WTF Really Happened to Pearl Harbor (2001)?

Today – December 7, 2021 – marks the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attacks on the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Regarded as one of the greatest military tragedies in world history, the attacks claimed the lives of 2,400 Americans and wounded 1,700 more, prompting the U.S. to engage in World War II.

Directed by Michael Bay, Pearl Harbor was released with aims to be Titanic meets Saving Private Ryan. With a sexy cast including Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale, this historical epic looks and feels like the definition of Oscar bait. With today as the 80th anniversary of that infamous day in American history, let’s take a look back at Michael Bay’s infamously popcorn-munching take on one of the most solemn days of the 20th century.

There are two types of Michael Bay movies: bad ones and box office hits. Yes, that distinction was intentional. Whether you are a critic or a fan, you likely have a very polarizing take on Bay’s oeuvre. From Bad Boys to Transformers, Armageddon to Pain and Gain, Bay has never ceased to make sweat, guns, and explosions as seductive as Megan Fox leaning over a car engine. His most ambitious project, however, did not include aliens or robots but definitely had its fair share of explosions.

So, WTF happened to Pearl Harbor? What exactly are the facts versus the fiction with this critically panned blockbuster? Let’s find out.

WTF Really Happened to this Movie was written by Brian Accardo and narrated by Dave Davis. Paul Cooper edited the video which contains music by Audiio.com. The video is produced by Chris Bumbray and Dave Davis, and executive produced by Berge Garabedian.