Save the Cat rankings

PEARL HARBOR script analysis

PEARL HARBOR script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Pearl Harbor interweaves the personal bond of two fighter pilots, Rafe and Danny, with the looming threat of war. After an idyllic opening and the declaration of conflict, Rafe’s presumed death and love triangle provide an emotional throughline. The film shifts into action with the surprise attack, leading to a daring retaliatory mission and a bittersweet resolution.

70 Save the Cat fit score 5% analysis confidence / 68 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

Introduces young Rafe and Danny in Tennessee, establishing their friendship and love of flight.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

5%

Yamamoto’s line about annihilating the U.S. at Pearl Harbor foreshadows the film’s exploration of sacrifice and war’s costs.

We will annihilate them in a single attack -- at Pearl Harbor.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

5%

Rafe and Danny train as pilots, meet fellow airmen and nurses, and prepare for Rafe’s departure to Britain.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 12% target

5%

The Japanese High Command’s decision to attack Pearl Harbor sets the war plot in motion.

We will annihilate them in a single attack -- at Pearl Harbor.
5

Debate

Scenes 8-9 / Page 1 / 20% target

5%

Danny questions the vulnerability of the bunched-up planes and toasts Rafe, highlighting doubts about safety and readiness.

6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 25% target

5%

Rafe returns from combat in Britain, shifting the story from training to active wartime service.

7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 1 / 30% target

5%

Danny arrives to tell Evelyn that Rafe is dead, launching the emotional love triangle.

Lieutenant... I'm Danny Walker. I'm Rafe McCawley's best friend.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 31 / Page 1 / 40% target

5%

Danny and Evelyn share coffee, exploring their growing bond amid wartime uncertainty.

Rafe was...he was lonely. He had such high expectations of himself that he always felt empty. The week...
9

Midpoint

Scene 35 / Page 1 / 50% target

5%

Rafe unexpectedly returns, alive, dramatically upending Danny and Evelyn’s new relationship.

I sent telegrams, I guess the military traffic held them up.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 38 / Page 1 / 65% target

5%

Tensions rise as Rafe isolates himself at Hickam Field, haunted by his experiences.

You'd always go sit in a plane whenever you were upset.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 41 / Page 1 / 75% target

5%

The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor leaves the pilots outgunned and the base in ruins.

Get me into a plane!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / Page 1 / 80% target

5%

At the memorial service, Rafe and Danny grapple with grief and survivor’s guilt.

I need to tell you something. I didn't know what it was to lose somebody, to see death...
13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 1 / 85% target

5%

Doolittle briefs Rafe and Danny on the secret bombing mission of Japan, reigniting their purpose.

14

Finale

Scenes 65-67 / Page 1 / 95% target

5%

The Doolittle Raid’s execution and final crash-landing provide action, heroism, and sacrifice.

We'll fly till we run out of fuel, then bail out.
15

Final Image

Scene 68 / Page 1 / 99% target

5%

Rafe and Evelyn visit Danny’s memorial with their child, closing the story on hope and remembrance.