Midway Film’s Golden Anniversary and Lessons of Sacrifice, Pride, and Divine Providence

An all-star cast with Charleton Heston and Henry Fonda headlined a World War II film Midway, based on the turning point of the Pacific Theater and America’s first victory.

The film follows the events following Japan’s victory at Pearl Harbor and their plans to attack another American base to cripple the hopes of Americans ever winning the war.

The original film gives us lessons of faith despite not being religious in its concept. It teaches us what it takes to lay down one’s life, how pride can arrogantly blind someone to their shortcoming, and how God’s intervention was felt.

Sacrifice

Christ tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). a torpedo squadron that took part in attacking the Japanese fleet as they flew obsolete planes into heavy enemy fire, knowing their chances of survival were nearly zero, to draw defense forces away and expose the Japanese fleet.

One of their commanding officers, Captain Matt Garth, would crash his plane into a Japanese ship. He did this for the preservation of his members of the squadron.

Danger of Pride

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” (Proverbs 16: 18-19)

The Japanese command was riding high on their victories in the Pacific from Pearl Harbor to the Philippines and others in between. This “victory disease” would lead them into spiritual arrogance and would lead them blindly into a trap.

They would underestimate the spirit of America, or, as Admiral Yamamoto remarked, that Japan “awakens a sleeping giant” in the United States.

The loss of their four aircraft carriers crippled the Japanese chances of invading the United States and put them on the defensive through the end of the war.

Paradox of Sovereignty

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31).

Admiral Chester Nimitz made some calculated risks to ensure a victory. Meanwhile, Americans did their part to help him by cracking the Japanese code and patching up and positioning their fleet.

Divine Providence

A Japanese scout plane and a stray destroyer changed the course of the battle in five minutes. The torpedo squadron that carried out the attack caught the Japanese off balance. It wasn’t by chance.

As Proverbs tells us, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33) These events were made possible by the invincible hand of the lord.

Midway is one of the greatest war pictures in cinema. It has good acting, a great plot, and even powerful faith lessons that are applicable today.

Midway gets a solid five out of five.