Pearl harbor (Pearl Harbor (DVD))

Member Name: hashzip

Product:	Pearl Harbor (DVD)
Date:	23/06/01 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good graphics

Disadvantages: none really!

I must admit that the addition of the love triangle between Rafe, Danny and Evelyn in the screenplay made me very uneasy because I felt it was irrelevant to the movie. I agree the love triangle is intriguing; I feel the focus should have been on the strategies of the Japanese and the counter-strategies of the United States. If this were to happen, it would have made for a much more intriguing and interesting movie. Despite my feelings toward this sub-plot, I feel that it was an interesting departure from the real story.

I enjoyed watching every moment of the battle scenes because it brought to a place I haven't been before. It taught me the true meaning of camaraderie and the emotional tolls it took on the soldiers, their families, friends and rest of America. It is a true honor to watch a film like "Pearl Harbor" that has a far-reaching impact and emotional tolls on millions of Americans.

The power and strength of "Pearl Harbor" lies with the balance of war scenes with the creation of a script so rich in historical value and lessons the audience learns from watching this movie. "Pearl Harbor" is a perfect example of history coming to life and giving the audience a glimpse into a time in history when America rallied together to defeat the Japanese.

The individual dramas the military personnel faced during the attack was a brilliant addition because I got the chance to see the true effect war had on each sailor and pilot who fought. I was glad to see time spent on character development because most war films seem to fall into a trap that is all action, all the time. With "Pearl Harbor," I felt like these people were my best friends and had a reason to care for them.

"Pearl Harbor's" most impressive asset was the cast producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay assembled. When I learned the talent that signed on to take part in this huge motion picture event, I couldn
't wait to see it. With films such as "Good Will Hunting," "Armageddon" and "Bounce" under his belt, Affleck is a star with charm and presence. With only three films, Hartnett is young star on the rise with a bright future.

Beyond the historical lessons, performances by the leads and the war scenes; the greatest asset were the performances turned in by Baldwin as Col. Jimmy Doolittle, Gooding Jr. as Doris 'Dorie' Miller, Voight as President Roosevelt and Sizemore as Earl. Individually, these actors were phenomenal; however, when they combine their talents it is Oscar worthy. Aside from the centerpiece battle scenes that occupied 40 minutes of the movie, historic values and the outstanding performances by these A-list actors were more than enough to sell me on "Pearl Harbor."

"Pearl Harbor" boasted the greatest breakthrough performance of the year. Beckinsale carried herself with style, grace and presence; qualities that not only make her unique but a natural. She made me smile because I knew Bruckheimer and Bay had found a diamond in the rough. With the heat she produced with her performance, I felt these qualities jump off the screen. I was honored to be in the audience watching one of the greatest breakout roles in 2001.

Another breakout performance not be overlooked is James King, who played a navy nurse. Like Beckinsale, she was a welcome breath of fresh air in a place where it is very difficult to locate true talent. Along with Beckinsale, she lit the screen with her smile and melted my heart with her performance. If she continues to act, King will become a huge star.

I have always maintained that a love theme is the crux of every romantic film. "Pearl Harbor" joins a long list of movies that includes "Frequency," "Titanic" and "Con Air" that contains romantic ballads that goes straight to the heart. Faith Hill's intense,
impressive and soulful voice delivers ‘There You'll Be' a song that has eclipsed all love themes before due the immense emotions the lyrics stir up inside.

Though the movie may be flawed, "Pearl Harbor" deserves to be recognized as one of the best war films based upon learning the historical value and lessons behind the tragic day of Dec. 7, 1941. Audiences will be amazed by the portrayals of these brave soldiers and the heroism they showed during this tragedy called Pearl Harbor.

Summary: