Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender (1959)
A gripping Japanese WWII submarine drama about duty, honor, and the tragedy of a crew fighting a war that has already ended.
Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender - Movie Information
- Original Title: 潜水艦イ-57降伏せず
- Release Year: 1959
- Directed by: Shūe Matsubayashi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 4, 1959 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Sensuikan I-57 kôfuku sezu (JP), 不投降的潛艇 (SG)
- Production Companies: TOHO
- Production Countries: Japan
Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender - Plot
In World War II, the commanding officer of a sub, against his will takes on board two Western diplomats, to take them to the Canaries and arrange an armistice. When they get there, peace has been declared, but the sub's crew don't know as their radio has failed. They send their passengers ashore and go out to face a final battle...
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Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shūe Matsubayashi
Main Cast
- Ryō Ikebe
- Tatsuya Mihashi
- Akihiko Hirata
- Akira Kubo
- Susumu Fujita
- Minoru Takada
- Andrew Hughes
- Hisaya Ito
- Kō Mishima
- Senkichi Ōmura
Writers
- Takeshi Kimura
- Katsuya Susaki
Producers
- Shirô Horie
Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender - FAQs
What is Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender about?
Set during World War II, the film follows a Japanese submarine commander who reluctantly takes two Western diplomats aboard to sail to the Canary Islands and broker an armistice. When they arrive, peace has already been declared — but with their radio broken, the crew has no idea, and they sail out to fight one last battle.
Who directed Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender?
Shūe Matsubayashi directed the film. He was one of Japan's foremost directors of war films during the late 1950s and 1960s, known for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to stories of Japanese soldiers caught in the final, desperate stages of World War II.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The film stars Ryō Ikebe and Tatsuya Mihashi in the lead roles, supported by a strong ensemble including Akihiko Hirata, Akira Kubo, Susumu Fujita, Minoru Takada, Andrew Hughes, Hisaya Ito, Kō Mishima, and Senkichi Ōmura.
Is Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender based on a true story?
The film is a fictional drama, though it draws on the broader historical reality of Japanese submarines operating in the final months of World War II. The scenario of a crew unaware that peace has been declared reflects documented cases of Japanese forces continuing to fight after Japan's surrender in August 1945.
When was Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender released?
The film was released in Japan on July 4, 1959. It was produced by TOHO, the legendary Japanese studio also known for the Godzilla franchise, and stands as one of the studio's notable war film productions from that era.
How long is Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender?
The film runs for 104 minutes — just under an hour and three-quarters. That runtime gives the story room to build tension gradually, developing the characters aboard the submarine before delivering its emotionally charged final act.
What are some similar movies to this film?
If you enjoy this film, you might also like Greyhound (2020), The War Below (2021), Warfare (2025), The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024), The Six Triple Eight (2024), and Behind the Line: Escape to Dunkirk (2020) — all gripping war films with a similar spirit of duty under fire.
Who composed the music for this film?
The score was composed by Ikuma Dan, a highly respected Japanese classical and film composer. His music adds considerable emotional weight to the film's tense submarine sequences and its poignant final act, complementing Matsubayashi's restrained, dignified direction.
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