Hiroshima

Shaun Kerry, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

A magnificent film with a powerful lesson.  It portrays characters in both Washington and Tokyo and gives a deeper insight into their attempts to either end or prolong the war. 

Some general themes arise in the movie that are particularly valuable to us:  People frequently have little control over the selection of their government officials, and even less control over the actions of those officials. 

A handful of people in the government often make monumental decisions which impact or destroy the lives of millions.  People in government often communicate poorly and make outrageous errors in judgment. 

Mindlessness and lack of empathy go hand in hand.

Motion pictures can portray the nuances of character and personality in such a way that no other media can, while at the same time being both entertaining and enlightening.  Try to rent this superb film from your local video store.  If it is unavailable, try the following links. 

http://www.moviesunlimited.com/musite/product.asp?sku=881026++&mscssid=1RQ3PA4J29VH9H44UKHS69U5A7C01768

http://www.pioneer-ent.com/pea/10345.html

http://video.barnesandnoble.com/Search/product.asp?ean=13023034594

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?style=movie&PID=1147690&frm=sh_google

Over fifty years have elapsed since the second World War, and still, we have not solved the fundamental problems that are portrayed in this film.  When considering issues of this magnitude, one's first impulse might be to blame somebody.  But blaming people or nations doesn't solve the problem.  We have to take a deeper look at the structure of our government, and also, a critical look at the way in which our educational system impacts the development of character.