How others will see it. The Teahouse of the August Moon is probably too slow-paced for most viewers. It lacks action and suspense. Brando's impersonation of an Okinowan is at first a novelty, and then becomes a passable interpretation of an enterprising rascal.
Still, the patient viewer may gleam some insights from this gentle tale of a minor, obscure moment in Japanese-American history. These will be hashed-out at length in the paragraphs that follow.
How I felt about it. The perceptive may also be charmed by The Teahouse of the August Moon. This charm comes from two perspectives. The well-intentioned occupiers clearly don't know what to do with Okinawa or its people, and have drawn up elaborate but useless plans to turn the island into a westernized society. As they gradually realize the futility of their actions, they become exasperated, then resigned, then finally accept the serenity and beauty of a peaceful foreign culture.
From the islanders' point of view, their mission is to welcome the occupiers, give them a position of honor, take advantage of their generosity, and connive to work around their authority until the occupiers realize that they have changed more than the Okinawans.
The surprise that awaits the occupiers, such as Ford, Albert, and even stubborn Colonel Purdy (Paul Ford), is that the dissipation of their plans is for the best. Okinawan's unique culture would not benefit if the children were herded into day camps (schools) and forced to memorize American songs they don't understand.
Changes to social hierarchy cannot be supported if the culture has not adapted to appreciate the new system. In the end, the American conquerors are only able to implement economic changes. Americans know industry, agriculture, and profit. They are mystified by tea houses and Geisha girls.
Ford and Albert come to love Tobiku. And why not? Ford's hapless and ineffective character is best suited to consensus village government, and he can play village king while being waited on hand and foot by a beautiful woman (Machiko Kyo). Albert, likewise, is finally able to research agriculture without university or military oversight. They are respected, admired, and fooled. Sure beats working at a desk job to eke out a living.