What struck me about this film most of all was its dedication to telling both sides of this sad and terrible story. The Japanese had the opportunity tell their side and they did an excellent job. Particularly in their Portrayal of Isoroku Yamamoto, The Admiral of The Combined Fleet and the Architect of the Pearl Harbor attack. Adm. Yamamoto had attended college in the United States and also served as a naval attache' in Washington before the war and was possessed of considerable personal insight into the Government, Economic potential, and, most of all, the people of the United States. He had strongly opposed the Japanese alliance with the axis powers. In return for his opposition, he was targeted for assassination. The execution of the attack on Pearl was virtually flawless, the base was caught completely off guard. The one saving factor was that the carriers which were (along with the battleships) the prime targets of the attack) were not in port when the attack occurred. One other point - the controversy over the necessity of a third japanese wave was addressed in part towards the end of the movie. Based on the movie and also Gordon Prange's exhaustive study of the attack (refer to: at dawn we slept) The third wave, aimed at destroying the dry docks, oil depots and other repair facilities, was never truly a hard and fast part the plan of attack, but rather a contingency that was added later and to be carried at the discretion of the commander of the strike force (Chūichi Nagumo) It was Nagumo's decision not to carry out the thitd assault wave for several very sound reasons. The movie touches on this issue. Finally, contrary to popular belief, It was never the intention of Adm. Yamamoto or of the IJN to carry out the attack prior to a formal declaration of war. The fact that the attack was engaged before the declaration was issued was owing to slowness of communications between the Japanese government in Tokyo and its representatives at the Japanese embassy in Washington. In all the movie was excellent portrayal of the attack and the events leading up to it. The movie well worth the price. If you interested in this subject, please do read "At Dawn We Slept" It is considered the definitive study of the pearl harbor disaster.Read full review
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For those seeking a historically faithful recreation of the days leading to the December 7th attack that defined a generation and changed the course of history, look no farther. To the best of the ability of the filmmakers, this epic story shows the days and events leading to the attack from both sides, indeed, It is really two complete parallel stories in one package. The struggle between the the pro and anti war factions in the Japanese leadership, and the difficulty the American leadership had understanding how the coming Pacific naval war would be fought are clearly shown. Suspense builds as the few who understand what is coming struggle to convince their leaders of the imminent danger work in ultimately futile desperation. The climactic battle scenes are a masterpiece, predating CGI, showing the Japanese Naval air armada attacking the US Pacific Fleet, with mostly full-scale ships and aircraft, including the Japanese Naval Strike Force built from assorted historic aircraft. A must-see, with a huge all-star cast.Read full review
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Ive always enjoyed this movie for the historical and both sides of the story view. Its docu-drama so its a bit stale at times but the acting is ok. Ive seen clips of this movie in tv shows and the movie Midway but avoid Midway at all cost. Its horrible and so is the film Pearl Harbor. This film is the best about the attack on Dec. 7th 1941. The attention to detail in Tora goes far beyond what most movies dont even consider. TORA TORA TORA is basically just the facts, there it is. Lots of gaps are left out during this era of empires but it would have been a 10 hr film if the original script was kept. The bonus DVD is great and worth the purchase. With documentaries and old Movie News reels you get the complete package.
Please note that this review is written with no knowledge as to the seller's identity. It is a review of the DVD (north American format, 2006 release) movie only. Highly recommended. Using real events as references, this story fairly realistically relates the Japanese version of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. For it's day, it was outstanding photography. Very enjoyable to watch and then compare it to the historical records - you'll be very hard pressed to find discrepancies (differences of opinion, perhaps). This is a historically accurate movie. A definate "must-see" film and one that belongs in the library of a historian or militaria collector.
Tora! Tora! Tora! was the best aviation picture of it's time, and even today is worth watching. The flying scenes are magnificent, and the story is well acted. Historical? Very much so. I am a "history buff" whose wife often refuses to attend such movies because I nit-pick them to death. I've lectured on and been published on this era -- I could nit-pick this picture, but so much less than others of the genre that I must call it "reasonably accurate." So despite the fact that it is a classic, why a new review? Well, in May 2006 a new DVD version was issued which is worth ordering. You can tell if you are ordering the new version by whether it is on one DVD or two -- only this newest issue requires 2 discs. The added items -- newsreel clips of the event plus the "behind the scenes" that are often on DVDs -- are worth watching and having in this case. And from what I saw when shopping for this, the price difference from old to new is anywhere from none to $3, making a purchase of this DVD affordable in the new issue.Read full review
This was an great depiction of the attack on Pearl Harbor showing events leading up to and the actual attack. When this happened I was only 9 years old but I remember listening with the family to FDR on the radio when he said the famous words about the day will live forever in Infamy. When the movie came out I took my daughter to see it when she was 9 years old so I told her of the comparision to how old I was when it all happened. Have watched the movie several times and highly recommend it to others.
Had watched this years back & wanted a copy !!! Never could find one !!! My Uncle was on liberty on December, 7 1941 !!! He lost many friends & shipmates !!! I had really bad feelings toward the Japanese, till I myself went to Japan while in the Navy !!! Just like the Americans, a very proud people & Military are sworn to their supiors over them !!! I now see no difference in us, just theirs is a lot older !!!
It is a good history lesson about the lead up to the US declaring war on Japan during WWll and the thought behind Japan's reasons for attacking Pearl Harbor.
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Tora Tora Tora, a classic video that I really enjoyed years ago and hold true today. Keep this in your collection
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Its a classic war movie
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