The incredible story is based on the autobiography of Dr Aidan McCarthy 'A Doctor's War' and his tale of heroism and humanity during World War Two. It follows his families search for the Japanese camp commander who presented McCarthy with a Katana at the end of the war and the subsequent legacy left after the war. This documentary goes into great detail outlining McCarthy's harrowing journey as a twenty eight year old Doctor from West Cork who joins the RAF prior to the outbreak of World War Two. McCarthy goes on to survive Dunkirk, two Japanese POW camps, being torpedoed and the second atomic bomb drop on Nagasaki as well as numerous other calamitous event. This is a very fine visual documentary that holds you to the final credits. The participation of McCarthy's family throughout the documentary gives the viewer a unique insight into a generation of men that never spoke about the events in world war two. This documentary cannot help but move the viewer and allow them to understand and gain some insight into the heroic actions and humanity of a reluctant hero.
A Doctor's Sword
2015
Animation / Documentary
A Doctor's Sword
2015
Animation / Documentary
8.1Plot summary
A young Irish doctor survived the atomic bomb attack on Nagasaki and was given a Samurai sword for the lives he saved. 70 years later his family searches for the origin of their father's sword. A Doctor's Sword uses animation and an orchestral score to tell the incredible story of how Aidan MacCarthy, a young doctor from a small fishing village on the west of Ireland survived some of the most harrowing episodes of World War II. He joined the RAF as the war began. Soon after he found himself under attack as Germany invaded Northern France and was evacuated from Dunkirk. He was awarded the George's Cross medal for bravery in May 1941 when he rescued the crew of a burning bomber which had crash-landed after returning from a raid. He later volunteered for service in Asia but as Singapore fell to the Japanese he was captured in Java and endured almost 4 years of brutal captivity. During this time he was subjected to starvation, forced labour, beatings and torture. Despite the grim circumstances he managed to use his medical training to save numerous lives by improvising with the limited resources available to him. Dr MacCarthy was working as forced labour in Nagasaki when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city and ironically, the destruction of Nagasaki brought about the beginning of the end of his captivity. Aidan's experiences cast a long shadow over the MacCarthy family throughout his life and almost 20 years after his death his daughter embarks on a journey to Japan to discover the truth behind the origin of the sword. This is a story of survival, forgiveness and humanity of the highest level.
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Amazing story of reluctant hero and a Japanese War Katana
Beautifully told true story with great animation!
This film captures an amazing story about the Cork born Dr. Aidan McCarthy. In an era where many Irish men displayed courage and bravery serving with the RAF, Dr. McCarthy's experiences were truly heroic. This film marries the Doctor's adventures with his daughters' journey of discovery about the Doctor's sword. The animation included in the film adds beautifully to the atmosphere of the tale. Sensitively told and wonderfully produced, it is a reminder that everyone has a story. Translating this story into a film serves as a reminder of those modest heroes that survive incredible things and yet still show humility and compassion. Well done to all involved in the production.
Brilliant Documentary
A very sensitively thought out film. This completely non-judgemental story tells the incredible facts of the war time experiences of Dr Aidan MacCarthy in Europe and the far East. Interesting rare wartime film footage has been used, and where this was not possible, brilliant animated sequences have been used instead. This is a tremendous story of heroism and humanity amid wartime horrors.It also documents the search by Aidan's family to find out more of the background to their father's story and why a samurai sword is to be found in a small pub in Castletown Berehaven in the far south west of Ireland.This is a must see film.