Bombs Away

New historic movie instills American pride

Bombs+Away

Samantha Dewberry, Staff Writer

   Film provides indelible images of some of history’s great events, but with Hollywood’s demands of “in order to make it bigger and better” requirements, and new CGI technology, most scenes and characters may come off as Hollywood-ized or made up. Ronald Emmerich’s 2019 version of “Midwaybrings real life heroes to the big screen in the awe inspiring story of the turning battle that delivered “the most stunning and decisive blow to the Japanese in the history of naval warfare” six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

   “Midway” is an action packed heroic movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. From its heart wrenching death of characters, to its underdog victories no one expected, this movie brings you aboard with the U.S. Navy as they make headway against Japan in the Battle of Midway. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbour, the U.S. Navy and Airforce quickly took action to beat the odds of being severely outnumbered and to avenge the lives of the thousands lost. American Leaders and soldiers fought back with vengeance in the three day battle, by air and sea, that managed to change the course of World War II for The United States in the end. The movie is fairly historically accurate, and brings honor to past American soldiers. Ronald Emmerich takes you on an adventure with more emotions than the “Notebook,”and might even get you crying.

    Franklin Roosevelt’s speech “Quarantine the Aggressor” sets the stage for the opening of “Midway.” He ends his speech with, “Even though America is doing all they can to stay out of the war, they could not ensure themselves against the disastrous effects of war and the dangers of involvement.” American troops quickly got involved. It took one single day to turn the tide of the war in the Pacific. 

   Tensions were thick when “Midway” opened its next scene. Lieutenant Commander Edwin T. Layton is meeting with Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto to talk about the concerns of Japan’s global expansion over dinner. Yamamoto shares with Layton just how impatient and eager Japan is to become a world power like the United States, and if they compromise their supplies like they wanted too, Japan would be forced to take drastic measures against the United States which they did. 

   Emmerich cast several fit, strong jawed men to play the roles of real historical soldiers and leaders, which, compared to the 1976 “Midway” characters are actually real. The main actors chosen to bring these heros back to life are Aaron Eckhart as Doolittle, the legendary pilot, Ed Skrein as Dick Best, the bold bomber pilot who scored a devastating hit against the Akagi carrier, which was one of four Japanese aircraft carriers, Dennis Quaid as the strict Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, and Nick Jonas as the machinist Bruno Gaido, who plays a pivotal role in protecting the U.S.. 

   With it’s All-star cast and award winning director, “Midway” was bound to succeed in the box office, and it did. The movie did not disappoint, bringing in more than 125 million dollars world wide. “Midway” is a must see movie, not only for its cast, but for the American values it upholds. Six months after the horrific events in Pearl Harbour, Japan held the advantage in the Pacific, and remained confident that they would destroy the rest of the U.S. Naval fleet. America had tried to redeem themselves with raids, but it only managed to lift the morales of those fighting. “Midway” shows the strength and courage of the American military when the rest of the country was at a loss for words. They shocked the world with their comeback and conclusively won the Battle of Midway, completely altering the outcome of World War II. Midway pays tribute to the under appreciated American heros of World War II. Etched in The World War II Midway Monument located on Midway Atoll are the words; “…Outnumbered and outgunned, they withstood savage bombardment, fought back, and carried the fight to the enemy. Daring air strikes in the face of fierce resistance sank four enemy aircraft carriers, turning the tide of World War II in the Pacific.” Watching “Midway” is not only a great way to appreciate American history, but is also a way to honor those who gave their lives protecting what they loved.