Tora! Tora! Tora!1970Tora! Tora! Tora!
1970
In 1941, as diplomacy between the United States and Japan breaks down, Japanese commanders plan a surprise strike on the U.S. Pacific Fleet while American officers in Washington and Hawaii struggle to read the warning signs. The road to December 7, told from both sides.
For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.
Why it’s here
A sober, balanced account of Pearl Harbor from both sides, showing how pride, missed warnings, and duty collide, and honoring the men who stood at their posts.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
An extended attack on Pearl Harbor with explosions and many (mostly bloodless) deaths, including a man whose clothing catches fire. Mild profanity and heavy period smoking; the Japanese scenes are subtitled.
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why were the warnings about the attack missed?
- How did the film show Admiral Yamamoto? Did that surprise you?
- Which American at Pearl Harbor stuck with you most?
- What do you think Yamamoto meant about awakening a "sleeping giant"?
Content advisory
IMDb parents guide (no CSM review): an extended aerial attack with explosions and mostly bloodless deaths; mild profanity; lots of smoking.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Tora! Tora! Tora! Blu-ray
Blu-ray · May 8, 2012
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.