Superb cinematography, but, script needed more work

Rating: 7/10 (11 June 2001)

Let me first say that the action sequences and the acting of the leads is without reproach. The filming of the attack itself is fantastic and is engrossing (without the revulsion of Private Ryan).
(There are many well publicised continuity goofs, but, I don't spend my movie time worrying about that sort of thing.)
However, and it is a really big, HOWEVER, why didn't someone give the script a going over and dump the farcical last 30mins. While they were at it there is at least another thirty minutes of 'fat' in the film that could have been lost while they were at it. It detracted from the story and left a bad taste when you eventually leave your seat.
I think this more than anything else account for the low scores it has received here and elsewhere. I know Hollywood/Americans were loathe to leave the story at the low point of there massacre at Pearl harbour. But, it would have been a much stronger film if you had.
Also, the scenes cut in to try and minimise the poor reflection of the Japanese were bordering on farce in themselves. Go watch Schindlers List again to get the idea.
All in all a good movie to watch at home were you could turn it off in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl.