Devotion Film Review

Before a daunting mission, landing signal technicians and officers line the aircraft carrier. After checking the aircraft’s engines, the crew extends their flaps and removes the tie downs. The wings are unfolded. Soon, the aircraft dashes off the deck at 400 mph. Even though it sounds similar to Top Gun, this critical clip is part of a powerful movie based on a true story. This movie is Devotion, a Korean War film focusing on two US Navy pilots: Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). In this movie, several themes are manifested in the plot such as brotherhood, valiance, patriotism, sacrifice, and honor. 

CONTEXT

Following WWII, Japan’s colossal empire started to dwindle and enter into the influence of the US and Soviet Union (USSR). Korea was one of Japan’s relinquished territories. However, this caused consequential tensions as the northern and southern halves failed to reunify and fell into the respective spheres of the Soviets and Americans.

KOREAN WAR

In 1950, North Korea launched a full-scale invasion of South Korea. As a result, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling all members to aid South Korea. Initially, Soviet-backed North Korean troops captured Seoul and pushed South Korean forces to Busan, a port located at the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula.

However, after a US amphibious landing at Incheon, US-led UN troops turned the momentum of the war and drove the communist armies back to China’s border. This led to China’s entry into the war in the form of an expeditionary force: the People’s Volunteer Army (PVA). One of the first Chinese units was sent to the Chosin Reservoir to stop the US 1st Marine Division’s eastern advances.

FIRE AND ICE

At the peak of the frigid winter, US Marines and Chinese soldiers (PLA) clashed at the Chosin Reservoir, a location in the rugged mountains of North Korea. After a sudden offensive launched by the PLA, the US X Corps was forced to withdraw south. However, the US 1st Marine Division was encircled and attacked by overwhelming Chinese infantry. Trapped behind enemy lines, the Marines broke out of their perimeter. During the retreat, the 1st Marine Division demolished several Chinese divisions and relieved numerous trapped battalions. In addition to their famed tenacity, the Marines also owed their survival to the relentless assistance from the US Navy. 

PILOTS’ BACKGROUNDS

Prior to discussing the film’s content, I have introduced the backgrounds of Devotion’s main characters: Ensign Jesse Brown and Lieutenant Tom Hudner.

Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jesse Brown was raised in a sharecropping family. Since then, Brown and his family were subjected to harsh racial discrimination whether at school or at home. However, at a young age, Brown excelled in his academics and dreamed of becoming a pilot. In order to continue higher education at Ohio State University, Brown joined the Naval Reserve and was sent to naval aviation training in Illinois. After training, Brown was stationed in Rhode Island. In the autumn of 1950, Brown was assigned to squadron Strike Fighter Squadron VF-32 (VFA-32) on USS Leyte bound for Korea.

Born into a wealthy business family in Massachusetts, young Thomas Hudner attended the prestigious Phillips Academy. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hudner became inspired to join the military. Soon, Hudner applied and was accepted into the US Naval Academy. In 1950, Hudner was assigned to command VFA-32 on the USS Leyte. On the Leyte, Hudner had Brown as his wingman, which led to the strengthening of their camaraderie later on.

REVIEW

DIRECTION

Adapted from Adam Makos’ book Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice, Director JD Dillard perfectly captures the ideals of a true military service member: camaraderie, discipline, honor, and perseverance. Everything ranging from cinematography to sound editing provides the audience with a variety of emotions ranging from suspense to hope. Dillard’s directing style creates a unique formula composed of tense action scenes (aerial and ground battles), deep racial divisions, love and sacrifice in a family, and noble valiance in war.

ACTORS

First of all, the actors in Devotion clearly nailed their spectacular performances. First of all, Jonathan Majors was an excellent actor as Jesse Brown. Majors perfectly performed and projected the character of Jesse Brown as a wounded yet a resilient man. Brown is an aviator who bore many unseen wounds such as experiencing threats from his segregationist comrades. However, Majors portrays Brown as someone who struggles to fight for his values, yet maintains his resilience in order to control his destiny. 

Meanwhile, Glen Powell depicted Tom Hudner as someone who manages to maintain his tranquility and posture. Specifically, Hudner is portrayed as a positive and relaxed leader who possesses a crucial ability: leadership. Whether on leave or in the cockpit, Hudner’s leadership has driven his fellow pilots to success. Finally, Hudner is defined as a leader with integrity, a leader who values every pilot and continues to devote himself to his comrades. Overall, Glen Powell’s portrayal of Tom Hudner truly encapsulates a firm and benevolent leader.

At the same time, there are many other Marty Goode (Joe Jonas) and Bill Koenig (Daren Kagasoff) providing the audience with a feeling of support. This support occurs through these pilots’ continual commitment to their squadron. In addition, sentiments of entertainment and content are conveyed as famed actress Elizabeth Taylor (Serinda Swan) is briefly introduced in the plot.

SOUNDTRACK

Along with JD Dillard’s incredible directing, music enhances the visual experience. The soundtrack includes dozens of songs communicated through various themes (e.g. suspense, melancholy). In this movie, the background music allows the audience to fully immerse themselves into the core of the plot. The soundtrack’s ability to draw out numerous emotions from the audience is similar to Top Gun and Dunkirk.

RATINGS

Currently, Rotten Tomatoes gave Devotion a 7/10 or 3.5 stars. However, I believe that this movie supersedes cinematographic expectations. Devotion is a well-crafted and phenomenal film, with outstanding performances and riveting music. As the brutality of war looms, Devotion excels in reinforcing the ideas of camaraderie and valiance. In the end, I give this movie 4/5 stars.

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