“Pearl Harbor” is a 2001 American war film directed by Michael Bay. The movie stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, and Cuba Gooding Jr. It is set against the backdrop of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

The film follows two childhood friends, Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett), who both become U.S. Army Air Corps pilots. They share a deep bond and a love for flying, and both fall in love with the same woman, Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale), a nurse stationed at Pearl Harbor. The love triangle forms the emotional core of the film.

As the story unfolds, the personal drama of the three main characters is interwoven with the historical events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese military launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack leads to significant losses and damage, propelling the United States into World War II.

“Pearl Harbor” combines action-packed battle sequences with a romantic subplot, offering a dramatic retelling of one of the most pivotal moments in American history. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was noted for its impressive visual effects and large-scale action scenes, capturing the scale and intensity of the historical attack. The film aims to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those involved while providing a dramatic and emotional narrative.