stylized nature of traditional anime.
Inspirations and References
The film is adapted from Keiji Nakazawa’s manga Barefoot Gen, which is deeply autobiographical. Nakazawa himself was six years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, and his personal experiences heavily influence the storyline.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings or deleted scenes. The film closely follows the structure of the manga and maintains its stark and unflinching portrayal of Hiroshima’s destruction.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is a direct adaptation of the first part of Nakazawa’s 10-volume manga, which continues beyond the events shown in the movie. The manga delves deeper into the rebuilding of Hiroshima and Gen’s growth into adulthood, focusing more on the long-term effects of radiation and the struggles of post-war Japan.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The atomic bomb detonation scene, one of the most harrowing in animation history.
- Gen finding his family trapped under the rubble and being forced to witness their deaths.
- Gen and Ryuta’s bond as they navigate the ruins of Hiroshima, symbolizing hope amid the destruction.
Iconic Quotes
- Gen’s father: “No matter what happens, never give up. Live on, no matter what.”
- Gen: “We’re still alive. That means we can keep fighting.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes several historical details, such as the depiction of real radiation sickness symptoms and the authentic reconstruction of Hiroshima’s landmarks.
- Some scenes visually reference Nakazawa’s own experiences, including the destruction of his childhood home.
Trivia
- The manga was first serialized in 1973 and became a significant anti-war work in Japan.
- Nakazawa has said that animating Barefoot Gen was particularly challenging emotionally due to its personal nature.
- The movie was part of Japan’s post-war reconciliation, pushing for an anti-nuclear message in the global community.
Why Watch?
Barefoot Gen is essential viewing for anyone interested in history, war stories, and the human condition. Its raw portrayal of the atomic bombing and its effects on ordinary citizens makes it one of the most important films on the subject, even in animation form. It’s a deeply emotional film that highlights the horror of war while emphasizing the resilience and hope that persist in its aftermath.
Director’s Other Movies
Mori Masaki, the director, also worked on:
- Firebird 2772 (1980)
- Adventures of Pepero the Andes Boy (1975)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
- In This Corner of the World (2016)
- The Wind Rises (2013)
- When the Wind Blows (1986)
