HONOLULU, HI, May 22, 2001/ FW/ --- Pearl Harbor, starring Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and British actress Kate Beckinsale, held its world premiere on the US aircraft carrier, the John C. Stennis, at 19:00 Hawaiian time (05:00 GMT 22.05.01) Monday, 21 May. The premiere is the biggest ever in film history.

Touchstone Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present a Michael Bay Film, Pearl Harbor.

On a Sunday morning in December, squadrons of Japanese warplanes launched a surprise attack on the US armed forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The day that jolted America from peaceful isolation to total war and altered the course of world history is relived in this tale of patriotism, passion and romance.

Pearl Harbor focuses on the life-changing events surrounding December 7, 1941, and the war's devastating impact on two daring young pilots (Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett) and a beautiful, dedicated nurse (Kate Beckinsale).

It is a tale of catastrophic defeat, heroic victory, personal courage and overwhelming love set against a stunning backdrop of spectacular wartime action.

US survivors of Pearl Harbor will be present at the premiere together with all the cast members and celebrities. Other stars of the film include Alec Baldwin, Dan Aykroyd, Mako, Scottish-born Ewan Bremner, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight and Colm Feore.

Pearl Harbor is directed by Michael Bay, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay and the screenplay was written by Randall Wallace. The film is distributed by Buena Vista International (UK) Ltd. US certificate PG13. Running time: 2 hours 55 minutes.

Pearl Harbor opens in theaters nationwide on May 25, 2001