Batti, get a life please or at least a love.

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2006)

OK, it's not as good as other war dramas, such as Band of Brothers, but still was excellent. As a British teenager, I tended to have been brought up on war tales such as the Blitz and the Battle of Britain. Pearl harbour is briefly mentioned as the catalyst that brought the U.S.A into WW2, but never given much thought or detail. So one day as I was off from school with nothing to do, i rummaged round the old video case and found a dusty version of Pearl Harbour. I knew facts about it, the date which "will live in infamy" and the aforementioned catalyst. So i decided i had nothing to lose and watched it.
What i found unravelling before my eyes was a fantastic and heart wrenching movie, if a little on the long side at 176 mins.
The storyline takes you along the journey of two best friends in the U.S.Airforce, played by Ben Affleck (in one of the best roles i've seen him play) and a young Josh Hartnett, fantastic as a young pilot in training and a devoted best friend.
In comes Kate Beckinsale as the customary love interest, looking amazing as a Navy nurse. Obviously Afflecks character falls for her, but then his application to join the Battle of Britain in Eagle Squadron comes through and he has to leave her to fight. They promise they are in love and write as often as they can.
In contrast, both Kate and josh get posted in Pearl Harnour, Hawaii. Very peaceful and idyllic.
News comes of Ben's death, obviously both are devastated. Three months later, Kate's friends urge her to move on and Josh and she have a chance meeting, leading up to all sorts of things in a vacant hangar.
Ben comes back, realises whats going on, but meanwhile the build up that has been running throughout this overture of love, Japanese planning, and American attempted code cracking reach the climax as Pearl Harbour is attacked,.
The scenes are intense, and I never realised to what full extend happened that day on December 7th 1941. the sub-plot with Cuba Gooding Jr. is fantastic and shows the racial inequalities of the Americans in the 20th century, and is heartwarming when he receives what he justly deserves.
Back to the plot and Josh and Ben off to the hangar to counter attack.
They succeed and become enrolled in the secret mission of Doolittle squadron. The love triangle deepens when Kate becomes pregnant.
The outcome of the secret mission I won't spoil for you, but the film works out with a mixed sad and happy ending, with the last scene so heartwarming you feel all fuzzy inside. I found this film thoroughly enjoyable and very informative. Contrary to batti's statements, this is not a fill about America good, Japan bad, as scenes featuring the Japanese commander shows his inferior saying :
" You are a brilliant man, sir" with him replying:
" A brilliant man would know how to settle this without fighting a war." Very True.