Last week I rewatched the 1976 film Midway, which I had originally seen that year with my father, a World War II veteran. It is an all-star recreation of the Battle of Midway, filmed in “Sensurround,” and mixes actual war footage (and a couple of shots from Tora! Tora! Tora!) into the action. I’ve always liked it, even though it is a little stodgy. This new film is an improvement dramatically, but isn’t as clear on strategy and tactics.

Roland Emmerich’s film, like Jack Smight’s earlier film, is a stirring tribute to the thousands of men who fought in the early days of the war, many of whom never returned. This film singles out about a dozen of them, from the decision makers like Admirals Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) and Halsey (Dennis Quaid) to pilots Dick Best (Ed Skrein) and James Murray (Keean Johnson). Other key figures include intelligence officers, wives of the Navy pilots and, of course, their Japanese counterparts, for the film examines both sides of the battle that changed the course of the war.

While the 1976 film delivers a more concise view of how the battle plan progressed, this film has a larger scope, beginning in 1937 and including the attack on Pearl Harbor before leading up to the Midway confrontation. It is stronger dramatically and cinematically, choosing to create all new battle scenes rather than relying on real footage. The dive bombing raids are harrowing and vertiginous, exactly as one would expect them to be in actuality. I was also pleased at how respectful the film is to everyone who participated, and to the memory of those who did not return.

This is a rather old-fashioned war film, in fact, which benefits from all the computer wizardry employed to make a seventy-seven year old battle seem absolutely fresh and vibrant, not to mention horrifying. It avoids the traps of sensationalism, preferring to ascribe heroism to principled character and dogged determination. Nor does it glorify war, but it does bestow honor upon those who put their lives at risk to keep our country, and the world, free from tyranny. ☆ ☆ ☆. 18 November 2019.