American Pastime

The film opens with a poignant depiction of the Nomura family, showcasing their life as a typical American family of Japanese heritage in 1941. The family consists of Japanese-born parents and their two American-born sons, Lane and Lyle, setting the stage for the challenges they will soon face.

The lives of the Nomura family take a dramatic turn with the enactment of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This order allows for the forced removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast, leading to the family's imminent displacement from their home in Los Angeles.

As a direct consequence of the executive order, the Nomura family is compelled to vacate their Los Angeles home. The film portrays the real historical footage of families being rounded up, highlighting the emotional toll and the injustice faced by many, including the Nomura siblings who are American citizens.

The Nomuras are relocated to the Topaz War Relocation Center, depicted through vivid footage showcasing the desolate desert environment. This relocation highlights the stark conditions faced by interned families and paints a grim picture of their new reality.

In the desolate surroundings of the camp, the patriarch of the Nomura family organizes an in-camp baseball league. This effort serves as a way to bring joy and normalcy to the interned families while also emphasizing the importance of community amidst adversity.

One of the guards at the camp, Billy Burrell, is introduced as a minor-league baseball player who feels resentment due to being overlooked by a New York Yankees scout. Burrell's character brings complexity to the narrative, illustrating the intertwining of personal ambition and prejudice.

Demonstrating bravery and commitment to his country, Lane Nomura makes the selfless decision to enlist in the army. He joins the esteemed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, known as the 'Purple Heart Battalion,' which has become a symbol of the sacrifices made by Japanese American soldiers during WWII.

A guard at the camp who initially disapproves of Japanese Americans serving in the military experiences a profound transformation. After learning about the sacrifices made by men from Topaz, including those who rescued a Texas battalion, his perception shifts as he acknowledges their bravery.

The younger son, Lyle, becomes increasingly rebellious, fueled by anger over the injustices faced by his family and others in the camp. His frustration reflects a broader sentiment among the internees, struggling against their imposed circumstances and loss of dignity.

As tensions rise, the Topaz team faces off against Burrell and a local minor league team. This event becomes a significant moment for Lyle, revealing the bigotry and disdain some community members openly display, challenging the athletes to prove their worth amidst prejudice.

Throughout the film, the narrative emphasizes the resilience of the Japanese American community as they navigate their forced internment. Despite facing extreme adversity, the Nomura family and their peers showcase their dignity and unwavering spirit in the face of injustice.