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Almost a documentary in certain aspects, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. As a depiction of war, it ranks with "The Longest Day" and is second only to "Saving Private Ryan." It is timely, being relevant to the War on Terrorism. Even though bin Laden is not mentioned in the movie, we all know that some of the Somalis who downed the two choppers may have had some training in bin Laden's camps in the Sudan.

Here's one reflection: In war movies, things in industry have changed somewhat since WWII. Sixty years ago, the movie industry was part of the propaganda machine, emphasizing the glory of war and inspiring young men to fight for their country. Outright disasters, such as the graphic portrayal of the real-life disaster in Mogadishu, might have been avoided, unless there was some injunction to "get back into the ring and fight for it." Blackhawk Down is a depiction of an American military catastrophe, when the troops were pulled out shortly afterwards. Think about it---the US military, and/or its allies, might be paying another visit to Somalia in the not far distant future.

As a history buff, I tend to be extra critical of movies on major historical topics. If really great, they are highly cherished. If not so hot, then I feel uncomfortable. I regret that I am lukewarm to cool about the supposed blockbuster, "Pearl Harbor"

I suppose it depends on what you want to see. If you want the attack on Pearl Harbor depicted with "Star Wars" special effects hype, then you are in for another Adrenalin rush. But somehow, the depiction just doesn't seem quite right. An example? Yes, the US did manage to get a few planes off the ground during the raid and some dogfights and Japanese casualties occurred. But nothing I have read about the raid indicates that rival pilots chased each other around the facilities on Hickam Field.

Other aspects of the film? The romantic involvement of the two pilots (falling in love with the same girl, yet somehow managing to remain friends in the end) is not totally unbelievable, but would have been rare in the cultural milieu of the early '40's. Also, the movie, which not only builds up to Pearl Harbor, dramatizes the Raid and then moves on to Jimmy Doolittle's bold venture, is very long.

It is very appropriate, in year 2001, for the American film industry to celebrate the 60th. anniversary of Pearl Harbor. But, as a depiction of this momentous event, the movie doesn't hold a candle to "Tora, Tora, Tora" which really was a serious and highly successful attempt to depict history.