Blood Oath (1990)
A searing Australian war drama that puts military justice and political compromise on trial in the aftermath of World War II atrocities.
Blood Oath - Movie Information
- Original Title: Blood Oath
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Stephen Wallace
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 26, 1990 (Australia - M), July 26, 1990 (United States - R), March 15, 1991 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Prisoners of the Sun (US)
- Production Companies: Blood Oath, Siege, Sovereign Pictures, Village Roadshow
- Production Countries: Australia
Blood Oath - Plot
On an obscure Pacific Island just north of Australia, the Japanese Empire has operated a prisoner of war camp for Australian soldiers. At the close of World War II, the liberated POWs tell a gruesome tale of mass executions of over eight hundred persons as well as torture style killings of downed Australian airmen. In an attempt to bring those responsible to justice, the Australian Army establishes a War Crimes Tribunal to pass judgement on the Japanese men and officers who ran the Ambon camp. In an added twist, a high ranking Japanese admiral is implicated, and politics become involoved with justice as American authorities in Japan lobby for the Admiral's release. Written by Anthony Hughes
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Blood Oath - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stephen Wallace
Main Cast
- Bryan Brown
- George Takei
- Terry O'Quinn
- John Bach
- Toshi Shioya
- Deborah Kara Unger
- John Clarke
- Russell Crowe
- John Polson
- Tetsu Watanabe
Writers
- Denis Whitburn
- Brian A. Williams
Producers
- Charles Waterstreet
- Denis Whitburn
Blood Oath - FAQs
Is Blood Oath based on a true story?
Yes, Blood Oath is based on real historical events. It dramatizes the 1945–1946 Ambon war crimes trials, in which Australian military authorities prosecuted Japanese officers and soldiers for atrocities committed against Allied prisoners of war at the Ambon POW camp in the Dutch East Indies during World War II.
Where can you stream Blood Oath (1990)?
Streaming availability for Blood Oath varies by region and changes over time. To find the most current viewing options — including subscription services, rental, and purchase platforms — check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for your specific country.
Who are the main actors in Blood Oath?
Blood Oath stars Bryan Brown as Captain Cooper, George Takei as Vice-Admiral Baron Takahashi, and Terry O'Quinn as Major Beckett. The film also features Russell Crowe in an early role as Lt. Corbett, alongside John Bach, Toshi Shioya, Deborah Kara Unger, and Jason Donovan.
What is Blood Oath about?
Blood Oath follows an Australian Army war crimes tribunal convened after World War II to judge Japanese officers responsible for mass executions and torture of over 800 prisoners at the Ambon POW camp. The proceedings grow complicated when a high-ranking Japanese admiral is implicated and American political pressure threatens to subvert justice.
What is the age rating for Blood Oath?
Blood Oath is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature content including depictions of war crimes, executions, torture, and the morally complex legal proceedings of a post-World War II military tribunal. It is intended for adult audiences.
Was Russell Crowe in Blood Oath (1990)?
Yes, Russell Crowe appears in Blood Oath in the supporting role of Lt. Corbett. Released in 1990, the film represents one of Crowe's earlier screen appearances before he achieved international stardom with films such as L.A. Confidential and Gladiator.
Who directed Blood Oath and when was it released?
Blood Oath was directed by Stephen Wallace and released on July 26, 1990, in Australia and the United States. It reached the United Kingdom on March 15, 1991. The film is also known under the alternative title Prisoners of the Sun in the US market.
What are films similar to Blood Oath?
If you enjoyed Blood Oath, you may appreciate Glory (1989), Tears of the Sun (2003), The Right Stuff (1983), and White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (2007). These films similarly explore themes of war, moral accountability, and the human cost of armed conflict.
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