Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

ChicDragon It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

Salubfoto It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

Edgar Soberon Torchia I saw «The Teahouse of the August Moon» today for the third time. The first time I watched it I was a small boy and it remained in my mind as something very pleasant. Then, a few years ago, I saw it again and thought that it had "graciously ed the test of time". Today I made an introduction about it for the personnel of the Electoral Court of Panama, as «The Teahouse…» started a series of film projections with later discussions about themes, subjects, situations, concepts contained in cinema. Movies like this one raise questions about democracy, military occupation, the meeting of cultures, the oppression of one culture over people from a different place with a different worldview, imperialism and so on. It is still an enchanting comedy with bright touches of satire, a few old- fashioned jokes and moving realizations by ordinary people –both American and Japanese-, which compensate for its artificiality, verbosity and Marlon Brando's forced characterization of the Japanese narrator. It does so with film editing that gives good rhythm to the plot (which has by itself a lot of vitality in the way it was directed); fine and fluid camera-work and funny performances by Glenn Ford and Machiko Kyo (who also dances a beautiful choreography). The third part is excessively formulaic in order to reach a cheerful conclusion, but it is after all a product of a time of world tension and political struggle, and in those situations, people ask for happy endings. Those were the days of the Cold War after World War II, with the anti-communist witch-hunting still fresh in everybody's minds, and the Hays Code still ruling the representation of life in all its manifestation, most notable eroticism, which is a strong element in the story. Watch it, it is very good.

wes-connors After winning World War II, the United States sends enthusiastic Glenn Ford (as Captain Fisby) to Okinawa, Japan. His mission is to build a schoolhouse and turn the local Japanese people into an Americanized Democracy. Translating for Mr. Ford is savvy Asian-mannered Marlon Brando (as Sakini). He doubles as our host. Trouble is, the locals don't want a schoolhouse shaped like the US Pentagon. They want the Americans to build them a traditional teahouse, instead, with geisha girls like beautiful Machiko Kyo (as Lotus Blossom). Comedy results from the Americans unexpectedly succumbing to Japanese culture...Director Daniel Mann enjoyed much success bringing stage dramas to the motion picture screen, but was less successful with comedy...This one may dip due to the lack of bigger comedians in the roles, but Marlon Brando and Glenn Ford are closer to original Broadway players David Wayne and John Forsythe than they would be to Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Brando likely saw a kindred spirit in Mr. Mann. His make-up is too obvious, but Brando could hardly have played the part by squinting and faking an overbite. The method actor impersonates an Asian man without offending, but hindsight unmasks his endeavor as a distraction. The sly humor works, but scenes go on too long without amusing; most of this material should be shorter and snappier on film.***** The Teahouse of the August Moon (11/20/56) Daniel Mann ~ Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, Eddie Albert, Paul Ford

elision10 This film made me realize how much we've lost as a country since the 1950s. According to Wikipedia at least, the book, play, and film were enormously popular for about 25 years, when political correctness set in, and liberals were oh-so-terribly aghast at Marlon Brando playing an Okinawan with a heavy accent. But it's Brando's character who is the most irable in the movie -- sharp, perceptive, and cunning, but also warm, generous, and forgiving.All told, it's the Okinawans who come off well -- it is we Americans who seem rather ridiculous, with our notions of winning hearts and minds and spreading democracy. that this film was made just ten years after WWII, when we were up against the Soviet Union, and democracy and "the American way" were at the heart of what we thought we were all about. But here is a film that completely satirizes, if not ridicules, all that, and yet it was enormously popular. Perhaps I'm looking at it through rose-tinted lenses -- there may well have been the Michael Savages and Rush Limbaughs of the day who inveighed against the Hollywood liberals seeking to undermine American resolve in the face of the Soviet threat and disgracing the memory of those who had died in WWII. But I think, more accurately, it was a time of greater American self- confidence, when we were able to laugh at ourselves more easily, and weren't terrified that this, that or another group might be ticked off. In short, this is a wise movie that should be seen by all those in power who have anything to do with how we conduct ourselves toward other nations and peoples -- as well as anyone who wants to see an entertaining but also educational film.

gelashe Blurb in the TCM on line guide said Brando as a translator tried to thwart Glenn Ford's intentions but that is not true. Brando and his people are genius in getting the U.S. military (via Ford and later Eddie Albert) to get what they want in their village, not what the U.S. was to build.Brando in full make-up and faux Japanese speech is hilarious. He is good natured and really does help Ford adapt but just twists things a bit to go his way (or the town's way).Glenn Ford feels he is a failure at everything he has done and wants this to be his success. After a few tries at what he is supposed to do: teach democracy, build a school, etc., he yields to the townspeople's wish of getting a Teahouse just like other villages have as to not appear so poor. The ultimate scheme to make the money they need to build, winds up being selling liquor to the U.S. Military when traditional handmade trinkets fail. The soldiers tell the townspeople that they can get the same stuff and the 5&dime for much cheaper made by something called "a machine".Saving face is the key at the beginning of the film - which is how Brando manipulates Ford. As the film goes on, things get funnier and funnier -- the end is poignant but you will walk away smiling.