“Devotion”
Movie Review
Directed by J.D. Dillard, “Devotion” is an American biographical war film based on the book 'Devotion: An Epic of Valor, Friendship and Sacrifice' by Adam Makos, which tells the story of two brave US Navy fighter pilots during the 1950 Korean War and how they became the most famous wingman in the US Navy. The film stars Jonathan Majors as Brown, Glenn Powell as Hudner, and Christina Jackson, Joe Jonas, Nick Hargrove, Spencer Neville, Thomas Sadosky, and Darren Kakasoff.
Right from its very first scene, director J.D. Dillard's
epic war drama 'Devotion' stands on its own as a story about human characters,
not mindless action glorifying guns and bloodshed. We are seamlessly introduced
to a group of young US Naval fighter pilots, who are still earning their
stripes in the training but it’s a comfort that cannot be afforded to them for
long. The year was 1950 and soon it was time for them to hook up and fly into
enemy territory. But before that happens, the group's two most disparate squadrons
form an extraordinary bond that transcends their confidence, appearance, color,
and background. Ensign Jesse Brown, played by Jonathan Majors, is America's
first black pilot to earn his wings in a naval training program despite his own
fears, anxieties, and vulnerabilities. while his fellow naval aviator Lt. Tom
Hudner played by Glen Powell, is super confident and clearly the US Navy’s most
dependable pilot, who has aced his performance in the training. Although Brown
is initially reluctant to trust Hudner, his enthusiastic attitude and genuine
concern convince him to let him into his home.
Call it a slow burn, unlike other war movies, 'Devotion'
thrives on the human connection and vulnerability of men who leave their
families behind to fight for their country. Director Dillard and his writers
Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart have masterfully adapted their screenplay to
reflect the poignant quality of Adam Magos's book. It does so with godlike
detail. He invites the boys to the Cannes Casino, from recreating the world of
the 1950s in every aspect of the film, from sets, locations, costumes, and
costumes, to casting stars like Serinda Swann's Elizabeth Taylor. The story is
full of inspiration for life and hope rather than the despair of death and war.
Actual mid-air action scenes are few and far between, but they are all
brilliantly and realistically executed. The scenes are brought to life by
Chanda Dancy's stunning music and Eric Messerschmidt's cinematography.
Due to the fictional nature of the plot and the writing
of the script, the film loses its pace. So, it feels long and a bit repetitive.
However, it helps to create an atmosphere and invest the audience in the story
of its two protagonists. The performances are excellent across the board, with
Majors and Powell excelling in their respective fields. Christina Jackson gives
good support as Brown's loving wife, Daisy. Even in the 1950s, the essence of
racism is effectively depicted on screen, surprising how the Western world
managed progressive and equally regressive practices.
'Devotion' is a different kind of war film that
introduces us to a lesser-known part of history. Its heroism lies in staying
true to its characters and their stories, rather than trying too hard to make
it a larger-than-life war drama without a beating heart.
[WATCH REVIEW VIDEO HERE...]
0 Comments