Midway (1976)
2h 12m | PG-13
This war drama depicts the U.S. and Japanese forces in the naval Battle of Midway, which became a turning point for Americans during World War II.
Director: Jack Smight
Studio: The Mirisch Company
Genre: Action, Drama, History, War
Video: 720p
Cast
Charlton Heston
as Capt. Matthew Garth
Henry Fonda
as Adm. Chester W. Nimitz
James Coburn
as Capt. Vinton Maddox
Glenn Ford
as Rear Admiral Raymond A. Spruance
Hal Holbrook
as Cmdr. Joseph Rochefort
Robert Mitchum
as Vice Adm. William F. 'Bull' Halsey Jr.
Reviews
They sacrifice themselves like samurai, these Americans. A critical part of WWII gets the big epic cinematic treatment, with all star casting and lots of noise. Though purporting to be exactly how things were during this particular battle, a pinch of salt is also needed. Much of the film is taken up with laying foundations for the air-sea engagement of the title, political posturing and military machinations are joined by needless sub-plots. The dialogue is often cheese laden, some characterisations equally so, while the splicing of real life footage and other war movie moments start to detract. However, the last third of film is thrilling and worth waiting for, a whirl of battle action as the Pacific conflict comes vividly to life both visually and aurally. 6.5/10