Tora! Tora! Tora!

Tora! Tora! Tora!

Year: 1970

Runtime: 144 min

Language: English

Directors: Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Masuda

ActionDramaHistoryWar

As tensions rise between the United States and Japan, a pivotal moment approaches: the attack on Pearl Harbor. Diplomatic relations deteriorate due to an American embargo on vital resources, leading Air Staff Officer Minoru Genda to devise a surprise aerial assault. Despite intercepted Japanese communications hinting at a potential conflict, American intelligence dismisses the possibility of an attack on US soil. This misjudgment tragically sets the stage for a devastating surprise, forever changing the course of history.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

Trace every key event in Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Change of Command at Nagato

In Tokyo, aboard the battleship Nagato, a significant change-of-command ceremony takes place. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto assumes his new role as Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, taking over from Fleet Admiral Zengo Yoshida amidst the backdrop of World War II.

1941 Tokyo, Japan
2

Discussion of Trade Embargo

During a tense conversation between Yamamoto and Yoshida, they discuss the critical implications of America's trade embargo. This embargo restricts Japan's access to vital resources like oil and exacerbates the struggles arising from Japan's ongoing conflict in China.

Nagato, Japan
3

Consensus for Conflict

A meeting convened by Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye leads to a consensus among top officials, including Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka and War Minister General Hideki Tojo. They decide that Japan must prepare for an attack on the United States, despite the catastrophic potential of such a conflict.

Japan
4

Signing the Tripartite Pact

In a bid to strengthen military alliances, Japan signs the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This alliance alarms Yamamoto, who begins to consider a surprise attack as the best strategy to survive against an increasingly powerful American force.

Japan
5

Planning the Pearl Harbor Strike

Japanese military commands convene to discuss the feasibility of attacking Pearl Harbor. They innovate solutions, such as modifying aerial torpedoes, to bypass American defenses as they prepare for a decisive strike on the U.S. Navy.

Japan
6

American Intelligence Breakthrough

The U.S. intelligence community experiences a breakthrough by deciphering the Japanese Purple Code, allowing them to intercept and understand critical Japanese communications. Unfortunately, despite this success, their response remains slow and unprepared for the inevitable attack.

United States
7

Attempts to Fortify Pearl Harbor

As the date of the attack nears, Admiral Husband Kimmel and General Walter C. Short make desperate attempts to bolster Pearl Harbor's defenses. However, communication lapses and intelligence failures hinder their effectiveness, leaving the base vulnerable.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
8

Coded Messages and Urgent Warnings

On December 7, 1941, while decision-makers in Washington are engaged in leisurely pursuits, American intelligence scrambles to decode incoming messages. Unfortunately, urgent warnings of the impending attack are overlooked, leading to a lack of preparedness.

December 7, 1941 Washington, D.C.
9

USS Ward's Discovery

Just before the attack commences, the American destroyer USS Ward reveals a Japanese midget submarine attempting to breach Pearl Harbor. The submarine is sunk, but instead of triggering an alert, the incident meets bureaucratic indifference, leading to complacency.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
10

The Attack Begins

As the Japanese fleet approaches, a series of miscommunications leads to a critical delay in American defenses. The attack starts with utter devastation as Japanese forces catch U.S. defenders completely off guard, with fighter planes destroyed on the ground and personnel unprepared.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
11

The Code 'Tora, Tora, Tora'

As the chaos unfolds during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the code 'Tora, Tora, Tora' is communicated among Japanese forces. This signals their complete surprise, leading to a rapid and overwhelming assault on American military installations.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
12

Acts of Heroism

Amidst the turmoil, sailor Doris Miller performs an act of bravery by operating a machine gun despite the limitations placed on him due to racism. Additionally, pilots Ken Taylor and George Welch manage to take off and engage enemy planes, showcasing valiant efforts against overwhelming opposition.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
13

Destruction of USS Arizona

A bomb lands on the USS Arizona, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that complicates rescue and recovery operations. The destruction highlights the severity of the attack and the heavy toll it takes on the U.S. fleet.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
14

No Third Wave of Attack

In a critical decision, Japanese commanders choose not to launch a third wave of attacks, despite their earlier successes. This decision prevents them from fully crippling the American military, which could ensure Japan's long-term advantage.

Japan
15

Reactions in Washington

Following the attack, U.S. leaders, including Secretary of State Cordell Hull, grapple with the shocking realization of the attack's enormity. As the Japanese ambassador arrives with an ultimatum, tensions rise, cementing the path towards open conflict.

Washington, D.C.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 23:24

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Tora! Tora! Tora!

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