Pearl Harbor (2001)

Critics should take another look at Pearl Harbor. It is the most treasured movie in my collection and should have a place in every patriotic home.

Written by Randall Wallace and skillfully directed by Michael Bay, Pearl Harbor tells a tale of friendship and love set in the days before America gets involved in WW2.

Rafe McCawely(Ben Affleck), and Danny Walker(Josh Hartnett) are best friends, who as children dreamt of becoming fighter pilots. All grown up, their dreams are realized as they are both officers in the Army Air Corps.
Rafe is cocky and anxious to prove himself in combat while Danny is more reserved. He too is ready to fight, but not until America enters the war.

When this movie hit the big screen in 2001, movie critics attacked it viciously due it's lack of historical accuracy. Apparently they went to the show expecting to see a documentary and not to be entertained. It got a bad rap. Pearl Harbor entertains. The story is not meant to be a history lesson, but rather a touching tale of friendship and love that uses the sinister Japanese attack as a back drop.

Historical figures such as Doris Miller(Cuba Godding Jr.) and Col. James Doolittle(Alec Baldwin) steal a few scenes, but the movie revolves around the fictional characters played by Affleck and Hartnett. Evelyn(Kate Beckinsale), a stunning navy nurse, is the love interest of both Rafe and Danny, in a predictable story line, but it is entertaining none the less. Rafe volunteers to fly with the British, leaving behind Evelyn, and best friend Danny to watch over her. When word comes that Rafe has been shot down and presumed dead, the two turn to one another for comfort, leading eventually to a romance of their own. You guessed it. Rafe turns up later in the movie to discover that things had changed drastically. The next day, the Japanese Imperial fleet arrives to make things even worse.

What I love about this movie is that it showcases the American spirit of the era. It was a time when the country was united and patriotism was more than just a word. Following the devestating attack on Pearl Harbor, America rallied behind the Presidents decision to enter the war. Young men and women answered the call of duty without reservation, and the whole of the nation willingly made sacrifices to support the war effort.

Michael Bay also managed to capture the horror of the Japanes suprise attack. The aerial footage over Battleship row was stunning and the pyrotechnic effects made the combat scenes come to life. The chaos at the hospital was filmed in a way that captured the overwhelming helplessness and emotional turmoil that medical personel experienced as the critically wounded came in faster than they could keep up with.

Pearl Harbor's cast blended well to create a great period romance. At times the acting may have been a little over the top, but I can also see producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay encouraging a little overacting to capture the essence of film making in the 1940's. If that was their intention, Alec Baldwin definately pulled it off.

I simply can't say enough about Pearl Harbor. WATCH IT! You will understand why I enjoyed it so much, and maybe it will become one of your favorites too.

Interested in owning Pearl Harbor? Get it here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_d_2_5?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=pearl+harbor+dvd&sprefix=pearl

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4307155&st=pearl+harbor&lp=8&type=product&cp=1&id=46133

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Pearl-Harbor-DVD/608900/product.html