Windtalkers: The Making of the John Woo Film About the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II

by John Woo

With more than 100 dramatic movie and historical photos, the official tie-in to the film starring Nicolas Cage, based on real events about the Navajo Marine code talkers, who developed the only American code the Japanese never cracked—from MGM in June 2002. In the first movie made on the subject, director John Woo ( Impossible 2 , Face/Off ) reveals the invaluable actions of the Navajo code talkers during the war in the Pacific, heroes whose bravery earned them the Congressional Medal of Honor. The code talkers transmitted radio messages using a secret, efficient, unbreakable code based on their native language. The film's gripping climax takes place during the Battle of Saipan, when the Marines, fighting off the Japanese, must risk their lives to safeguard the code. This full-color companion book tells the fascinating story behind the movie—from facts about the code's creation to historical background of the Navajo nation; from a glimpse into the rigorous code talker training program to production details about transforming a Hawaiian landscape into a Saipan battlefront. The pages are filled with captivating color images from the film and historic photographs from the U.S. Marines and the National Archives, as well personal reflections by Woo and Senator Jeff Bingaman, screenwriters, producers, and actors—plus samples and translations of the Navajo code. Approx. 100 color photos.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2002

About the author

John Woo Yu-Sen (Chinese: 吳宇森) is a Hong Kong film director, producer and screenwriter. He is considered a major influence on the action genre, known for his highly chaotic action sequences, stylized imagery, Mexican standoffs, frequent use of slow motion and allusions to neo-noir, wuxia and Western cinema.