228
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #131,778 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
A history lesson from an old enemy who is now a friend
The fact that some reviewers seem surprised at the ending of this movie supports my belief that generations of Americans are not learning history any more. This is sad because history does repeat itself. Just as people went to see 'Titanic' without knowing what happened to it, it seems some viewers heard the word Hiroshima and couldn't predict the ending of this movie. I am 74. Pearl Harbor was just as big a surprise to my parents' generation as the Twin Towers in New York was to Americans in 2001. In 1941 and for a long time afterward we Americans could not get over our anger at the Japanese which was understandable - thousands died because of their attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent consequences. But perhaps now after more than 70 years distance we are able to understand what the Japanese went through in those dark years, and feel as bad for them as we did for ourselves. "War is hell" and this is a history lesson we still need to learn. Hating the other guy for whatever reason is a mistake whether he is next door or across the world. Building for a future where all share in the understanding that we are all human is better than dwelling in the past and continuing to hate and kill. I can't give this movie a five because I wouldn't show it to a child and cause them grief. But nevertheless, it starts a conversation not just for Americans but for others around the world. Who is an enemy? Do we have a right to kill someone if they have done nothing to harm anyone? How is it that old enemies become friends years later? What does war accomplish if anything?
