^Source

^{“I did not land my plane in enemy territory because I was ordered to. I did it because he was my friend.”}

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Movie Selection

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I saw Devotion last night, and I still cannot stop thinking about it. I actually watched a small video clip of this movie on YouTube few days ago. It instantly appealed to me and then this movie found its way into my watchlist. Yesterday, I got some time off and I thought I would watch it. I am very happy that I did.

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Main Idea

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It is not just another war movie. Devotion is a tale of friendship and sacrifice, first and foremost. What really got to me was how personal and emotional it felt.

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Main Characters

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The story follows two real-life Navy pilots during the Korean War: Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner. Jesse, played by Jonathan Majors, is the first Black aviator in the Navy. You can see right away that he’s been through a lot, constantly having to prove himself in a world that doesn’t always give him the respect he deserves. But he carries all of that with quiet strength and dignity. Tom, played by Glen Powell, is the more traditional, rule-following type of guy. He isn’t trying to be the hero. He just wants to do the right thing and be a good teammate.

The way their friendship gradually develops is what makes the film so strong. Initially, there is some distance. Tom is cautious of what he says and Jesse is naturally defensive. However, as they train, fly missions and encounter the challenges that are thrown their way, they begin to trust one another. By the end you really feel that connection.

Note: Both of these images are screenshots taken from IMDB website.

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Plot and Setting

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The majority of the movie is set in the initial stages of the Korean War. Many scenes take place on an aircraft carrier or in the air in the middle of battle. The aerial battles are visually impressive and tensed. It is constantly this feeling that something might go wrong at any given moment, and the quieter moments between the characters become that much more significant.

There are some scenes which impressed me greatly. Perhaps one of the most emotional was when Jesse looks into a mirror and repeats all the hateful and racist things people have said to him. It is visceral and gritty, and it gives you a true sense of the type of pain he is dragging with him day in and day out.

^{VLC Snapshot}

And then another emotional scene was the crash at the end. The plane flown by Jesse crashes behind enemy lines. Tom, without a second thought, crashes his own plane trying to rescue him. It was a devastating moment. Although you can feel that it will not have a happy ending, the loyalty and the love Tom expresses in that choice is heartbreaking and beautiful.

^{VLC Snapshot}

The thing is, Devotion is not an ordinary war movie because it is not actually about victory or defeat. It sort of reminded me of Saving Private Ryan in its emphasis on the emotional toll that war takes but it is even more personal. It is the human aspect of service, it is about being there even when the cost is beyond belief.

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Movie Trailer

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