Movie was entertaining, but takes some liberties with reality

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2001)

As a history teacher, WWII buff, and friend of many vets (including Pearl survivors), I think it should be noted that Pearl Harbor has some trade-offs made to sell tickets. The love story is a detraction, but does offer some humanity to otherwise hollow characters out of a history book. Some things said and done are not accurate, but to go too into detail would take a long, long movie, and bore most audience members raised on eye candy. The actual story is best learned from those who were there, and I hope that anyone who really wants to understand the story will take time to dig a little deeper. Still, the action sequences are the best dramatization of the attack seen yet onscreen. Go see it, but remember it wasn't all like that (especially the Doolittle raid- read 30 Seconds Over Tokyo..)