MIDWAY
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Running time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Release date: November 8, 2019
Genre: Drama, Action, and History
Distributor: Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: PG-13

In an all-star cast of Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckart, Nick Jonas, Etsushi Toyokawa, Tadanobu Asano, Luke Kleintank, Jun Kunimura, Darren Criss, Keean Johnson, Alexander Ludwig, with Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid and Woody Harrelson, Midway centers on the Battle of Midway.  A clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and military who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.  The historical facts are portrayed in an impressive reenactment that took place between 4 and 7 June 1942, six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea.

The U.S. Navy under Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) defeated an attacking fleet of the Imperial Japanes Navy under Admirals Isoroku Yamamoto (Etsushi Toyokawa), Chuichi Nagumo (JunKunimura), and Tamon Yamaguchi (Tadanobu Asano) near Midway Atoll, inflicting devastating damage on the Japanese fleet that proved irreparable. 

With the keen eye of cinematographer Robby Baumgartner, the visuals are brilliant capturing strategic battles in the Pacific.  This epic period piece covers a large expanse of time set against a vast, panoramic backdrop.  It also, shares elements of elaborate adventure sequences, and adds an extravagant setting, accompanied everything with grandeur and spectacle, dramatic scope, and high production values.  Yet, it is a serious plot-driven presentation, portraying realistic characters, settings, life situations, and stories involving intense character development and interaction.

This is a brilliant memorial.

FILM RATING (A)
Gerald Wright