"Ridiculous Mistakes Made in War Movies" Topic

"One of the biggest bombs of Ben Affleck's career, and there have been several, happens to be one of the most error-ridden war movies Hollywood has ever produced: Pearl Harbour (2001). It wasn't just a bad Affleck film, it is one of several films to come out of Hollywood's "dream factory" that can't seem to get it consistently right when telling wartime narratives.

Of course, filmmakers have to enhance stories to lure audiences into theatres. But accuracy is often sacrificed in the process. In Pearl Harbour, Affleck's character is a member of the Air Force who joins the Eagle Squadron…"

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Armand

"one of the most error-ridden war movies Hollywood has ever produced: Pearl Harbour (2001)."

My parents lived through the WW2 era, and they thought the movie was trash (the cliche stereotypes in the movie were in no way like people were back then.)
Oh, and the movie was so bad even the Japanese wanted out of it (and they had the best parts! LOL)

"The joke in Hollywood used to be that the actress was so dumb, she slept with the writer"

There was one actress that asked who did she have to sleep with to get OUT of the picture she was cast in… ;-)

I think that was Jean Simmons in 'Spartacus' which is quite something from an actress of some class.

Everyone who looks at a hollywood war movie knows and sees that a lot of mistakes are in the movie. But second rate writers must publish articles over and over again about this topic to stay in business.
And of course Tango must publish that kind of articles again and again

It's an entertaining movie, not a documentary so keep your expectations low with Hollywood.

Wolfhag

You have to take it all with a pinch of salt, especially if you are a veteran or a historian. My father, a veteran of 'some excitements' during WW2 used to be quiet watching war films unless they got something right to which he would comment 'Yes, that's about right…' (He loved 'Patton'.)

For me, I have to row it in a bit. When they were younger, my boys would not watch any historical drama with me as I was too critical. I am much better now, and tend to follow my father's policy.

Artilleryman,
Yes, my wife has told me more than once to keep my mouth shut during a movie.

Wolfhag

Not to mention how just about every movie about ancient/dark ages/medieval warfare has battles that essentially consist of a thousand or so hand-to-hand sword fights

Could be worse. Game of thrones has armies coming out their castle to fight attackers. Light cavalry feeding themselves to the undead army. And more. SPR is a 3 or 4 Pinter. GOT battles are a gallon +

The author of the critique didn't even get his facts right on at least one point!

Thanks!.

Armand

Oh yeah! If YOU are on a Horse, you STAY on horse… it is BIGGER, and if trained, nastier! Seen what they CAN do! lol! Even untrained!

Been on horse. BIG Girl 16h+ and known for kicking. Kept away from others… soothing, petting… well, ok seememed fine… but she was a GIRL… and wood stable door was GONE! lol! Nice Horse for ride!

At it's core the problem is that real warfare isn't that photogenic. In an era where being seen=being killed, movies of the battlefield won't be interesting to look at. Almost all 20th century movies show the troops too clustered together because they have to be for movie purposes.

Pearl Harbour was just a terrible movie, regardless of who was in it. It holds the dubious distinction of one of, if not the only, war movie I have ever walked out on.

On the other hand, there were Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Garner.

Is that the one where the bomb that sinks the "Arizona" penetrates the decks next to the guy peeling potatos, and sits dislike for a second or two before detonating and destroying the entire ship?

C'mon, man. It's not like you can't see the actual 8mm footage of "Arizona's" magazine detonation on YouTube or anything.

Sadly, in the search for drama that will please modern audiences, moviemakers often miss some truly cinematic historical moments. I have not yet seen a depiction of an aviator looking back at the burning "Akagi" and murmuring, "Arizona, I remember you," but it happened.

TORA TORA TORA was better….

Armand

Ahem…….Braveheart.

Come on, there's no call for that kind of language!

Brilliant, Trajanus!

X2 for Trajanus…..my apologies.

Pearl Harbor was so bad in so many ways. But the part that most annoyed me was when the two hero fighter pilots are just instantly turned into 'veteran' B-25 pilots so they can be part of the Doolittle raid. Excuse me? I seriously doubt that ANY fighter pilot would voluntarily become a bomber pilot. And since neither of those guys had ever been in a B-25 in their lives there is no way Doolittle would want them on that mission.

Well said…

Armand

Find mwar movies with least flaws is the hard search.