
Rail of the Star - A True Story of Children and War
Seen it?1993 | 79 min | Animation, Drama, War, History
Why it’s a Weeknight Watch
With almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for animation lovers and history buffs. If you loved Empire of the Sun or The Bridge on the River Kwai, start here.
- The mood
- Intense, feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 19 min.
- What might put you off
- No age rating on record, so check it first for young kids.
- It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
A young Japanese actress remembers her war childhood in Korea. Her father goes to fight, her baby sister Miko dies of typhoid, her beloved Korean maid Ohana is fired due to a mistake which could cost Chiko her life... By and by Chiko realizes that the country is being ruled by the Japanese and the Koreans are persecuted. When the war ends, the Koreans chase the Japanese rule and the roles change. Now Chiko's family is unwanted. But then the Russians come and this is the end. They have to burn all the pictures to avoid all suspicions... even Miko's picture. But when the Russians come to their house, they decide to flee over the 38th Parallel towards freedom. A group of men, women, children struggles along the mountains, led by the light of the Northern Star. Along the way they meet a Korean man, who is willing to help them to escape the Russian soldiers although his family was killed by the Japanese.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 2K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Empire of the SunFriday Night FlickAnother military historical drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
The Bridge on the River KwaiFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war historical drama.
When the Wind BlowsSaturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Guns of NavaroneSaturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
Operation MincemeatSaturday SpecialAnother war historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Satoru Namekawa, Toshio Hirata
- Yoshino TakamoriChitose "Chiko" Kobayashi (voice)
- Hideyuki TanakaKazuhiko Kobayashi (voice)
- Keiko HanMasuko Kobayashi (voice)
- Kenichi OgataTakeshi (voice)
- Chika SakamotoMichiyo "Miko" Kobayashi (voice)
- Reiko SuzukiShigeko (voice)
- Tomoko MaruoOhana (voice)
- Shinpachi TsujiSano (voice)
- Hideyuki UmezuTakayashi (voice)
- ChafurinVillage chief (voice)