I liked Ben Affleck in this movie; however, he has made poor choices in other films. Because of that, he had to really prove himself in this one, which I felt he did. He wasn't quite as cocky, so let's hope he's becoming more humble in life. Without telling the whole story, which I try never to do, it portrays a time in American history when we were truly a sleeping giant in all ways–industrially, militarily, etc. –although we had been conquering other countries by our imperialist policies, one of which just happened to be Hawaii (location of Pearl Harbor). I suggest that before you see this film, you first view Act of War, an excellent documentary on Hawaii.
I appreciated the comment made by the Japanese general and fleet commander in the film, when said to him, "Your battle plan for the attack is genius," responded, "If it was genius, I'd be trying to figure out how not to have a war." And so thousand of Americans die in Pearl Harbor and a few short years later two atomic bombs are dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. There is no rhyme or reason to madness. (My father, Anthony, joined the marines during World War II and fought for five years in the Pacific. I understand that era because I grew up with him talking to me about it.)
The special effects, the realness of this film are superb with an excellent story plot that involves you in the characters' personal lives.The film shows you the tragedy of war, not just death, but the very real emotional and relationship deaths.
If war is ever to end on this planet, we must all come to the fact that there is one eternal God for all of us. We need to find out all that we can about that God without putting Him in a box and without those who know that God little putting us in a box of religious viewpoints and dogmas.Then truly we would all be able to live in "pearl harbors" that would always remain beautiful and peaceful.
~Van of Urantia*MPAA = Motion Picture Association of America
