Hiroshima (1953 film)

Hiroshima is a 1953 Japanese docudrama film directed by Hideo Sekigawa. It is based on the book Children of the Atomic Bomb by Arata Osada, a collection of essays written by children who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

The film depicts the events leading up to and following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. It focuses on the experiences of a group of schoolchildren and their teacher as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the devastation. The film is notable for its graphic and unflinching portrayal of the bombing's effects, including the physical and psychological trauma suffered by the survivors.

Hiroshima was produced by the Japan Teachers' Union and features a cast of mostly non-professional actors, many of whom were actual survivors of the bombing. This contributed to the film's powerful and realistic depiction of the event. The film was initially controversial in Japan due to its critical stance on the American occupation and its graphic content. It was censored and suppressed for several years.

Despite the censorship, Hiroshima was eventually released and gained international recognition for its anti-war message and its powerful portrayal of the human cost of nuclear weapons. It is considered an important historical document and a significant work of Japanese cinema. The film serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of working towards peace. It is often screened on the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.