The follower of dedication implied in a way top gun camped during the Korean War. More of a fairly classic war drama – but still very effective – is what director JD Dillard has come up with in this adaptation of Adam Makos’ novel of the same name.
Inspired by a true story, Devotion follows the friendship between two US Navy fighter pilots serving at the start of the Korean War in 1950.
Rhode Island, 1950. Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) can claim to be the first African American to graduate from the United States Air Force pilot training program. But to get there, the young father had to endure constant bullying and racist comments from his superiors and some of his colleagues.
Undaunted, Jesse managed to earn his place among the Army’s elite fighter pilots. As war looms in Korea, he befriends his new wingman, Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). After several months of preparation, the two young pilots must team up for a dangerous mission in North Korea.
dogfights
Devotion follows the fairly classic model of Hollywood war drama, in which we greet the exploits of American war heroes with a good dose of patriotism. Even if he takes up all the codes and clichés of the genre, director JD Dillard (Sleight) has succeeded in designing top-class entertainment, which is characterized above all by the effectiveness of the amazingly realistically shot dogfight scenes.
Well put together despite some lengths here and there, the scenario is movingly reminiscent of the struggle of a young African American man trying to make his way in a predominantly white environment. Completely inhabited by the character, Jonathan Majors delivers a poignant performance in the guise of Jesse Brown. Glen Powell also stands out in a more demure and nuanced role as Lieutenant Hangman, who he recently portrayed in Top Gun: Maverick.
- dedication ★★★☆☆
A film by JD Dillard
Starring Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell and Joe Jonas. On the screen.