Gung Ho (DVD, 2002, Sensormatic)

Gung Ho was a fascinating story line about the differences of American and Japanese cultures in the work place. What is interesting is the fact that the practices identified in this movie back in 1986 still holds true now, 20 years later.

The movie opens with Hunt Stevenson preparing a trip to Japan in hopes of convincing the Japanese to invest the hometown automobile manufacturing plant. After many misguided attempts he locates his destination only to rudely interrupt a management training exercise in humility.

The Japanese, for reasons unknown, bought into his presentation. Personally, I felt that the presentation he gave was unprepared, tacky and would not deserve further review in the real business world. The “slip” of a half nude female in the slide show, sloppiness of the overall presentation and his lack of effective communication.

The very first day on the job we saw the American workers laugh at the Japanese ideas of unity and team effort in something as simple as calisthenics. Here was the standard American mentality that “I don’t have to do this crap.” Which I might add is the response through out this movie when the American workers didn’t want to do something.

Another contrast was that of a simple athletic event. The workers asked to play the Japanese in a friendly game of baseball. The Americans are on the field screwing around, drinking beer and are dressed haphazardly. Whereas, the Japanese show up in clean, white pressed uniforms and begin to stretch and warm up effectively to put on a good game. The American team laughs. We soon discover that the Japanese are the better team. This is a disgruntled player’s cue to play dirty and harm a supervisor.

The next American issue is when a bet is made for the production of 15,000 cars in one month. Our main character doesn’t correct a lie when the workers interpret that if they will get a raise even if they produce only 13,000. They bust their butts to “go for” the 15,000 mark, but as time gets closer the crew decides to slack off and settle for 13,000 cars. Whereas, the Japanese firm would go like gusto to make or beat the 15,000 mark that was set by management.

Time and time again we see personal conflict with corporate expectations. It isn’t to say that the Japanese are much better then Americans. Where they excel in management and production, they lack in humanity and personal values. For example, a Japanese manager’s wife was having a baby but was unable to leave work to be with her. That would be unheard of in America. The supervisor was continuously under pressure about plan production. He would always work at home and have no time for family.

Both cultures have something to learn from one another. In the end, they came together and worked towards the same goal. It will be interesting to see what our society does as our future begins to change right now in the States. Japan has become a leading force in many industries that were once dominated by Americans. I have yet to see our methods change in order to effectively compete with the Japanese and other cultures. We still argue from within, look out only for ourselves and are willing to prostitute ourselves to the highest bidder even knowing that such action would result in a future problem. I can only hope that America wakes up soon.

My son is going to Japan next year, so I got him this movie to show some of the typical Hollywood stereotypes involving Japanese Companies. While the characters are flawed and 2 dimensional, they put on a good comic performance. It is amazing how humor has changed in the last 20 years, as I don't believe such a comedy would work well today (neither would "Blazing Saddles", but that is another story). Michael Keaton is good in anything as long as it is a comedy and he doesn't wear a cape. Another exciting moment was seeing what role Clint Howard would play, as he always has an entertaining supportive part in his brother Ron's movies.

Just a great working class/ Ron Howard film. I liked it as a kid and hadn't seen it in years until I found it here. Good story and actors, plus I had never seen it on DVD. It's kind of a nostalgic piece for me. Came in great condition, there's no extras or any bonus stuff, probably due to the fact this was a film that I believe slipped under the radar in the mid 80s. Either way, it was great seeing it again and I've enjoyed it.

This is star packed classic taking a shot at culture clash with a real world base. A very well made movie with the right cast to pull off a gut buster where two past foes engage in a battle of ethics, respect and of course honer and pride. One that both sides learn to change and work together after all the drama caused by the split of cultures. In a way it is my motivational movie!!!!

This has got to be one of Michael Keatons best film other than Multiplicity and Mr.Mom. Keatons character is a unemployed factory worker until he gets nominated to go to japan to persuade the japaneese to make their automobile over here in the states. This is a MUST BUY FOR ANY FAN OF MICHAEL KEATON.