Is the New Movie Midway 2019 Historically Accurate or Just Drama?

Have you seen the recent release of the movie Midway 2019? Many wonder if this film captures the historical accuracy of one of the most significant battles during World War II or if it's more of a dramatized version for entertainment. In this article, we will explore the historical accuracy of the movie and compare it with previous versions, particularly the 1970s film.

The Historical Inaccuracies in Midway 2019

One of the most prominent discrepancies between the movie and historical facts is the misidentification of a Japanese cruiser by the character Wade McClusky. In reality, McClusky misidentified the vessel as a cruiser when he actually spotted a destroyer. This minor detail, however, does not overshadow the movie's overall failure to depict the battle accurately.

Issues with Battle Scenes and Special Effects

The movie's CGI battle scenes receive harsh criticism for their inaccuracy. Instead of the realistic and organized attacks depicted in real battles, the movie shows uncoordinated and chaotic scenes. For instance, during the actual 1942 battle, dive bombers attacked one at a time and dropped their bombs one at a time from a much higher altitude. The movie's portrayal of these tactics is described as ridiculous and Hollywood bullshit.

Another issue is the portrayal of a pop-up landing by Dick Best, which is described as “horse crap”. The movie's depiction of this event is far from accurate, making it difficult for viewers to understand the true events that transpired during the battle.

Comparison with Previous Versions

Compared to the 1970s version of Midway, the recent remake is criticized for its lack of historical accuracy. The older film, while flawed, did not invent a love story between a pilot and a Japanese woman. It did get the tactics and the depiction of actual heroes of the battle correct. On the other hand, the new movie, despite its impressive special effects, completely ignores the Ship Spacing, dive bomber tactics, and fighter actions.

Acknowledging Historical Facts in Midway 2019

While the movie is not entirely accurate, it does get some historical events correct. For instance, the first 7 months of the war, including Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle raid on Japan, and the Battle of Midway, are accurately depicted. However, it is important to note the exaggeration in the battle scenes. This is done to appeal to the audience, making the battle seem more exciting and dramatic.

Tragic Side Notes and Casualties

The article also points out some tragic sidenotes. During the Battle of Midway, many civilians were killed by friendly fire because it was a naval battle involving ships. Additionally, the portrayal of civilians being strafed in downtown Pearl Harbor is inaccurate, as only 68 civilians were killed in the attack. This demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between historical facts and dramatization in movies.

Conclusion

From the above analysis, it is clear that the new movie Midway 2019 is more of a dramatized version of the historical event than a historically accurate portrayal. While it does capture some significant events and characters, it fails to depict the battle in a way that aligns with actual historical records.