The Pacific is a rare television hit on war in the east. But the Pacific theatre has made it to the big screen. A few notable takes.
- Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Winner of seven Oscars - including Best Picture - this movie still ranks on the best-ever list of many film critics. William Holden plays the U.S. serviceman who escapes from a Japanese prison camp, and is then conscripted to go back to the same camp in order to blow up the bridge constructed by a proud British commander (Alec Guinness). Watch it and you'll have the theme song in your head for weeks.
- King Rat (1965)
George Segal gave one of his finest dramatic performances in this gritty story set in a Japanese prison camp. Segal is outstanding as Corporal King, an enterprising soldier out for survival at any cost. Backed by a mostly British cast, he's an original American anti-hero.
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
Epic in scope and budget, this movie scrutinizes the days and events leading up to Japan attacking Pearl Harbor in December, 1941. The late Joseph Cotten is outstanding as former U.S. Secretary of War Henry Stimson. The film was a major box-office flop at the time, with too many subtitles cited as the reason.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983)
Another Japanese prisoner-of-war camp outing, this time set in the late stages of the war. David Bowie garnered glowing reviews for his portrayal of the rebellious POW Jack Celliers, who becomes the unwanted object of affection for the camp's young commandant, played by fellow musician Ryuichi Sakamoto.
- The Thin Red Line (1998)
Director Terrence Malick's masterpiece. The story is set during the horrific Battle of Guadalcanal and focuses unflinchingly on the hardy members of C company, played by Jim Caviezel, Ben Chaplin and Nick Nolte. Watch for George Clooney in a notable cameo role.
- Pearl Harbor (2001)
Although lambasted by critics, this film looks great and feels authentic. Director Michael Bay set his romance story involving two flyboys (Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett) and a plucky navy nurse (Kate Beckinsale) against the backdrop of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
- Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, it's the first of two films chronicling the battle of Iwo Jima. The story focuses on seven soldiers who raised the American flag, and how the event changed their lives thereafter. Canadian actor Adam Beach is remarkable as the native American Marine Ira Hayes.
- Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Eastwood's second account of Iwo Jima, told from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers in their own language. Although set in Japan, the story was filmed primarily in California locations.
Andrew Ryan