Review: Tora! Tora! Tora!

For Pearl Harbor Day weekend my dad and I watched Tora! Tora! Tora! Made in 1970, this classic war epic narrates with meticulous detail the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, covering the major and minor players in the event, recording every snafu, every step. Culminating in an explosive climax, this film won an Academy Award for Best Special Effects, and was nominated for four more.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (the title takes it name from the Japanese signal to attack) is a remarkable film, not only because of its historical accuracy, but also because of its solid acting, amazing special effects, and a dramatic tension that leaves the viewer sizzling. The DVD release has a very high quality picture and comes with a twenty minute documentary. This film is a must have for any World War II buff, with the caveat of some bad language. The large scale destruction, however, is not terribly bloody or gory, so that helps it's case.

RATING: 9/10

Fun fact: The air commander of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsuo Fuchida (portrayed in the film by Takahiro Tamura), eventually became an evangelical Christian, traveling all over the United States to tell his story.

Image courtesy of teachwithmovies.org