Annyeong, Sayonara (2005) – Expert Review | Official Watch Links
Used for reference and discovery. All rights belong to their respective owners.
The trailer above is owned by its respective creators and production companies.
This embed is provided solely for informational and reference purposes.
We do not host or distribute copyrighted material.
Annyeong, Sayonara (2005) Synopsis, Cast, Reviews & Watch Links
Movie Stats
Annyeong, Sayonara
- Release Date: 2005-11-25
- Genres: Documentary
- Rating: 0 (0 votes)
- Runtime: 110 min
-
Subtitles:
English, Korean
Review & Score: Annyeong, Sayonara
StreamValid Editorial Review
This joint Korean-Japanese production follows a Korean woman, Lee Ha-jong, as she searches for her father's remains. He - like tens of thousands of other Koreans - was forced into the Japanese military, and subsequently killed during WW2. (Auto Summary)
✅ Pros — 2
- Strong acting performance.
- Good production quality.
✖ Cons — 1
- —
- Neutral point not specified.
- Detailed critic review not available yet.
Synopsis
This joint Korean-Japanese production follows a Korean woman, Lee Ha-jong, as she searches for her father's remains. He - like tens of thousands of other Koreans - was forced into the Japanese military, and subsequently killed during WW2. She is joined by a Japanese man, seeking reconciliation between his country's military past, and the countries victimized by that history. The filmmakers portray both sides of a still highly emotional debate that centers around the enshrinement of soldiers at the Yasukuni Shrine, and Lee's lawsuit to prevent her father from being enshrined there. As Lee visits Japan and the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, she confronts - and is confronted by a wall of nationalistic pride that might be compared to neo-Nazis defending the righteousness of The Reich. This is contrasted with her meeting and working with Japanese peace activists, who deplore their countries' militaristic past, and seek to heal the wounds with her neighbors.
Annyeong, Sayonara is a thoughtful exploration of truth, reality, and untold stories. Meticulously researched and presented with clarity, it sheds light on compelling topics that provoke thought and inspire change.
Visually, the film is a marvel — every shot meticulously framed to enhance emotion and tone. The cinematography captures the story’s essence, whether through sweeping panoramas or intimate moments. Direction is assured, guiding the audience through the narrative with confident pacing and clear vision. Music and sound design underscore key scenes, elevating tension and enhancing immersion. Every creative element works in unison to produce a memorable and polished experience.
Annyeong, Sayonara provides more than just entertainment — it delivers resonance. Audiences are drawn into its emotional undercurrents, finding moments of joy, sorrow, and revelation. The storytelling offers layers that reward thoughtful viewing, blending accessible thrills with deeper meaning. From quiet introspections to intense confrontations, it maintains an emotional rhythm that captivates. It’s the kind of film that lingers in memory, inspiring discussion and introspection long after the credits roll.
In the end, Annyeong, Sayonara stands as a shining example of cinematic craft — a harmonious blend of narrative, performance, and technical achievement. It delivers a satisfying arc, fully realizing the potential of its story and characters. Whether you're a loyal follower of or a curious newcomer, this film offers something truly special. It speaks to the power of film as art, storytelling, and shared experience. Few titles manage to resonate so deeply across so many levels — this is one of them.
If you're interested in more great documentary films, you might also enjoy: The Cove, Blackfish, 13th, Free Solo, My Octopus Teacher.
Cast & Characters
- Hee-ja Lee as
Gallery
No images available.
Where to Watch (US)
Streaming
Not available in your region.
Rent
Not available in your region.
Buy
Not available in your region.
