Once at war, always at war - Trauma post-war: Tragedies of war. Autobiograph British "The Railway Man" for its portrayal of the transformative power of forgiveness addresses the broader implications of war and the imperative to learn from history.
"You're an educated man. You're intelligent, but did not do anything to stop war crime, but joined in such crime." Eric, met, face-to-face, Nagase (Japaese translator at WW2), post-war.
War brings out the worst in men, but forgiveness brings out the best in them and leads to redemption. This is an incredible film and a true testament to the human spirit. May God spare us from this horrible road again, but hate and our fear of our own history may make us it’s victims again. We must never forget the past. How?
The amazing story [The Railway Man] of the human spirit and the ability to endure unbearable suffering [With all those beatings and broken bones, I have no idea how he could walk so well and be in such good physical shape after the war, especially since he had no doctor to set them correctly] and, in the end, remain able to forgive. I didn't expect the way it would turn out. When the Japanese gentleman began to cry, I did too, and the longer they talked, the worse I got. When I saw the actual photographs of the real characters, I lost it and wept without shame [With all those beatings and broken bones, I have no idea how he could walk so well and be in such good physical shape after the war, especially since he had no doctor to set them correctly]. This film and the book are masterpieces.
There is nothing like reconciliation and forgiveness to bring people together, help them overcome their traumatic experiences, and move on with their lives. Wars are hideous and lead to horrendous crimes and everlasting emotional and physical trauma, sometimes on both sides. May we never see wars like this ever again. Anything to glorify wars is a crime against humanity. Why?
It takes a lot of courage to forgive this kind of hate. There is a lot of wisdom, deep strength, and presence of mind. I am glad his torturer was genuinely humble and sorry and worked for redemption for him. I think the only way you can truly forgive someone for these egregious crimes really, is if you know that they're truly sorry. Yet it must feel like an eternity to have to live with these memories for a whole lifetime. For what? Power, ego, or money? What a waste. When will we learn from our mistakes in glorifying war? Just Stop!
There were so many crimes of war that went unpunished all over the world. Just because it was war time, it didn't mean that they had the right to torture soldiers and civilians. Hopefully those criminals get their payback in hell, because many of them didn't get punished here on earth
This movie is exemplary in that way and moves the human spirit from primal hatred to human compassion and a desire to end the suffering and let go of the past. Lomax and Nagase becoming lifelong friends is a true testament to that and the awesome power of the human spirit.
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Based on the remarkable bestselling autobiography, THE RAILWAY MAN tells the extraordinary and epic true story of Eric Lomax (Academy Award®-winner Colin Firth), a former army officer who sets out on a mission of revenge to confront the man who tormented him while he was a prisoner at a Japanese labor camp during World War II.
Lomax was one of thousands of Allied prisoners of war forced to work on the construction of the Thai/Burma railway during World War II. His experiences, after the secret radio he built to bring news and hope to his colleagues was discovered, left him traumatized and shut off from the world.
Decades later, Lomax and his beautiful love interest Patti (Academy Award®-Winner Nicole Kidman) discover that the Japanese interpreter responsible for much of his treatment is still alive. Lomax must set out to confront him and his haunting past, in this powerful and inspiring tale of heroism, humanity, and the redeeming power of love.
The Railway Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lr79Xhalzc War reveals the darkest aspects of human nature, yet forgiveness has the power to illuminate the best within individuals, guiding them toward redemption. "The Railway Man" beautifully exemplifies this transformative journey and serves as a compelling tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. While hoping for divine intervention to spare humanity from the horrors of war once more, there's a cautionary note about the potential resurgence driven by hate and the fear of repeating history. The plea to never forget the past emphasizes the importance of collective memory, prompting introspection on how to avoid becoming victims of our own history.
