Under the Bamboo Sky is a tale of human connection, hope and resilience in the face of great tragedy, documenting Australian soldiers held prisoner by the Japanese in World War II. Source: Australian Catholics.
The documentary focuses on one group of Australian POWs, whose three-year journey across four countries is told through the voices of 63 men of various ranks. The men, aged between 18 and 32 at the time of their capture in early 1942, lived to tell their stories.
The interviews, recorded more than 50 years after their liberation, were found among an archive of some 2000 interviews.
Some had been recorded in 1999-2000 for the ABC TV series Australians at War, with others conducted for the UNSW Australians at War film archive and by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Some had shared their stories many times, while for others it was the first telling. For all, it was the opportunity to ensure their stories became a never-to-be-forgotten public record.
Under a Bamboo Sky weaves the returned soldiers’ recollections with newly colourised archival material and new location footage to deliver a moving, intimate and revelatory first-hand account of their experience.
This documentary to be recommended – it is moving, informative and challenging.
Under a Bamboo Sky: Directed by Serge Ou. 77 minutes. Rated M (Mature themes and violence). Streaming on Netflix from May 8.
FULL REVIEW
Under a Bamboo Sky (Australian Catholics)
