The Great Role

The Great Role

Year: 2005

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Steve Suissa

DramaComedyRomance

Five friends, Maurice, Sami, Simon, Elie, and Edouard, are struggling actors until Maurice is offered the lead role in Rudolph Grichenberg's Yiddish adaptation of "The Merchant of Venice." His life takes a complicated turn when his wife, Perla, becomes seriously ill. As Maurice navigates the challenges of the demanding role and his wife’s illness, his friends offer support, and the boundaries between his acting journey and the realities of love and loss become increasingly blurred.

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Timeline – The Great Role (2005)

Trace every key event in The Great Role (2005) 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

Entry into World War II

In December 1941, the United States officially entered World War II following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. This momentous event marked a significant turning point in history, altering the course of the conflict on a global scale.

December 1941 Pearl Harbor
2

Japanese Attack on the Philippines

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces launched an offensive against the Philippines. This led to a desperate retreat of 10,000 American troops alongside 60,000 Filipino soldiers to the Bataan peninsula, where they were cut off from any naval support.

Philippines
3

General MacArthur's Departure

Amidst the chaos of the Philippines, General Douglas MacArthur was compelled to leave for Australia. He made a poignant vow to return, promising the troops and the Filipino people that he would not abandon them.

Philippines
4

Surrender to Japanese Forces

After months of intense conflict, the American and Filipino forces capitulated to the Japanese Imperial Army. This surrender marked a humiliating defeat and began a dark chapter for the captured soldiers.

April 1942 Philippines
5

Bataan Death March

Following their surrender, the Japanese army forced approximately 70,000 troops into a brutal march known as the Bataan Death March. Over the course of 60 miles, about 15,000 men lost their lives due to exhaustion, cruelty, and deprivation.

Bataan Peninsula
6

Conditions in POW Camps

The surviving prisoners were taken to camps at O'Donnell, Cabanatuan, and Palawan. Inside these facilities, they faced horrific living conditions, with many succumbing to starvation, abuse, and disease.

O'Donnell, Cabanatuan, Palawan
7

Extermination Memo from Japan

In August 1944, a chilling memo from Tokyo's war ministry emerged, revealing a policy for the extermination of POWs. This directive intended to leave no survivor among the prisoners, signaling the gravitas of their plight.

August 1944 Tokyo
8

Massacre at Palawan

The film opens with the depiction of a massacre of POWs on Palawan, carried out by the Kempeitai, the infamous secret police of the Imperial Japanese military. This brutal event sets a somber tone for the narrative, highlighting the peril faced by the prisoners.

Palawan
9

The Cabanatuan Rescue Mission

In 1945, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci and Captain Robert Prince spearheaded a daring rescue mission to free over 500 American soldiers from the Cabanatuan POW camp. The operation promised to be one of the most daring rescues in military history, aimed at providing the inmates a chance at freedom.

1945 Cabanatuan
10

Conditions in Cabanatuan

As the winter of 1944 set in, the conditions in Cabanatuan worsened, with many POWs suffering from malaria and malnutrition. Lt. Gen. Walter Krueger urged the Rangers to act quickly before the Japanese could carry out their plans for the prisoners' executions.

Winter 1944 Cabanatuan
11

Filipino Resistance and Nurse's Role

The narrative also spotlights the brave efforts of the Filipino resistance, including the courageous nurse Margaret Utinsky. She undertook great risks to smuggle medicine into the camps, showcasing the resilience and heart of those who opposed the occupation.

Cabanatuan
12

Planning the Raid

Mucci approved Prince's well-formulated raid plan, which was crucial as the situation for the POWs became increasingly dire. Reports indicated that the Japanese were prepared to execute the prisoners, escalating the urgency for action.

Cabanatuan
13

Execution of the Rescue Mission

As the Rangers launched their raid, they faced daunting enemy defenses, yet they persevered against significant odds. The high stakes not only tested their military skill but also highlighted their commitment to freeing their comrades.

Cabanatuan
14

Successful Liberation

The raid culminated in the successful rescue of 511 POWs from the Cabanatuan camp. However, while Mucci and Prince received commendations for their bravery, the emotional toll and the scars of war remained painfully evident.

Cabanatuan
15

Aftermath and Liberation

As the war neared its conclusion, Margaret's determination remained unwavering as she served tirelessly until liberation in February 1945. The hopes for reunification with Major Daniel Gibson are marred by tragedy, emphasizing the deep personal cost of war.

February 1945 Philippines

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 11:07

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The Great Role Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Role

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