Those familiar with the respected BBC series "Tenko" from the 1980s will likely understand the difficulties faced by women under Japanese occupation. This somber drama directed by Jean Negulesco effectively portrays that kind of oppression. Claudette Colbert, playing an American writer named “Mrs. Keith,” is married to a British colonial administrator when their region is invaded. She becomes separated from her husband, "Harry" (Patric Knowles), and along with her young son "George" (Mark Keuning) finds herself confined in a rudimentary camp alongside the other women of her community. Sessue Hayakawa portrays the Colonel who oversees the camp; he’s familiar with her writing and seems to show some measure of respect toward her, but his subordinates are prone to using physical abuse as a way to demonstrate their perceived strength. The situation escalates when she is attacked and then voices a complaint. While there's nothing overtly violent shown on screen, at times the film can be quite difficult to endure. Much of the impact comes from what might happen next; the inventive use of sound and the absence of emotional outbursts create an absorbing feeling of danger. These women display remarkable resilience and determination, refusing to submit even when they realize their children are being used as leverage and that they may never reunite with their husbands or regain their liberty. Colbert delivers a wonderful performance, and there's substance to the other characters as well; some amusing dark humor is present, and the cinematography provides a striking depiction of their often rainy, hungry, and frightening lives. It’s definitely worth seeing.

Source on TMDB