Trailer: Purple Heart Warriors

Trailer: Purple Heart Warriors

Author: BBC World Service November 25, 2024 Duration: 4:34

Time-travelling drama about the Japanese American legends of US military history - inspired by real events. The story of the 442nd Regiment fighting the Nazi German army in World War Two. An original six-part drama, released from 9th December 2024. Written by Oscar nominee Iris Yamashita and narrated by Will Sharpe.


Step into a world of carefully crafted sound and narrative with Dramas, an anthology series from the BBC World Service. This isn't just a collection of stories; it's an invitation to experience fiction that transports you, built on a foundation of meticulous production and powerful writing. Each season is a distinct journey, focusing on original, immersive tales that linger long after the final scene. The current installment, "Purple Heart Warriors," exemplifies this commitment. It's a time-travelling drama that brings to light the extraordinary, yet often overlooked, saga of the Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regiment. Inspired by true events from World War Two, the series follows these men who became legends, decorated for their bravery against the Nazi German army even as their own country questioned their loyalty. With narration by Will Sharpe and a script from Oscar-nominated writer Iris Yamashita, the layers of history and personal conflict are rendered with profound emotional clarity. Tuning into this podcast means hearing human experiences amplified through exceptional performance and atmospheric sound design, where every detail serves the story. It's for anyone who believes in the power of audio to create vivid, moving pictures in the mind, offering a deep dive into different lives and pivotal moments, all brought to you by one of the most trusted names in global storytelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 16

Dramas
Podcast Episodes
Bonus: The making of Purple Heart Warriors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:03
Behind the scenes. Find out how our drama, inspired by real events, was born and learn about the creative journey. How did the idea come about and what were the challenges and personal stories which shaped the production…
Purple Heart Warriors: 6. ‘Go for broke’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:24
As the 442nd take on the Nazi enemy, they shout their unit’s anthem: “Go for broke”. Ken finally learns why he has been transported back into his grandfather’s life as a soldier. Then he finds himself travelling forwards…
Purple Heart Warriors: 5. The lost battalion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:29
With half of the men lost, the most dangerous battle of all awaits. The battalion is ordered to rescue Texan soldiers surrounded by German artillery. Can they save the so-called ‘Lost Battalion’?This series is inspired b…
Purple Heart Warriors: 4. Screaming Mimis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
Ken and his Japanese American comrades experience the horror of World War Two combat in Italy. Hardening in battle, they are readied for a push into France. Sheltering in foxholes as rockets rain down, Ken understands mo…
Purple Heart Warriors: 3. True Americans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:58
The battalion heads for Europe. The soldiers spend weeks at sea in bunks stacked five high, and none of them believes that Ken is from the future. Meanwhile, Ken remembers his childhood with his grandfather – a man whose…
Purple Heart Warriors: 2. ‘Buddhaheads’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:38
Ken goes to a Japanese American internment camp and is shocked at what he sees. Tensions between recruits from Hawaii and the mainlanders, so-called “Buddhaheads” and “Kotonks”, are running high. Then some news – the sol…
Purple Heart Warriors: 1. Memorial day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
In Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, a young American finds himself mysteriously transported back in time and training for combat in World War Two. He’s in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in 1943 and can’t understand why he’s there.…
Fukushima: 7. Atonement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:05
Former energy company executive Suto, was supposed to ensure that accidents like this couldn’t happen. Ten years later, he searches for atonement. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami…
Fukushima: 6. Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:58
Years after the disaster, one of the “suicide squad” questions his heroism in a town of ghosts. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Ito: Matt McCooey Keiko: Naoko MoriF…
Fukushima: 5. Invisible enemy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:10
“We are at war….” Politicians seize control. And then a breakthrough; can the disaster be contained? A drama about the events of March 2011.Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Yoshida: Eiji Mihara Prime minis…