"Pearl Harbor" Directed by Michael Bay

Guide Rating -

"Pearl Harbor" focuses on the life-changing events surrounding December 7, 1941, and the war's devastating impact on two daring young pilots (Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett) and a beautiful, dedicated nurse (Kate Beckinsale). It is a tale of catastrophic defeat, heroic victory, personal courage and overwhelming love set against a stunning backdrop of spectacular wartime action.

Following a formula which was so successful with the 1997 film "Titanic," "Pearl Harbor" sets a romantic personal story within a historic event of great tragedy and loss. Producer Bruckheimer and the writers of the screenplay claim to have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the historical information depicted in the film. Historians, military and survivors in both the United States and Japan were consulted in virtually every aspect of the story.

The film, however, is not without its critics, who claim that historical inaccuracies were clearly evident during the filming in Hawaii. Criticisms range from the color of camouflage and paint on airplanes, ground vehicles, and ships to the dilapidated look of what is portrayed as Wheeler Field (when in reality much of the facilities in the Pearl Harbor area were brand new in 1941).

The Hawaii portion of the 85-day shooting schedule lasted only about five weeks. However, over 60 local technicians were hired to work on the film alongside about 200 crewmembers from Los Angeles. In addition, over 1,600 military enlistees and dependents were signed on as extras for the Hawaii filming.

The viewing public's opinions about the film were widely divided. "Pearl Harbor" will, no doubt, be remembered for its depiction of the event that launched the United States into World War II, and for its big-budget special effects created by George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. Its love story, featuring several of Hollywood's best young actors, was much criticized for lackluster performances.

Unlike its big-budget predecessor, "Titanic," Pearl Harbor fails to grab the viewer by the heart. The film has, however, spurred interest and attendance at the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor and, was responsible for additional tourist dollars into the Hawaiian economy during the spring and summer of 2001.

The film is being released in several different versions. On December 4, 2001, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the attack of December 7, 1941, wide screen VHS and DVD versions of the film were released.

The DVD version includes an introduction by director Michael Bay, a documentary on the real-life Pearl Harbor veterans and their return to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial for the film's premier in May 2001, and interviews with the cast.

A more expensive "Gift Set" is also available, which includes the National Geographic Special "Beyond the Movie." It also includes National Geographic's 60th Anniversary Commemorative map.

A Vista Series Director's Cut, including all of the elements of the "Gift Set" plus significant amounts of previously edited material was originally scheduled for release in January 2002. However, that release has been pushed back to as late as May 2002.