On March 14, AMC theaters across the nation showed a documentary film on Japan, “Pray for Japan”. The movie, being played as a charity event, focuses on the earthquake and tsunami tragedy that occurred in Japan in 2011. The proceeds are being sent to the Jen group of Japanese humanitarians that supports the power to live by delivering immediate relief to countries that have been ravaged by unfortunate natural disasters.
In Japan, the 9.0 earthquake left behind a level 7 nuclear power output and took the lives of 20,263 people. Homes and lives were swept away by the large tsunami as helpless people watched in despair. The film focused on the education, families, and volunteers that took part in Japan’s recovery process. These three main topics transitioned amongst each other as American viewers watched and learned the stories of the teachers, council leaders, victims, and volunteers who witnessed the tragedy first-hand. Though not a tear-jerking film, Pray for Japan was able to evoke strong emotions from its audience as the stories of the victims captured the hearts of the viewers.
Several Fountain Valley students showed up, whether to support the event or retrieve some extra credit, and voiced their opinion about the film.
“The film had a positive [effect], it raises awareness [to the fact that] Japan needs help” said stated one junior. After having seen the film when it first opened and once again this year, one student expressed that “although the Japanese have been recovering over the past year, they still need help, even now.” While oftentimes, people are quick to react to a situation such as Japan’s, once time passes and interest wains, the trail of aid becomes a trickle and assistance becomes harder to find. By once again showing this documentary of Japan, the tragedy of the earthquake and tsunami is brought into the forefront of people’s dominating thoughts. Ideally, this documentary will succeed in reminding the world of what happened on April 11th. Japan is still in pain, Japan is still hurt, and though time may help cover her wounds, we cannot forget the tragedy of 2011.
“With no further ado, Pray for Japan.”
