The Battle Of Midway
1976
Originally titled 'Midway', this World War II drama chronicles the great naval battle of Midway in the South Pacific, where the U.S. Navy won an astounding victory. Read more
| Starring | Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Robert Mitchum |
|---|---|
| Director | Jack Smight |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
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The Battle Of Midway
Originally titled 'Midway', this World War II drama chronicles the great naval battle of Midway in the South Pacific, where the U.S. Navy won an astounding victory.
| Starring | Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Robert Mitchum, Glenn Ford |
|---|---|
| Director | Jack Smight |
| Studio | 4 FRONT VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 8 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 04 Mar 2005 Production year: 1976 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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Charlton Heston juts his jaw aggressively and Henry Fonda falters reflectively in this blockbuster drama about the events leading up to the decisive battle fought between the navies of the US and Japan during the Second World War. The techniques of the star-studded cast are blown away somewhat by the big guns of audio technology, though the din of the original ear-blasting Sensurround has been diminished to clarify the narrative. Star performers of the calibre of Glenn Ford, Robert Mitchum and James Coburn line up to do their bit for Uncle Sam, but can't prevent the movie overstaying its welcome.
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'This is the way it was,' drones the introduction to this massively extravagant account of America's WWII naval... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
TOP MOVIE !!!
I have seen 'Midway' countless times, and find it impressive for many reasons: The many scenes that contain original war footage, the fabulous cast, and the degree of historical accuracy, which is exceptional for a Hollywood epic.
Some of the WWII footage is riveting, and is edited to blend in well with the 1976 cinematography by Harry Stradling Jr., which is also marvelous; a good score by John Williams also adds to the atmosphere, though mostly we hear the sounds that would have been heard at the time...the roar of the sea, the wind, and the exploding bombs.
Many of the fascinating figures of history are represented well, and a few brilliantly, like Hal Holbrook as Commander Joseph Rochefort, the man who intercepted and broke the codes. Holbrook's portrayal is much like the real man, who working many times 20 hour shifts in a bunker, was a little scruffy, and had crucial information that was an essential part of the battle plans.
Henry Fonda is great as Admiral Chester Nimitz, and other big stars include Glenn Ford, Robert Mitchum, Toshiro Mifune, James Coburn, Cliff Robertson and Robert Wagner. I love the way the battle is planed like a chess game by both American and Japanese leaders, moving little 'boats' around on a big map, each side trying to outwit the other. It also lays out the basics of the battle and makes it fairly understandable for the non-military person.
Charlton Heston is terrific as Captain Matthew Garth, the fictional character in the script, who has to deal with his son (Edward Albert), in love with a Japanese-American girl (Christina Kokubo), who has been interned with her parents. This little bit of 'romance' I imagine was included in the film to round out the 'human interest', and though I could have lived without this non-historical addition, it is peripheral to the action.
Admiral Nimitz said that the Battle of Midway was 'The battle that made everything else possible', and this film is an excellent way to get a feel for the momentous events of that time, with its heroism, tragedy, extraordinary battle tactics, and men who changed the course of history. -
Most recent members' review
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Excellent War Movie
This tells the story of the Japanese first defeat with a little bit of a love interest between a Japanese American and Chuck Heston's estranged son.
Great action sequences and factual captions letting us all know who the characters actually are - I found this very interesting and useful.
Great all round performances from Heston, Fonda, Mitchum, Ford, Mifune and Cliff Robertson, Robert Wagner & Hal Holbrook.
A must see for all war buffs! -
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Originally titled 'Midway', this World War II drama chronicles the great naval battle of Midway in the South Pacific, where the U.S. Navy won an astounding victory.... -