Does not deserve the poor reviews I've read

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2001)

This movie does not deserve the mediocre reviews I have read. Pearl Harbor delivers on all fronts. The acting is good, the script is thoughtful and moves the story along, and the special effects do a great job!
Many reviews I read said that the first hour was boring, and that the love story was stiff and contrived. I saw the movie, expecting to be entertained by the special effects only. I was pleasantly surprised. The love story is romantic and the characters are engaging. The setup before the attack lets the viewer get to know the characters and their environment. My emotions ran high as I saw the drama that the characters went through. The impact is greater on the characters that had been developed, but even the suffering of the many nameless ones still affect the viewer.
I did not think the movie dragged at any time, and I easily sat through the three hours. The drama of that fateful time is well presented, and I strongly recommend this movie.