Let The Braves Step Forward: Remembering and Celebrating The Comrades & Heroes

Salute to the survivors of the Sunday morning attack! May the souls of the fallen soldiers rest in peace as we are about to remember their contributions to this country!

Starring Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale and produced by Bruckheimer, Pearl Harbor will make you think about the level of courage and determination of our veterans and the confusion that hit those airmen, marines and sailors on this fateful day. December 7, 1941. The sneak attack by the Japanese Forces will force the US to enter WWII eventually. There was no time to think and consider the moves. It was only time to fight or die. For about a year now, Tom Brokaw has been trying to celebrate the lives of the men and women who fought in this war. His book came out and became an instant bestseller. "The Greatest Generation by Brokaw is one of the books that truly got interested in these fatal events of December, 1947. Now with the release of this film, 6 months ahead of time, the celebration of the 60th anniversary is getting a head start. For sure, we will know everything that we need to know about the Pearl Harbor attack by next December, 2001. No matter, we will learn a lot about ourselves as a nation and a people. Our young men and women are willing to die for our freedom! Pearl Harbor was truly a set of events that defined and changed the course of history.

What to know about this movie?

The Love Story: Love Triangle

To tell you the truth, I don't care that much about this type of graft of romance onto such epic scenes. Rafe, played by Ben Affleck, is an American fighter pilot who is itching for combat. He wants to see military action as soon as possible. Before the US enters the war, Rafe has to leave his girlfriend, a nurse, Evelyn (Beckinsale) for the Royal Air Force. He joins Britain's elite air forces to train and start seeing some close actions. Soon there after, Rafe, now known as Ralph, is reported missing. What does Evelyn have to do? At that moment, Danny as played by Harnett appeared in the picture. He is also a fighter pilot and a close buddy of Ralph. He is ready to take over where Rafe left off. Evelyn and Danny managed to fall in love. For some reasons, Rafe is found. He is alive. He gets mad at both of them.

Just like my friends, I was somewhat disappointed by the time it took before we started seeing some action. For about 50 minutes, there was not much of what I anticipated the movie to be. Then, with some dexterity, the producer gradually introduced some cliches that marked the elements of surprise by the Japanese Forces. One could hear the hovering of the Rising Sun-marked airplanes from the sky.

About 2,400 Americans Perished on this infamous Day
The Confusion of Combat

Pearl Harbor managed to show the horrors of the attack. We all know that nothing can come close to the real thing. The movie's grpahic engineers did a good job coming up with all of these fires and explosives. Even these re-enacted images can tell you of the horrors of that attack. I think that from a technical angle, this movie will speak loudly. I still can't forgive the producers for giving us such a humble beginning. To say the least, it was pretty weak. Bruckheimer could do a much better job. Some talent ends up being wasted in this movie. Some side-stories should have been told. For example, Cuba Godding Jr as played by Dorie Miller had only a few appearances. Yet, as a boxer, his role was more about the fight against racism in the ranks. The same can be said of other actors.

Overall, it is an interesting movie. If you don't have the kids around, you will have a great time. By the way, don't take your young kids. Some of the graphics may not be suitable for them. It's up to you decide what your kids will see in the end. It is my prediction that this movie will be a Summer hit leading all the way to the anniversary in December 2001 and beyond. It's a great, detailed movie on Pearl Harbor. Let the veterans of this war get their dues in the form of a huge celebration this time! Who knows the other wars will also be resurrected by Hollywood's wizardry!