Rice Soldiers (2014)
A haunting Filipino war drama about four boys whose dreams of glory shatter against the brutal truth of occupation.
Rice Soldiers - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sundalong Kanin
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Janice O'Hara
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Family, War
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese, Tagalog
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 2, 2014 (Philippines)
- Production Companies: Cinemalaya Foundation
- Production Countries: Philippines
Rice Soldiers - Plot
Set during the Japanese Occupation, four children (Nitoy, Benny, Carding, and Badong) aspire nothing more than to become soldiers fighting the Japanese... until they are confronted by the realities of war that threaten to destroy their families and their friendship.
Rice Soldiers - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of these four young boys unfold under the shadow of war.
Rice Soldiers - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Janice O'Hara
Main Cast
- Nathaniel Brit
- Ian de Leon
- Marc Abaya
- Gardo Versoza
- Via Veloso
- Enzo Pineda
- Paolo O'Hara
- Che Ramos
- Diana Alferez
- Dante Balois
Writers
- Jerry O'Hara
Producers
- Denise O'Hara
Rice Soldiers - FAQs
What is Rice Soldiers about?
Rice Soldiers is set during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines and follows four young boys — Nitoy, Benny, Carding, and Badong — who dream of becoming soldiers and fighting the Japanese. Their childhood idealism is shattered when the brutal realities of war begin to tear apart their families and their bond.
Is Rice Soldiers based on a true story?
Rice Soldiers is not based on a single documented true story, but it draws deeply from the historical reality of the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines during World War II. The film reflects the lived experiences of Filipino civilians and children caught in the violence and upheaval of that era.
Who directed Rice Soldiers?
Rice Soldiers was directed by Janice O'Hara, a Filipino filmmaker. The film was produced under the Cinemalaya Foundation and screened at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2014, where it gained recognition for its sensitive portrayal of wartime childhood in the Philippines.
Who are the main actors in Rice Soldiers?
The cast includes Nathaniel Brit, Ian de Leon, Marc Abaya, Gardo Versoza, Via Veloso, Enzo Pineda, Paolo O'Hara, Che Ramos, Diana Alferez, and Dante Balois. The young lead actors carry much of the film's emotional weight, portraying children navigating the horrors of wartime occupation.
When was Rice Soldiers released?
Rice Soldiers was released on August 2, 2014, in the Philippines. It premiered as part of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, one of the Philippines' most prestigious platforms for independent cinema, held annually at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila.
How does Rice Soldiers portray childhood during wartime?
The film contrasts the innocent, adventure-fueled fantasies of four boys who romanticize soldiering with the devastating human cost of actual war. As violence encroaches on their world, their youthful bravado gives way to grief, fear, and moral complexity — making for a deeply affecting coming-of-age story set against occupation.
What language is Rice Soldiers in?
Rice Soldiers is spoken in English, Japanese, and Tagalog, reflecting the multilingual reality of the Philippine wartime setting. The use of Tagalog grounds the story in its Filipino cultural context, while Japanese dialogue reinforces the presence and power of the occupying forces throughout the narrative.
What are similar films to Rice Soldiers?
If Rice Soldiers resonated with you, consider exploring A Sun (2019), Bad Tales (2020), and Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog (2020) for similarly affecting stories about family and conflict. Among Filipino films, Esoterica: Manila (2014) and Lorna (2014) offer comparable independent cinema sensibilities.
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