With the Memorial Day weekend soon approaching, it is hard to ignore the influx of movies that have taken aim at being a top draw at the box office. The film industry has taken very seriously the various holidays in the United States. Each holiday, can make or break the success of any film.
Last year filmgoers were treated to Gladiators . The year before, the Matrix and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, these films were kings of the box office. What these films have in common is that the producers and film companies keyed upon the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Although, we know the history and what occurs during the historic attack on Pearl Harbour. The screen writers for this movie, weave a epic story of love, friendship and honour, with the climax being the battle of Pearl Harbour. Which was by all accounts, the greatest single moment of military triumph against the United States of America.
The tale revolves around two childhood best friends, Rafe and Danny, who grow up wanting to fly planes. When Rafe gets the chance to join the Royal Air Force during World War II, he takes it-leaving and his new love, Evelyn, a dedicated Navy nurse, and Danny, also a pilot, behind. Danny and Evelyn are transferred separately to the idyllic paradise of Hawaii, where they eventually meet through a connection to Rafe, who has been declared missing. But just as the love triangle begins to get complicated, Dec. 7, 1941 arrives, changing all of their lives forever. Stars of the film are Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin, Cuba Gooding Jr. Directed by: Michael Bay.
By looking at the cast of the film, it is plain to see that this is an epic film in all proportions. The studio reportedly spent over 100 million to produce this picture. Although the story is somewhat convoluted, the climax of the film is what the audience is anticipating. The battle scenes, previewed have guaranteed a battle rivalling any in film history.
This film, is worth the price of admission for the climatic battle that forced the United States to enter the Second World War. Films depicting World War Two done in the past did not have the luxury of 21st Century special effects. Films such as ’’From Here to Eternity, ’’ ’’Tora, Tora, Tora’’ and ’’Midway’’ relied upon the character development of the actors of that era. Pearl Harbour, is one of those such films. Not only will it entertain the audience, it will educate and present history in a whole different light. Like the blockbuster ’’Gladiator’’ it will be questioned by critics and historians. But by the audience, the film we be memorable cinematic experience.
I recommend ’’Pearl Harbour, ’’ it is the must see of the year. I predict great success at the box office and satisfaction for the moviegoer, not wanting to question realism and history.