Pearl Habor

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2014)

Pearl Habor is a historical movie directed by Michael Bay in 2001. It's a perfect way to show how America entered in WWII. There are three main characters: Captain Rafe McCawley played by Ben Affleck, Captain Danny Walker played by Josh Hartnett and Nurse Lieutenant Evelyn Johnson played by Kate Beckinsale. At the beginning of the movie we follow Rafe and Danny's childhood. They wanted to be pilot and some years later they join the Royal Air Force. Rafe is in love with Evelyn, since their first meeting. He goes to England to fight against the German Air Force: Luftwaffe whereas Evelyn and Danny are sent to Pearl Habor. When Rafe is back at Pearl Habor there is a surprise attack by the Japanese Air Force. This movie plunges us aptly in the horror of war. Through the actor's play of Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett we can feel exactly the solders' feeling during this period. Firstly through the childhood of the two young men we understand that a lot of little boys wanted to serve their homeland, to be soldier and wanted to participate in the protection of their country. Then, when Rafe goes to England and he announces it to Evelyn we understand it was difficult for a wife, mother, sister or whatever to see their husband, son, or brother leaving. And we see it's also difficult for Danny because a friend is precious and he is afraid of his friend's death. Moreover when Rafe's plane crashed into the sea he thinks all the time of Evelyn in order not do die. So we can see that women are very important to soldiers to give their strength and courage. This movie also emphasizes brotherhood between soldiers. Indeed during all the movie, the young men build a relation of friendship which seems to be very strong. And it's very important to mentioned that this sort of group, had need to the strength relations. During the scene of the bombing we can see the panic in the eyes of the actors. We can see soldiers crying and saying "Mom!!" This moment transcribes very well the horror which soldiers underwent during this historical event. Moreover with the sound and the special affects we can believe we are part of the scene, we are with soldiers, we can felt their fear when they see the first Japanese plane. We can see soldiers were ready to sacrifice themselves for their country. We can think that the beginning was a little bit long but I think it's important to follow life of those soldiers before the attack because we can identify with them thanks to the scenario. After seeing this movie I can say they were not only soldiers, cannon fodder but they were friends, husbands, fathers, and above all, they were human beings and they gave everything they could to their country.