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When I realised that ‘Code 8’ wasn’t playing at the cinema outlet nearest to our house, I had to pick another movie. That movie turned out to be Midway (2019), a remake of the 1976 original film. If anything, watching this movie made me realise the importance of history. If memory serves me correctly, there were a few bits on the related ‘Pearl Harbour’ incident in our Malaysian history textbooks in secondary school. Strangely, I can’t quite recall how much I studied about the battle, if at all, in university where I minored in International Studies (Now I know why I got a Credit for one of the compulsory modules in which I studied World History).

For someone who can vaguely remember anything to do with the Americans vs Japanese battle, almost everything in this movie felt new. Most of the scenes were action-packed, and an hour into the film I thought, “Huh, why is this movie like that?” For me, the thrill started when there was this line that roughly went like this: Goddammit, Dick! I thought you were dead! And Dick’s reply went something like: “They said the same thing about you!” I then let out a huge sigh of relief. There was also a point when I got emotional because this movie largely depicts the sacrifice of those involved in a war. That was when I realised, “Okay, maybe this movie isn’t too bad after all.”

The audio is in a mix of Japanese, English and Chinese. Certain parts, especially when there’s dialogue, were difficult to catch. Maybe because there’s too much action going on. Some critics, according to online sources, revealed that this movie is best enjoyed without sound.

Those playing the roles of the soldiers and aviators look alike so if you walk out of the show barely remembering who’s who, it’s not your fault. Many of the actors and actresses are unknowns but there are a few familiar faces. I just couldn’t pinpoint who until the ending credits were rolling on screen. Hey, it’s Nick Jonas! Some of you may remember him as a band member of The Jonas Brothers, while others may associate him with Priyanka Chopra, whom he’s married to now. But even more surprising was Mandy Moore was part of the cast. And of course, I didn’t expect Darren Criss (of ‘Glee’ fame) to be part of the cast. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Dennis Quaid in at least one of his other films.

The film, directed by Roland Emmerich, premiered in Malaysian cinemas 7 November 2019. Emmerich had previously taken the role of director for films including the Independence Day franchise and The Patriot (2000).

Note: In the international university that the author was enrolled in, students follow/are graded using the Australian system. A Credit, according to the university’s standard, is anywhere between 60 and 69 marks.