Come See the Paradise

Come See the Paradise

Year: 1990

Runtime: 133 mins

Language: English

Director: Alan Parker

DramaHistoryRomancePolitics and human rightsRacism and the powerful fight for justice

Set in 1942, when more than 100,000 Japanese‑Americans are forced into internment camps, fugitive Jack McGurn escapes to Los Angeles and becomes a projectionist for a Japanese‑American theater owner. He falls for the owner’s daughter Lily; their secret romance drives them to elope to Seattle, marry, and raise a daughter. As World War II erupts, Jack watches helplessly as his family is seized for internment.

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Timeline – Come See the Paradise (1990)

Trace every key event in Come See the Paradise (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

1936: Arson scandal forces McGurn to flee New York

In 1936, Jack McGurn works as a projectionist in New York City and participates in a harassment campaign against non-union theaters. One attack ends in the death of a fellow union member when a fire breaks out, intensifying guilt. To avoid police attention and potential confession, his boss urges him to leave the city.

1936 New York City
2

Jack relocates to Los Angeles and adopts a new identity

He relocates to Los Angeles, taking the name McGann to start anew. He finds work as a non-union projectionist at a Kawamura theater and begins a romance with Lily.

1936 Los Angeles
3

Love grows, but legal barriers loom

Jack and Lily begin a relationship that faces cultural and legal barriers. California law and Lily's Issei parents complicate their union, and they dream of a future together.

1936-1937 Los Angeles
4

Lily and Jack elope to Seattle and start a family

Because they cannot legally marry in California, they elope to Seattle where they marry. They soon start a family, with their daughter Mini born later.

late 1930s Seattle
5

World War II disrupts life; internment begins

When World War II begins, Lily and Mini are rounded up and sent to the Manzanar internment camp. Jack is away on a trip and remains unaware of the immediate danger facing his family.

early 1940s Manzanar, California
6

Jack is drafted into the U.S. Army

During the war, Jack is drafted into the United States Army, leaving his wife and daughter to face internment on their own. He cannot help them prepare for their imprisonment, and the separation weighs on him.

1940s
7

Jack visits the camp and confers with Lily's father

During a private visit to the Manzanar camp, Jack tells Lily's father that he has gone AWOL and wants to stay with them through whatever they must endure. The elder man listens and begins to understand the depth of their bond.

1940s Manzanar
8

Father urges acceptance and hope

The Kawamura elder counsels Jack to return to the Army, saying he now believes Jack is truly in love with Lily and is a worthy husband. He urges them to endure the hardship and to do what duty demands.

1940s Manzanar
9

Desertion revealed; FBI closes in

Jack returns to duty, ready to face punishment for desertion, when FBI agents confront him and reveal that the 'McGann' who disappeared years ago is the McGurn they have been seeking for arson. The revelation shatters his attempt to start anew.

late 1940s United States (military/federal)
10

Prison sentence for desertion

Following the arrest, Jack serves a prison sentence for desertion. The family remains separated, and years pass as he pays his debt to the country.

late 1940s to early 1950s Prison
11

1950s reunion begins at the rural train station

In the 1950s, a train arrives at a rural station and Lily and Mini reunite with Jack. The moment marks the long-awaited rejoining of the family after his time in prison.

1950s Rural train station
12

A family restored and moving forward

The family is reunited and begins to rebuild their life together. They carry forward the memories of their trials while choosing to focus on a hopeful future together.

1950s

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:06

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