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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I dislike this film considerably, though my own peeves have nothing to do with the acting, the special effects, the set, and so on. I'm basically upset at the simplicity of this film. It asks very few questions about why the attack on Pearl Harbour took place. But Pearl Harbour was the event that drew the United States into the Second World War. It is on a par with Hitler's invasion of Poland, so you'd think that a film with this title would treat the event with the seriousness it deserves. Not so.
Just in case you think my complaints are purely hypothetical, there have been some excellent revisionist histories published in the more than half century since the bombing took place. With the passage of time and the cooling of tempers, legitimate questions have been raised on both sides of the Pacific. Why was the United States so unprepared? Was the military deliberately left uninformed by the U.S. government, in order to draw a hitherto reluctant nation into war? Why do we take it for granted that Hawaii is part of the United States (it wasn't a state until 1959), and what's the Japanese take on that? Could it be that the United States has a history of imperialism just as imperial Japan did?
Basically, I take issue with this film for the same reason that I take issue with 'Titanic' (1997). The romance isn't bad, but why have romance at all? Aren't the historical events enough in themselves? Isn't it rather insulting to put a fictional boy-meets-girl romance slap bang in the centre of an affair that affected the lives of thousands, if not millions? What purpose does it serve apart from distracting us from an utterly momentous event? 'Tora! Tora! Tora!' (1970) is an older film, but far more sophisticated in comparison. Thirty years have passed, and I'm left feeling that the opportunity for a deeper, more comprehensive viewing experience has been utterly wasted.
Onto the battle scene. This is spectacular and gripping, and will have everyone on the edge of their seats. But it exists in a total vacuum. We know that it's 'the Japanese' doing it, but they might as well be Martians. Sorry, but I think they deserve much better treatment than this film has afforded them. Why are they doing it? How did they get the idea? How long did it take to plan? What were the precise objectives? For that matter, who are they? What do they believe in? Did any of them have girlfriends and sweethearts waiting for them in Japan? Or is it only Americans who have that privilege?
Just in case you think my complaints are purely hypothetical, there have been some excellent revisionist histories published in the more than half century since the bombing took place. With the passage of time and the cooling of tempers, legitimate questions have been raised on both sides of the Pacific. Why was the United States so unprepared? Was the military deliberately left uninformed by the U.S. government, in order to draw a hitherto reluctant nation into war? Why do we take it for granted that Hawaii is part of the United States (it wasn't a state until 1959), and what's the Japanese take on that? Could it be that the United States has a history of imperialism just as imperial Japan did?
Basically, I take issue with this film for the same reason that I take issue with 'Titanic' (1997). The romance isn't bad, but why have romance at all? Aren't the historical events enough in themselves? Isn't it rather insulting to put a fictional boy-meets-girl romance slap bang in the centre of an affair that affected the lives of thousands, if not millions? What purpose does it serve apart from distracting us from an utterly momentous event? 'Tora! Tora! Tora!' (1970) is an older film, but far more sophisticated in comparison. Thirty years have passed, and I'm left feeling that the opportunity for a deeper, more comprehensive viewing experience has been utterly wasted.
Onto the battle scene. This is spectacular and gripping, and will have everyone on the edge of their seats. But it exists in a total vacuum. We know that it's 'the Japanese' doing it, but they might as well be Martians. Sorry, but I think they deserve much better treatment than this film has afforded them. Why are they doing it? How did they get the idea? How long did it take to plan? What were the precise objectives? For that matter, who are they? What do they believe in? Did any of them have girlfriends and sweethearts waiting for them in Japan? Or is it only Americans who have that privilege?
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Along with other reviewers, I question why a love story had to be integrated into the Pearl Harbour narrative. The events of 7th December 1941 should provide enough drama on their own, and I can only presume it was to attract a younger cinema audience.
That critique nothwithstanding, the footage of the actual attack isn't bad. When it eventually happens ..... Up to that point, as we endure the childhood of the two heroes, their Air Force training, the romance, the Battle of Britain sequences, a racism sub-plot, I did find myself wondering more that once - What's keeping the Japanese?
That critique nothwithstanding, the footage of the actual attack isn't bad. When it eventually happens ..... Up to that point, as we endure the childhood of the two heroes, their Air Force training, the romance, the Battle of Britain sequences, a racism sub-plot, I did find myself wondering more that once - What's keeping the Japanese?
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Well, what can I say about this film? Utter twaddle from the moment I saw the war time nurses with long hair artistically draped about their made up faces and hanging loose for maximum effect in a hospital. I knew from that point on that I would have to suspend belief and endure. And endure I did as Ben Afleck re-wrote history by defending America's honour single handedly.
This film was dire, this film was rank. And I would rank it equally on a par with that other dreadful film 'Down with Love'.
This film was dire, this film was rank. And I would rank it equally on a par with that other dreadful film 'Down with Love'.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A must have
This film is a definite must have in the home. Although amazingly historically wrong the scene at pearl harbour is amazing; filled with explosions to satisfy those manly needs!!
Published 2 months ago by Adrian
Not recieved after 2 weeks
I have not recived the dvd after 2 weeks of waiting not very happy at all.. I was expecting it sooner not happy with service or person who has sent it.
Published 3 months ago by Charlotte Anne
Michael Bay
1st... this a Michael Bay film... 2nd... this is a Michael Bay film...
and 3nd... this is a Michael Bay film... Read more
and 3nd... this is a Michael Bay film... Read more
Published 5 months ago by LONDON NINJA.
The old ones are the best...
This film is a fabulous film, a modern reworking of Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster in that famous beach scene, where they make love in the surf. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Worthingsp
Pearl Harbour
This was bought to replace the same film in VHS.An excellent film about Pearl Harbour.The second world war was quite horrendous as everybody knows. Read more
Published 7 months ago by A. V. Calvert
marvellous
this is a fantastic dvd, i had it on video and was always meaning to get it on dvd, the service was fast and i was happy with the goods
Published 8 months ago by matz
Excellent
This DVD was cheap, of good quality (orignal DVD) and was delivered quickly. Very pleased. Watched it many times already!
Published 9 months ago by D.G
xoxo
For a film that lasts a good 2-3 hours, it certainly keeps you gripped. I just love this film and i always have, its a definate number to add to your dvd collection! Excellent xxxx
Published 13 months ago by Meowwww
Arrived very quickly, good condtions
The service was very quick, my DVD arrived within a few days and in very good condition, was enjoying watching the film within a few days of buying it online.
Published 15 months ago by wiznos
Keeping a film
my wife likes the film and instead of filling up Sky box is able to watch whenever nothing else she wants to watch on the other 300 channels
Published 15 months ago by Stephen Vaughan
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