Devotion

Devotion

The harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.

  • Released: 2022-11-23
  • Runtime: 100 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, History, War
  • Stars: Ava Michelle Thompson, Alexander Goldstein, Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, Christina Jackson, Thomas Sadoski, Joe Jonas, Joseph Cross, Daren Kagasoff, Serinda Swan, Nick Hargrove, Boone Platt, Matt Riedy, Logan Macrae, Spencer Neville, Kenneth Trujillo, Adetinpo Thomas, Emily Brinks, Aleks Alifirenko Jr., Elizabeth Harlow
  • Director: J.D. Dillard
 Comments
  • bluesouptin - 11 June 2024
    A lot of crying in this movie
    Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a few tears but every time I turned around someone was blubbering. Just sayin'.. It feels like the MO for such films and I get it: in 1950, the first Black naval aviator must have suffered ungodly abuse. I suffered a decent amount during my time in the service over 30 years later, well after the U. S. Armed Forces had fully integrated. Anyway, these films must hook you, quickly, and more often than not tough guy tears will work, I suppose.

    The film sacrifices its depth-of-character to the subject matter, but the leads offer strong performances within the plot's limited range. Pretty good Corsair sequences.
  • Jcmkgalgano - 19 October 2023
    Completely underrated
    OK it's not really a movie about the Korean conflict, but it is a great movie about a man devoted to his wife and how he and his wingman are devoted to each other. The title "Devotion" is perfect. The characters could have been developed a little more, especially the two leads. The biggest failure is that Jesse was obviously a hero (beyond the struggles he faced daily), but there are no details on what he did as a pilot to be deemed a great pilot. I guess I just wanted more. Definitely have to read the book now.

    Still like the 4FU Corsair this movie is surprisingly underrated and underappreciated.
  • skelyrata - 16 June 2023
    Great balance between the historical and emotional drama
    I saw Devotion.

    This film based on true events, which tells the story of two US Navy fighter pilots who risk their lives during the Korean War and become some of the Navy's most celebrated pilots.

    The film is particularly special as it features Ensign L Jesse Brown, who was the first African-American pilot in Navy history.

    The director manages to create a perfect balance between the historical part of the Korean War and the emotional story of Brown, the only black in the entire team of pilots who, despite the discrimination he faces, manages to stand out as one of the best pilots in war fighting.

    This is another movie I went to see without knowing anything about it. And I loved it. I found it super entertaining, educational and I was moved by the ending.

    I recommend it.
  • osalim - 12 January 2023
    Movie of the year
    I loved this movie. It starts off slow but its a beautiful story of friendship, perseverance and devotion. Jesse struggled a lot to get to where he did and it was a testament to his resolve. He, Tom and the other navy fighter pilots were true heroes. Heroes and their efforts tend to be forgotten, but I'm happy this move shed a light on their efforts.

    The movie was so touching towards the end. I will also add that the movie had some of the best cinematography i have ever seen. Wow, i'm giving this movie a big nod for some big Oscar nominations and possible awards. They just dont make movies like this anymore.
  • Erik_Surewaard - 10 January 2023
    Sometimes the movies that are based on real events, are the most hard to fathom...
    This movie is about war and love. It is about struggle and victory. And above all else, it is above racism and brotherhood. And the latter doesn't only come from same coloured brothers, but from two wingmans that are black and white.

    After the hugely successful second installment of "Top Gun", Paramount treats us with another excellent aviator movie. This time it is not about modern jet powered fighter planes, but instead it is 1950's piston driven aircraft that fight in the Korean war. This where they are even faced against hard-to-battle MiG jet aircraft that have vastly superior flight characteristics.

    Above all, this movie is about the struggles of a black aviator. Like a MiG, this man is vastly superior in flying planes. But we see him struggle - as a pilot - not only with his upbringing in a racial America, but also with the racial tensions that still exist in 1950's America: specifically in the military.

    And last but not least, this movie is about the inhumane struggles of the military ground troops in the 'hell on earth' of the ground warfare in Korea.

    Rich with stunning visual detail and effects, this movie makes one remind of such blockbuster movies like "Pearl Harbor". Combine that with the excellent "Men of Honor", and you have the inspirational ingredients that I found back in "Devotion". And with its relative long length for a feature movie - around 130 minutes - it is by no means too long. The events in the movie developed in such a pace, whereby there is a good mix of action and drama, that the movie is over before you know it. When one comes to think of it, this movie could have easily been extended with some additional content - e.g. From flight school - which could have resulted in a 4-part mini-series.

    And let's not forget that this is all based on true events, which gives it all a special dimension.

    Overall, this movie deserves a rating of 7.6/10, thereby resulting in an IMDb score of 8 stars. A special note is to be made of Paramount, whom is clearly producing some very excellent (best-in-class) movies/shows since the second half of 2022, whereby this specific movie is rated in january 2023.
  • isayahp - 21 December 2022
    Jonathan Majors Glen Powell & Ensemble
    Remarkable film, acting, cinematography and action sequences. All of these elements blend together to create a film I believe more heartwarming, sentimental, action focused, and brotherhood connecting than Top Gun Maverick. Every aspect of the film keeps you grounded in reality while also pulling dynamically on the heartstrings to show you a man and his friend's one of a kind friendship during a tumultuous period in history.

    Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell need to do more work together on the bug screen period. Their chemistry in the humor and dramatic parts intertwine beautifully as brothers.
  • thelandofoo - 11 December 2022
    A hitting historical drama
    Based upon historical events, the Korean War calls upon top aviators like Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner to become involved. The writing and the way this story was told reminded me of a war film from the 1940's, most notably, the chemistry and comradery between the pilots, which was enjoyable to watch. To no surprise, the stand outs are Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as the real life pilots, Jesse and Tom. Their friendship and development made for a hard-hitting third act. I also appreciate the approach to certain themes in the story and history regarding the time period, as it feels sincere and mature. Without a doubt, there will be many people comparing this film to Top Gun: Maverick and I can see why, but this is not that kind of film. It is much more drama focused and takes its time, which could be an issue for some audiences. I also found the cinematography to have a few issues as some scenes make it hard to make out the expressions or the acting of the characters. Devotion was a moving drama that, while maybe a bit overlong, was rewarding by its performances and presentation of its historical background. Final verdict: 8/10.
  • nataliemoravek - 4 December 2022
    Garbage
    This is the worst movie I have ever seen in theaters! I was so stoked to see it and knowing that it was based on a true story and Glen Powell was in it as well as Maverick, I went with high expectations, but it was such a waste of time! The whole thing is made out to be only about racism! There is one scene where the main pilot, Jesse Brown, is talking down to himself in the mirror until he makes himself cry, then disobeys direct orders from the captain and when insubordination is recorded on his papers, he blames it all on racism, even though he was in the wrong. There's so much dialogue. It's so random and hard to follow. Doesn't lead up to the point. They're on the ground more then they are in the air. Always just talking and walking around. Barely any action. Constantly jumping from scene to scene and hardly any action until about an hour and a half into it with maybe two flying scenes. Another scene shows a ton of AA guns firing at Brown's plane as he's going to destroy a bridge and he just happens to not even get hit once. Not even a nick or a ricochet. Did he put bullet repellent on? All the uniforms and ranks aren't even correct. I didn't even finish it. I walked out a little after halfway through and I was surprised I made it that far. Do not waste your time or money!
  • tdswn - 28 November 2022
    Fell Just a Bit Short, But Still Good
    The first third of the movie felt like it was lacking dialogue. I don't know how else to describe it other than that. The character development, especially for Jesse Brown felt under developed, and the 'forgotten war' felt like it didn't get as much screen time as it deserved, causing it to still be 'forgotten' in the film. With that being said, the aerial scenes were amazing and well shot, with the occasionally obvious CGI scene (mainly with the MIG fighter). I'm assuming the reason for the use of lower end CGI was due to budget. After all, they did get as many Corsairs and Bearcats as they could find and re-paint all of them, then film them in the air. Those aircraft are NOT cheap to operate. With that all being said, overall, this movie fell a little short of what it was tryin to accomplish, but it is still a good film and I'd go see it again in theaters.