I have just watched an old film called Tora Tora Tora made in 1970, the film was a co-production between an American studio and Japanese filmmakers.
I have seen it a few times before but this time i took an interest in it and this review is about the film.
The build-up is slow and meticulous, but it makes the film very entertaining. The film openly shows that the U.S. forces were not prepared for the attack. It also portrays the reasons that the Japanese planned the attack in the first place, dealing with issues like traditions in battle and their fears about the changes taking place around the world.
The Japanese had one of the best laid battle plans to finish the American fleet at Pearl Harbor and beyond it was well executed with very few losses on their own side. The only thing they did wrong was not staying and going for the aircraft carriers and onto other bases, they left and went back to Japan to save the fleet from submarines.
It showed how the Americans were so laid back about the thought of war, turning the radar of at 7 PM, no look-outs posted and no protection ready in-case it was needed. No one believed reports about planes heading their way, telephones not working, the Army would not trust the Navy to deliver urgent messages. It was a shame how the top brass in the Navy at Pearl Harbor conducted themselves on that occasion.
Harry, I don’t really like Tora, Tora, Tora, but I totally agree, it points out how unprepared our forces were. The high brass were far too complacent, and that cost many young lives.
Lyn, i agree, they left messages laying on desk instead of passing them on they just did not believe what they were reading.
I remember seeing the movie as a teen-one of my first real views of the horror of WWII
Thanks Bee, as i said i watched it a few times over the years.