Day of Independence Poster

Day of Independence 2003

27 min📅 2003-09-26

"A desert. A baseball diamond. A friendship. America, 1943."

Directed by Chris Tashima, *Day of Independence (2003)* is a poignant drama set against the harsh realities of 1943 America, where baseball becomes both a battlefield and a beacon of hope.

Director: Chris Tashima

Cast

Derek Mio
Derek Mio
Zip
Marcus Toji
Marcus Toji
Hog
Alan Muraoka
Alan Muraoka
Father
Keiko Kawashima
Mother
Chris Tashima
Chris Tashima
The Umpire
Gina Hiraizumi
Gina Hiraizumi
Rose
Ulysses Lee
Ulysses Lee
Tad
Jon Okui
Jon Okui
Satch
Diana Toshiko
Diana Toshiko
Betty
Sarah Chang
Sarah Chang
Sadie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Day of Independence (2003) about?

The film follows Zip, a teenage Nisei baseball player whose family is forcibly relocated to a WWII internment camp. Struggling with the injustice of their confinement, Zip must summon courage and determination—both on the field and in life—to overcome adversity and reclaim his identity as an American.

Who directed Day of Independence?

Chris Tashima directed *Day of Independence (2003)*, blending historical drama with the emotional weight of family and resilience.

Who stars in Day of Independence?

The film features Derek Mio, Marcus Toji, Alan Muraoka, Keiko Kawashima, and Chris Tashima in key roles.

Is Day of Independence (2003) worth watching?

*Day of Independence (2003)* is a powerful and moving drama that sheds light on a dark chapter of American history. While it may not be widely known, its themes of justice, family, and perseverance make it a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas and thoughtful storytelling.

How long is Day of Independence?

The runtime of *Day of Independence (2003)* is 27 minutes.

About Day of Independence (2003) — A WWII-era drama of baseball, resilience, and injustice

Directed by Chris Tashima, *Day of Independence (2003)* is a poignant drama set against the harsh realities of 1943 America, where baseball becomes both a battlefield and a beacon of hope. The film follows Zip, a 17-year-old Nisei pitcher, as his family is torn from their home and forced into an internment camp during World War II. Trapped in the dusty, desolate confines of the camp, Zip's father makes a decision that tests his son's resolve, while the young athlete must draw on resilience, sacrifice, and the spirit of the game to reclaim his sense of belonging. *Day of Independence (2003)* blends historical gravity with the lighter touch of small-town camaraderie, weaving a story of identity, justice, and the unshakable bonds of family.

The film captures the tension between confinement and freedom, using baseball as a metaphor for perseverance in the face of oppression. Shot in the searing heat of a desert relocation camp, the story unfolds with emotional intensity, highlighting the unjust incarceration of 110,000 Japanese Americans. Derek Mio and Marcus Toji deliver heartfelt performances, anchoring the narrative in authenticity and raw emotion.