Midway (2019) – A Detailed Description
Overview
Midway is a 2019 war film directed by Roland Emmerich, who also produced the film with Harald Kloser. The screenplay was written by Wes Tooke. The film covers the pivotal Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific Theater during World War II, from the Attack on Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway.
Storyline
The film begins in December 1937, where Lieutenant Commander Edwin T. Layton, an American naval attaché intelligence officer, is warned by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto that Japan would have no choice but to wage war if the US threatened their oil supply. This warning is prophetic as, on December 7, 1941, the Japanese launch a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, forcing the US to enter the war.
The story then shifts to the Battle of Midway, where Admiral Yamamoto proposes an audacious plan to invade Midway Island using the four available Japanese carriers of the Kido Butai. However, the Japanese Army overrules them, and the plan is altered. The film follows the heroic efforts of American naval aviators, including Lieutenant Richard Dick Best, Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky, and Ensign George Gay, as they face off against the Japanese fleet.
Cast
The film boasts a diverse and talented cast, including:
Ed Skrein as Lieutenant Richard Dick Best
Patrick Wilson as Lieutenant Commander Edwin T. Layton
Luke Evans as Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky
Aaron Eckhart as Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle
Nick Jonas as Aviation Machinist Mate Bruno Gaido
Mandy Moore as Anne Best, Dick Best’s wife
Woody Harrelson as Admiral Chester Nimitz
Dennis Quaid as Vice Admiral William Bull Halsey
Darren Criss as Lieutenant Commander Eugene Lindsey
Jake Weber as Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance
Brennan Brown as Commander Joseph Rochefort
Alexander Ludwig as Lieutenant Roy Pearce
Tadanobu Asano as Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi
Keean Johnson as Chief Aviation Radioman James Murray
Luke Kleintank as Lieutenant Clarence Earle Dickinson
Jun Kunimura as Vice Admiral Chūichi Nagumo
Etsushi Toyokawa as Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
Brandon Sklenar as Ensign George Gay
James Carpinello as Lieutenant Commander William Brockman
Jake Manley as Ensign Willie West.
Filming and Visual Effects
Filming began on September 5, 2018, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and also took place in Montreal, Quebec. The visual effects were handled by Scanline VFX and Pixomondo, with the goal of recreating the intense battles of World War II.
Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 35% approval rating, with many critics praising the film’s ambition but criticizing its execution. The special effects were seen as lacking, with some critics noting that the CGI did not blend well with the characters, making it clear that they were sitting in a green screen environment.
Roger Ebert’s review highlighted the film’s inability to create compelling characters, despite its efforts to stick to historical accuracy and military strategy. The review also noted that the film’s staging of the attack on Pearl Harbor was full of large explosions and planes disintegrating, but criticized the director for sidestepping the discomfort of representing the segregation of Black soldiers who fought at Midway.
Movie Poster
While there is no specific information about famous artists involved in the movie poster, a typical film poster for Midway would feature key actors and scenes from the film. It might include images of Ed Skrein as Dick Best, Patrick Wilson as Edwin Layton, and Luke Evans as Wade McClusky, along with dramatic depictions of aircraft carriers and planes in mid-battle. The poster could also include the tagline The Battle That Turned the Tide to emphasize the pivotal nature of the event depicted in the film.
Framed Print and Canvas Print
For fans of the film, a framed print or canvas print of the movie poster could be a great way to showcase their love for Midway. These prints would typically be available in various sizes, allowing viewers to choose the perfect fit for their home or office. They could also be customized with personalized messages or autographs from the cast, making them a unique collector’s item.
Availability
Midway is available to stream on Prime Video and can be rented or bought on Fandango at Home, Apple TV. The film’s runtime is 138 minutes, and it is rated PG-13 for sequences of war violence, language, and smoking.
Conclusion
Midway is a historical war film that attempts to recreate one of the most pivotal battles in World War II. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it remains a significant effort to tell the story of the brave men who fought at Midway. With its diverse cast and ambitious visual effects, the film offers a compelling narrative that is sure to engage audiences interested in historical dramas. Whether viewed on a big screen or as a framed print, Midway is a film that deserves recognition for its attempt to honor the heroes of World War II.
