Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the intertwined lives of Wasun Choi and Juan Trip, set against the backdrop of the events leading up to World War II. It details how Choi, a wealthy restaurateur from Jersey City, vanished aboard Pan-American Airways flight 229, while Trip, the CEO of Pan-American Airways, worked to establish a commercial air route connecting San Francisco with China. Their stories illustrate the preparations made by the United States and Japan for the impending conflict, highlighting the secret war that preceded the well-known attack on Pearl Harbor.
The film also covers the historical context of American expansion in the Pacific, starting with the discovery of guano in the mid-19th century, which led to the Guano Act and the acquisition of various Pacific islands. It discusses how Japan sought to thwart American ambitions in the region, culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent battles that followed. The documentary emphasizes the significant yet often overlooked contributions of individuals like Choi and Trip in shaping the events of this era.
Why Watch
- •See how Wasun Choi's life intertwined with the Pacific War.
- •Find out about the secret war before Pearl Harbor.
- •Meet Juan Trip, the powerful CEO of Pan-American Airways.
Did You Know
•Wasun Choi vanished aboard Pan-American Airways flight 229 on July 29, 1938.
•353 Japanese warplanes attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
•The attack on Pearl Harbor was preceded by a secret war involving Japan and the U.S.
•The Guano Act put 50 island atolls under American control in the mid-19th century.
Perfect For
World War II historyAviation enthusiastsPacific War studies