BLOOD ON THE SUN (1945) - ♦♦♦

Directed by - Frank Lloyd

Written by - Lester Cole, Nathaniel Curtis, Garrett Ford, Frank Melford

Starring - James Cagney, Sylvia Sidney, Porter Hall, John Emery, Robert Armstrong, Wallace Ford, Rosemary De Camp, John Halloran

"An American newspaper editor working in Japan between the two world wars must stay alive in order to warn the world of Japanese plans for global domination after he lands on a document unveiling them. 

Frank Lloyd's Blood on the Sun is a mildly entertaining action vehicle for its leading star James Cagney. However, its screenplay seems ripe in its intricate narrative. Its characters are underdeveloped and despite its best attempts the representation of the Japanese culture is slightly superficial in a film that favours irritating overtly patriotic undertones. In other words, while the film may enjoy the reputation for being considered the first ever American produced martial arts feature, it feels as overall impressive as an average B-movie of the time. 

Therefore, there is very little that Cagney can do about it. With his charisma and his unique delivery of one liners, as well as his imposing presence that makes him a memorable action star, he often almost single handedly elevates the quality of the film to an acceptable standard."

Action, USA