Onoda, 10 000 nuits dans la jungle (2021)

In 1944, near the end of the Pacific War, military academy cadet Hiroo Onoda hopes to become an airman, but his wish cannot be fulfilled after he is found to have a fear of heights. Major Taniguchi recruits him for the Nakano Army School. After receiving special spy training, Onoda becomes an Army second lieutenant and is sent to Lubang Island in the Philippines. However, the commanders look down on the inexperienced Onoda and ignore his orders. News arrives that American forces have landed, but American soldiers are shouting, “War over!” Both the American and Japanese forces withdraw from the island, leaving Onoda behind with three of his men. Unconvinced by reports that the war has ended, Onoda tells his men about his secret mission. His true mission is to stay alive on the island for as many years as necessary and hand over detailed information about the island when reinforcements return. Onoda hides in the jungle with his men: Corporal Shimada, Private First Class Kozuka, and the young Akatsu. They steal food and supplies from the islanders, sometimes killing them, as they work to complete a map of the island. After five years, Shimada is killed in a gunfight with the islanders, and Akatsu, unable to endure it any longer, surrenders to them. In 1950, Akatsu calls out to Onoda and the others through a loudspeaker. Their presence has become known in Japan, and government officials and Onoda’s family have come to the island to tell them the war is over. But Onoda, who has received special training, suspects that it is all a trap by the American military and does not show himself. Before long, Kozuka is killed by the islanders, leaving Onoda alone. In 1973, Onoda comes out of hiding after finding the campsite of Norio Suzuki, a young Japanese man. After smoking cigarettes and drinking with Suzuki, Onoda breaks down in tears and begs him to bring Major Taniguchi, who had given him his secret mission. Suzuki finds Major Taniguchi in Japan, persuades him, and brings him to Lubang Island. Onoda receives the order to end the operation, disarms, and boards a Philippine military helicopter to return home.