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Midway was a crucial battle within the Pacific theatre of World War Two. The events that occurred at the Battle of Midway would change the direction of the war. Before Midway, Japan had launched an unexpected attack on Pearl Harbor. This attack would spur the United States into declaring war on Japan. Going forward, The United States would play a crucial role in fighting the Axis powers in several theatres of war. The film Midway depicts events that occurred in the Pacific theatre and offers insight into the activities of both sides during the conflict.
The film Midway begins in 1937 in Tokyo, Japan. After a formal gathering, Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto and U.S. naval attaché Edwin Layton discuss regional politics and the potential for war in the future. Yamamoto during this discussion explicitly states, regarding U.S. oil supplies to Japan, that if “that supply is threatened it will force us into drastic measures” (“Midway” 4:28-32). This discussion would foreshadow future events. The next scene, which occurred December 7, 1941, on the USS Enterprise, encompasses training and the daily routine of the sailors. Later, the scene shifts to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor; Pearl Harbor is under an intense aerial attack by Japan. Following the attack, plans for a response are made; Admiral Chester Nimitz is named the new commander of the severely damaged U.S. Pacific Fleet. Lieutenant Commander Edwin Layton meets Nimitz and he asks, “Didn’t you try to warn my predecessor about the impending attack” (“Midway” 32:50-54). Nimitz, not wanting to repeat his predecessor’s mistake, is highly considerate of Layton and states “I need you to be my Admiral Yamamoto…Tell me what he is going to do next”( “Midway” 38:48-53 ).
In the Marshall Islands in February 1942, the Japanese Fleet is left heavily damaged after heavy fighting ensued. Next, a duo of brief intermediate scenes at an Officer’s Club in Honolulu and at an officer’s home sheds a light on the dynamics between the officers on the ship and their personal lives. On April 18, 1942, Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle begins his flight to conduct the “Doolittle Raid” where he and his squadron bomb mainland Japan. Doolittle’s squadron, while successful, runs out of fuel and is forced to eject from their planes. In the next scene, Layton tells Nimitz that one of his officers thinks that the “Coral Sea is just a warm-up, they’re planning something much bigger” (“Midway” 53:57-54:02). Subsequently, Layton and Nimitz discuss the Japanese Navy’s next move. There is an important disagreement as Layton believes Midway is the target; however, Washington intelligence believes that the target is the Coral Sea. Nimitz visits Layton’s intelligence codebreakers, where he talks to the main codebreaker Commander Joseph Rochefort. Layton explains that the difference between his and Washington’s intel is about what location the target code named AF. Layton then says “Sir, after Pearl, you told me to stick to my guns. I swear… Joe is right about this” (“Midway” 1:02:18-22). Soon after, a plan devised by Layton confirms that AF is indeed Midway; accordingly, Nimitz plans future operations around Midway.
On June 4th at 6:40 am, the Japanese Carrier Air Group launches an attack on Midway. At 7:10 am, the Midway Island Air Group launches a counterattack on the Japanese Fleet that results in negligible damage. Next, a Japanese pilot spots the U.S Fleet thus spurring the Japanese to order an attack. Later, at approximately 7:45, the submarine USS Nautilus spots a Japanese carrier and unsuccessfully attempts to torpedo the carrier. Additionally, U.S. planes have been launched and are headed for the Japanese Fleet. At 9:38 am, they reach the Japanese Fleet. In the ensuing intense battle, three Japanese carriers are destroyed. Next, Japanese admirals decide to launch a counterattack on the USS Yorktown. The remainder of the USS Enterprise squadron is sent to attack the Japanese Fleet. At 4:56, the US Combined Air Group intensely fights the Japanese squadron and destroys another Japanese carrier. The Battle of Midway ends as Admiral Yamamoto orders the remainder of his fleet to retreat. Layton, after receiving intel, rushes to tell Nimitz that “the Japanese are retreating” (“Midway” 2:01:16-18) to much delight.
One of the most interesting characters in the movie Midway is Lieutenant Dick Best. Best is initially introduced into the movie as a pilot that is cocky and displays a fearless yet slightly unrestrained bravado. However, Best undergoes a character transformation after the death of a young pilot named Willey West whom he mentored. The death of West greatly impacts Best; thinking of the day’s events Best states “I wrote a letter to his mother yesterday, telling her how I failed him” (“Midway” 1:11:10-13). Later as Best is promoted to Executive Officer, he has transformed into a thoughtful and resolute leader who puts his men first. For example, after inhaling tainted oxygen on a flying mission, Best refuses to leave his men at the risk of his health. Best states “I’m not sending the squadron out there without their commander” (“Midway” 1:26:02-05). This is a testament to Best’s character transformation; he was concerned for his men as he coughed blood. This transformation is what makes his Lieutenant Best one of the most interesting characters in the movie.
Another interesting character within the movie was Lieutenant Commander Edwin Layton. Layton is first introduced as a naval attaché at the American Embassy in Tokyo. While there, Layton has an interesting conversation with Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto regarding politics. Layton’s unique intelligence is highlighted as he becomes a naval intelligence officer. Layton’s “gift” is his ability to decipher codes and gather intelligence. Layton, due to his skills, garners the favor of Admiral Chester Nimitz. Nimitz keeps Layton close to him and frequently depends on him for intelligence matters. Moreover, Layton’s intense dedication to his job is what makes his character so interesting. For example, Nimitz implores Layton to get some rest after stating “You’ve memorized every position on that board Layton go home” (“Midway” 1:16:14-17). Layton then responds, “I think I am going to spend the night here sir” (“Midway” 1:16:18-20). Layton is fiercely dedicated to his craft and even hampers his relationship with his wife to accomplish the mission. Layton would go on to correctly predict the attack on Midway and help U.S. forces defeat the Japanese Fleet.
Midway interestingly portrays the history and people of the Pacific War era. Usually, films that deal with the Pacific War paint the Japanese simply as barbaric and cruel; the Allies are painted as brave and heroic. However, Midway took a different neutral tone that dispenses respect for both sides; this neutral tone is evidenced by the film quote “The sea remembers its own” (“Midway” 2:09:05-09). Both sides are illustrated as passionate and strategic; furthermore, each side possesses its emotional desires and motivations to fight. Additionally, the viewpoint of the Japanese is more intricately incorporated into the film. While the film is a more neutral portrayal of the war, it also briefly highlights the employment of violent tactics employed by Japan in China. For example, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle asks a Chinese resistance member about a stack of bodies. The member responds that “they’re targeting people” (“Midway” 59:10-12) to Doolittle’s dismay. The film also highlights the realistic but brutal nature of being captured by Japanese forces during the war. For example, Bruno Gaido (portrayed by Nick Jonas) is interrogated and upon an unsatisfactory answer is thrown overboard the ship. Overall, Midway attempts to portray the events that occurred surrounding the battle of Midway as even-handed as possible.
Moreover, the portrayal of the Pacific War and its participants in Midway is fairly historically accurate. The first reason for this assertion is the fairly impartial portrayal of both sides during the war. The film attempts to delve into the workings of both parties. Another reason that also makes the movie believable is the emotion and passion that the characters possess. Individuals from the pilots like Lieutenant Best to intelligence officers such as Lieutenant Commander Layton are highlighted as fiercely dedicated to their jobs. This realistically illustrates the determination of the service members who valiantly worked in the service of their nation. Lastly, the scenes are realistic and capture several aspects of the lives of service members from personal to work. These aforementioned reasons supply a film that is historically accurate and believable.
Hacksaw Ridge is a film about the Pacific War that chronicles bravery and heroism in a combat theatre similar to Midway. Hacksaw Ridge chronicles the exploits of Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss. Doss, who refused to use a weapon, underwent several hardships to serve in combat as a medic without a weapon. At the Battle of Okinawa Doss, under harsh conditions, saved tens of soldiers. One of the settings in Hacksaw Ridge is the Pacific Ocean similar to Midway. Also, Hacksaw Ridge captures U.S. forces in intense combat with Japanese forces as well. Both films highlight bravery under the harsh conditions of war. Another book that I have read that is comparable to Midway is Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose. This book chronicles the exploits of the U.S. Army’s Easy Company within the 101st Airborne Division. From D-Day, Easy Company makes their way across Europe to eventually capture Adolf Hitler’s Eagles Nest in southern Germany. Moreover, A difference between this book and the two films is that the setting occurs in the European theatre of World War Two. However, Band of Brothers similarly highlights the heroism of U.S. forces in combat.
Midway is an intriguing and interesting film that explores the events surrounding the Battle of Midway. The film illuminates an intriguing window into a historical event that turned the tide of war in the Pacific. Furthermore, it delves into the conflict on an individual level capturing the thoughts and actions of everyday troops. This film was a good portrayal of the war from a fairly impartial perspective. Japanese troops’ thoughts, actions, and feelings are delved into as well. This is an asset to the film that increases its intriguing aura. The imagery, plot, and acting were great as they aid the overall quality of the film. Moreover, watching the character development and action was an interesting part of the film. This affords a glimpse into the lives of the men who fought in the war. After viewing Midway, I would recommend this film to anyone interested in the Pacific War. The film is captivating and offers a new perspective on the Pacific War.
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