A moving experience

Rating: Null/10 (9 August 2001)

Well, I managed to see the film eventually. As a 'Brit' I was truly expecting to loathe the movie. It was slated by the critics (especially by those who reside over my side of the ocean). I saw it twice within ten days.......hmmm......
I found the movie to be an emotional journey. I have to admit that I managed to miss the first 15 minutes of the movie on both viewings. I was touched by the waste of life, the naievety of the people in charge of the Hawaiain islands and by the historical consequences of the United States worst hour.
I went to the first viewing with my wife's stepfather; he flew B25's in Burma during WWII. He was stunned by the flying sequences and he was teary eyed by the conclusion. His opinion was that the flying sequences were stunning. I agree - they were stomach churning.....
I then saw the movie with my wife - she was also moved to tears. The tragic waste of life on the US battleships needed explanation. I suggested that Pearl Harbor signalled the end of the battleship as a real force. The Aircraft Carrier continues to be the strong arm of the navy - it was regrettable that the Japanese recognised it's strength first.
So, what were the movie's strong points?
Firstly, despite the weak storyline, it is a stunning piece of history which needs to be seen, digested and understood by all. Secondly there are some amazing cinematographic moments in this film. The images of the Japanese aircraft flying over the non-combatants at the beginning of the attack were poignant and grotesquely beautiful.
I was totally ignorant about the Doolittle raids before seeing this movie. It squared a circle in my mind. Tragically, the British Bomber Command have yet to receive a campaign medal for their efforts against mainland Germany in WWII. The Doolittle raids were a testimony to man's ingenuity in adversity.
My advice? Forget the love triangle and watch with awe as the reasons for US foreign policy in the second half of the 20th century unravels before your eyes....