Midway

The political situation

in the world has now reached a stage

where the very foundations of civilization

are seriously threatened.

War is a contagion.

The peace of the world,

the welfare and security of every nation,

including our own,

is being threatened by that very thing.

Let no one imagine that America will escape.

Yes, we are determined to keep out of war.

Yet, we cannot insure ourselves

against the disastrous effects of war,

and the dangers of involvement.

This is bloody ridiculous.

Wasn't your empire built on ridiculous traditions?

Don't defend them, Layton.

You might speak their language,

but they still think you're a barbarian.

Be honest.

You won't miss this place when you're gone?

Oh, please.

The next time I see the little buggers,

I hope it's through the sights of a 14-inch gun.

Gentlemen.

On behalf of the British Empire,

I wish to thank Admiral Yamamoto

for this invitation.

May our nations work together to maintain peace on the seas.

Which is why I know

that you must have an opinion.

I was once our naval attache in Washington.

After you went to Harvard.

Like you, I thought there was value

in studying a potential adversary.

There's a rumor that you told the prime minister

that Japan can't win a war with the United States.

I said we couldn't win a long war.

There's another rumor that your life is in danger.

That the nationalists think you're too moderate

and have targeted you for assassination.

Japan is at a crossroads.

We are emboldened by our invasion of China

and eager to become a world power.

Yet we get 80% of our oil from your country.

If that supply is threatened,

it will force us into drastic measures.

You want me to pass this information

along to Washington?

Don't push us into a corner.

You must give those of us who are more reasonable

a chance to carry the day.

Nobody wants a war.

Sayonara.

Sayonara.

Come on. Step it up, ladies!

Clear the flight deck.

Let's go.

Prepare to brace!

Why aren't you using the flaps, sir?

Because someday we might have to land

with our flaps shot away.

So we might as well practice now.

This isn't how Ensign Hunt used to fly.

Which is why Ensign Hunt is now counting seagulls

in San Diego

and you're here with me.

Looks like we got hit in our fuel tank, too.

Please don't, sir.

This might save your life one day, Murray.

Engine's about to die.

Stand by to recover aircraft.

What the hell is Best doing?

He's out of the groove.

It looks like his engine cut out.

Is it a stunt, or is he in trouble?

I don't know.

But he's going to hit the first wire like always.

Not with that angle.

Why are we sideways?

To shave speed

so we don't put a hole in the deck.

Better not crash that damn plane.

Hey, hang in there, kid.

We're almost home.

Brace!

Are you trying to get court marshalled?

I had electrical issue.

Could have happened to anyone.

Hey!

Good job.

Well, it's not me you have to convince.

McClusky's about ready to have your ass.

Then I'll take it upstairs to the old man.

He knows what's coming.

That's why we've been flying

double scouting missions this whole trip.

Going somewhere?

Yeah, they're sending the whole squadron

into Pearl this morning.

And I'll be drinking a beer on the beach with Roy by noon.

And I'm not coming?

No. McClusky's holding back Scouting Six.

It's probably 'cause you're such an asshole.

Yeah, you're lovin' this, right?

Morning, sir. Aircraft is spotted.

Hey, take it easy on Miller.

He's having a tough morning.

It's my last day of sea duty, sir.

And I'm the only one from my radio class who hasn't crashed.

Don't worry, Miller.

I'm sure even Mr. Dickinson can fly you

from here to Pearl without getting you wet.

Hey. Me and Roy,

we'll pour a little beer out on the beach for ya.

Well, you boys are taking your sweet time.

Chaplain's gonna be here any minute.

It's another hot one, sir.

- Are you complaining, Sully? - No, sir.

I just can't help wondering

why I have to set up chairs for church,

even though I don't believe in God.

Well, that's because your only religion is chasing tail.

And the Navy ain't gonna pay you for that.

Incoming!

Barbara!

Barbara!

Barbara, come here!

Come on, sweetheart.

Get the wounded below deck!

Everyone else, battle stations!

Get down!

Comin' to church?

I have to go to the office.

It's Sunday.

You work too hard.

Layton residence.

I'll meet you outside.

Edwin, what's happening?

The Japanese are attacking us.

Did you reach the office?

No. The switchboard was jammed.

Go.

Sully, get up! Come on!

We need to get to the gun directors.

They're firing way too low.

Take cover! Get down!

Drive!

Hey. Hey.

Are you okay?

We have to get off the ship. Come on.

Hurry up, kid.

We gotta jump.

You go in that water, you're dead.

Sully! You first, Sully!

I can't! My hands...

You wanna live?

You get to that goddamned ship, you hear me?

What is it, sir?

Looks like Coastal Artillery went stark mad.

I bet you somebody's gonna catch hell for it.

Incoming!

Miller, break radio silence. Get that gun working!

Pearl is under attack. This is no shit.

Miller, you okay?

Miller, bail out!

Miller! Miller!

Miller!

What the hell is going on?

Pearl is shooting at our guys, sir.

Then maybe it isn't Pearl.

Look, call Dickinson.

We had a transmission that he was under attack

and then nothing.

Sir.

Get this to the admiral.

Keep going, Sully.

Get down!

Oh, come on.

There's the man who tried to warn us.

If it's any satisfaction to you, Layton, you were right.

Sir, it's no satisfaction to me whatsoever.

You bastard.

Sir, where are they going?

Back to their carriers.

Drive out to the radio direction finder

and report back to me.

Yes, sir.

Admiral Halsey on deck.

Pearl found something?

Intelligence managed to get a line of bearing

on the attacking fleet.

But it's a bilateral reading.

The Japanese are either at 343 degrees

or 163 degrees.

Oh, for Christ's sake.

Pearl is under attack and we don't even know

if the bastards are north or south?

Army bombers also reported a possible ship sighting here.

We're gonna place our bet