Better than you'd expect

Rating: Null/10 (9 December 2001)

Of all the popcorn movies of 2001, this one was probably one of the best. I have not watched any previous films that depict Pearl Harbour so I have no basis of comparison or bias. If you want a film that is supposed to be historically accurate, you probably will be disappointed. However, one usually goes to watch this type of movie for entertainment and not for historical significance. If that is the case, you'd be better off watching the Discovery Channel instead.
This is probably Jerry Bruckheimer' best work. I usually don't like much of his movies since most of his work is ususally over the top with nothing but mindless explosions and one dimensional characters. If you are an action fan who has seen so much of this genre that big explosions are no longer enough to sustain your interest, but also need a good story and characters to make it worthwhile, then this movie is it. Surprisingly, this isn't the same drab that Bruckheimer has been mass producing the past 5 years. The characters are actually people that you care about, but I agree with the general consensus that the first hour was a little too long for character development. Also the nurse falling for the other guys's friend was just too typical and not very beleivable. The character development is not exactly original and probably has been done serveral times, but it works. However, if it is action you want, you won't be disappointed either. The attack on the harbour and the dog fight scenes are probably nothing I have seen in any other movie (however, i did have a little bit of Star Wars deja vu, especially when one of the protagonists was trying to shake off an enemy plane). The special effects and people falling off the ships are reminiscent of Titanic. However, the characters are not as appealing as Titanic, and where that movie was equally strong in characterization and action, Pearl Harbour would not be so good if not for the action in the latter half of the movie.
Overall, if you aren't looking for any historical realism but enjoy an action movie with a love story thrown in, then you'll probably enjoy this trip back into time. The fact that it is also the 60th anniversary of the event might also make this movie a little more enjoyable.