Well done despite the flaws

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 2001)

I can't believe Roger Ebert gave this film */1/2 star. What is he thinking? His main problem was that the film does not provide historical background. For instance, he wonders why the film doesn't explain why were they Japanese in China. First of all this is a movie, not a researched paper with footnotes. Second, believe me there are people out there who know some history. I think the attack itself was very well staged and that's the part of the film that really works. On the other hand, I believe the romance could have been handled better. The magical romantic scenes of Titanic were missing here. Perhaps a more dramatic twist, such as the death of Affleck, would have made the film more powerful. I must say I enjoyed the relationship between the two freinds. That was a love story by itself. I like Kate Beckinsale as the nurse and Josh Hartnett as Danny. Affleck was ok, but a better actor, such as Jim Cavaziel or Wes Bentley, would have served the film better. Finally, Jon Voight was great as FDR. I was impressed by him the most. He has truelly develped from a star to a great character actor. He should be nominated for best supporting actor. Overall in a year that so far has brought us movies like Hannibal, this was a satisfying film. It was not Titanic, but it was good enough.