Pearl Harbor - A film that will live in Infamy? (Pearl Harbor (DVD))

Member Name: knowkeys

Product:	Pearl Harbor (DVD)
Date:	08/08/02 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Special Effects, The making of ....

Disadvantages: Dialogue, Storyline, Length

The quote on the back of the DVD box states:

"December 7th 1941 - A date which will live in infamy?"

It is appropriate that the title for this review should follow the same lines.

There are mixed reviews:

The special effects are incredible and use state of the art techniques to give you the feeling of being there, a bit too close at times.

The story and dialogue lack quality and is at times corny and simplistic. I suppose the film is for the American market and it reflects the target audience.

The small screen cannot do justice to this "epic blockbuster" which is a three hour love story set against the events leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The plot revolves around the life and loves of the hero pilots of the USAF. In particular the relationships between Rafe (Ben Affleck), Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett) and Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale).

In typical fashion, the USA won the war without any input and help from anyone else. The story revolves around the story of the attack and the lack of foresight by members of the US Military.

They have tried to make the story more interesting by introducing a "human interest love" theme to the story.

The full horror cannot be reproduced and people who remember the event will enjoy the retelling of the story.

The special effects will appeal to the younger members of the audience.

The love story will appeal to all how like a "weepy", although you will not need a box of hankies.

Make sure you do not drink before and during this film if you intend to watch it in one sitting, either that or have the pause button handy!

Special Features

1st disc - film

2nd disc - extras

48 Minute documentary - "The Making of Pearl Harbor"
Short documentary - Pearl Harbor: The Japanese Perspective
Faith Hill Music Video <
br><
br><
br>Theatrical Trailer

Booklet a
bout the Production

Summary

The story and dialogue is a bit ropey at times, the special effects are brought to you by the same team that brought you "Armageddon" (Bruckheimer and Bay).

It is an essential DVD? No, is it worth having? Yes, but only if the price comes down from £19.99 or it is available as a "buy one, get one free" offer.

Current price £14.99.

WARNING - SYNOPSIS CONTAINS SPOILERS !

Synopsis
Rafe and Danny grow up together with dreams of becoming pilots. That dream becomes a reality at the start of the Second World War.

Rafe meets and falls in love with Evelyn, a nurse serving in the US navy. Cue some of the corniest pickup lines and dialogue. In one scene he states that he has "French Champagne from France", Doh! I was looking for Homer Simpson to pop up!!!

He is eager to get involved in the war and signs up with the British Royal Air Force and promptly gets shot down and is "Missing in Action - Presumed Dead".

On hearing this Evelyn & Danny console each other and one thing leads to another!

Rafe returns before the attack on Pearl Harbor and falls out with Danny - I wonder why? Rafe is resolved to his fate.

There is a lead up to the attack but no one actually believes that the Japanese will attack. Many lives were lost during the attack and some of the best special effects are seen at this point. It is worth noting that there is some "strobe effects" during the hospital scenes.

Of course, in good hero style Rafe and Danny get their planes off the ground and manage to inflict some casualties on the Japanese.

The attack is now over and the extent of the aftermath is a blow to American Morale. An attack on Japan is planned in retaliation, which will be a "suicide mission", i.e. there will be doubt on whet
her the Amer
ican Pilots
will return. Once the bombs have been dropped, they will try to fly onto the Chinese Mainland and contact the Chinese "Resistance".

Evelyn tells Rafe that she is pregnant by Danny and Rafe promises to ensure that he will get Danny home. Of course, in true love story style Danny is killed saving Rafe's life and returns home in a box!

This allows Rafe and Evelyn to pick up the pieces, Danny's son is born (Not Danny Boy!) and they live happily ever after!

Summary: