The plot for Father of the Kamikaze revolves around Takijiro Onishi, a Vice Admiral in Japans Navy during World War 2. He is most remembered for being the driving force behind using "special attack forces" aka suicide ...展开bombers as a weapons against the Allied forces who at the time the film begins where challenging Japan's ability to occupy the Philippines.
The film never strays too far away the more historical aspects of the story at hand. With the real back bone of this film in the way in which the film examines the Takijiro Onishi character's struggle with the decision to use "special attack forces". Koji Tsuruta (Sympathy for the Underdog), is cast in the role of the Takijiro Onishi. He gives a pitch perfect performance which anchors an extraordinary cast which includes Bunta Sugawara (Battles Without Honor and Humanity), Ryo Ikebe (The Executioner), Tsunehiko Watase (Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds), Toshio Kurosawa (Evil of Dracula) and Hiroki Matsukata (Blackmail Is My Life). Pacing wise there are many peaks and valleys along the way. At a three hour plus running time some may find this film a daunting experience. Visually director Kosaku Yamashita (Tattooed Hit Man), does a good balancing the more action oriented moments with the more melodramatic moments.