Tora! Tora! Tora! (film)

Tora! Tora! Tora! (film)
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Name	Tora! Tora! Tora!
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Richard Fleischer, Toshio Masuda, Kinji Fukasaku
Producer	Eiji Sanai, Henry F. Janssen, John Deane
Writer	Hajime Takai, Shimon Wincelberg, Bruce S. Ramer
Starring	Martin Balsam, E.G. Marshall, James Whitmore
Music	Jerry Goldsmith, Rihachiro Yamanaka
Cinematography	Dody Warren, Fujio Yamaguchi
Editing	Pietro Scalia, Akira Suzuki
Studio	20th Century Fox, Toei Company
Released	1970, 09, 18, USA, 1970, 11, 27, Japan
Runtime	144 minutes
Country	United States, Japan
Language	English, Japanese
Budget	$20 million

Tora! Tora! Tora! (film) is a 1970 war film that dramatizes the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941. The film was directed by Richard Fleischer, Toshio Masuda, and Kinji Fukasaku, and it features an ensemble cast, including Martin Balsam, E.G. Marshall, and James Whitmore. The movie's title, "Tora! Tora! Tora!", refers to the codenames used by the Imperial Japanese Navy to signal the start of the attack.

Plot

The film tells the story of the events leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, including the diplomatic efforts between the United States and Japan, and the strategic planning and execution of the attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The plot is divided into three main sections: the United States Navy's preparations for war, the Empire of Japan's decision to launch a surprise attack, and the actual attack on Pearl Harbor. The film features a range of characters, including Isoroku Yamamoto, Husband Kimmel, and Walter Short, who are all based on real historical figures.

Production

The production of Tora! Tora! Tora! was a complex and challenging process that involved collaboration between 20th Century Fox and Toei Company. The film's script was written by Hajime Takai, Shimon Wincelberg, and Bruce S. Ramer, and it was based on historical records and accounts of the attack. The film's directors, Richard Fleischer, Toshio Masuda, and Kinji Fukasaku, worked together to ensure that the film was accurate and respectful. The film's special effects were created by Akira Kurosawa's Toei Company, and they featured a range of models, miniatures, and pyrotechnics.

Cast

The cast of Tora! Tora! Tora! includes a range of well-known actors, including Martin Balsam as Isoroku Yamamoto, E.G. Marshall as Husband Kimmel, and James Whitmore as Walter Short. The film also features a number of Japanese actors, including Andō Kōhei and Nishida Toshiyuki. The cast's performances were widely praised by critics, who noted that they brought depth and nuance to the film's portrayal of historical events.

Reception

Tora! Tora! Tora! received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its historical accuracy, technical achievements, and performances. The film holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting that it is a balanced and respectful portrayal of a complex and controversial historical event. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $30 million at the box office.

Historical accuracy

The film's historical accuracy was a major concern for its producers and directors, who worked closely with historians and consultants to ensure that the film was as accurate as possible. The film's script was based on historical records and accounts of the attack, and it featured a range of authentic details, including costumes, sets, and equipment. However, some critics noted that the film took certain creative liberties with historical events, and that it did not fully capture the complexity and nuance of the Japanese-American relations leading up to the attack.

Legacy

Tora! Tora! Tora! has had a lasting legacy as a historical drama and a technical achievement. The film's special effects and cinematography were widely praised, and it has been recognized as one of the greatest war films of all time. The film has also been used as a historical resource, with many historians and educators noting its value as a teaching tool. The film's portrayal of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor has been widely influential, and it continues to be studied and referenced today. Category:1970 films Category:War films Category:Historical dramas