Midway (2019)

Summary: After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour which used carrier born aircraft the Americans enter the war, and in the Pacific the carrier fleets manoeuvre against each other. US intelligence determines that the Japanese are lining up to attack a major American target but what is it? By using a ruse relating to a water shortage on Midway (false) the Americans commanded by Admiral Nimitz, determine that the raid will be on Midway, so three aircraft carriers are mustered and sent into battle now that the location of the Japanese fleet can be determined. The American carrier born aircraft are sent into battle and inflict serious damage on the Japanese fleet which is forced to withdraw. The battle has been won.

Content: There is no sex,  nudity or drug taking. Some drinking and smoking. The majority of the film is presented from the points of view of various participants such as the pilots of the carrier group, the intelligence officers and the admirals, as well as members of the Japanese command. Essentially the film starts with the raid on Pearl Harbour where we see the Japanese aircraft bomb and strafe the fleet in harbour. There after there are fighter raids and a lot of anti-aircraft fire. Planes are shot down. The Japanese initially do not want Midway to be raided, but change their minds when the Americans bomb Tokyo, using carrier born bombers.

A View: If anything this is a story about the intelligence coupe which allowed the Americans to locate the Japanese fleet, but that is not all that exciting so there are many scenes of aircraft in dogfights and attacking ships through intense anti -aircraft fire. Aircraft are constantly having their wings shot off and cartwheeling into the sea in flames. Meanwhile the pilots we know are grimly surviving, but we can’t always identify them in their flying gear (or maybe that’s just me). So in the end, despite the vast cost Midway is an unsatisfactory film. Maybe a watch for nothing if you are prepared to put in the time.

If you check out Roland Emmerich’s work you will know what to expect. On this site I have reviewed Independence Day 2, White House Down and 2012.