Jonathan Majors never ceases to amaze; his performance in this film is absolutely moving as it pays homage to a true story of friendship, sacrifice, and duty. Devotion narrates the tale of Jesse Brown, the first African-American pilot who finished the navy’s flight training and his devoted friend Tom Hudner during the Korean War. The movie also explores how Brown challenges racial prejudices that were held against him due to his skin color as described by Adam in his novel. All these slights only made him more desperate for success. Other black seamen who were relegated to lower positions saw in Brown potential they had always dreamed of. He was also a direct attack on white supremacy and acceptance of blacks’ position in society as inferior beings. This is a film where tears will flow like rivers.
In early 1950s, he arrives at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island (Glen Powell). A handsome man with an impressive resume, he is yet untested in combat flying experience. Entering into flight barracks he walked into something strange happening there. Jesse Brown (Majors) would be muttering racial slurs under his breath at himself while inside the bathroom stall room. With some tension Tom walks up just trying to introduce himself nicely but Jesse dismisses him casually before a squadron meeting could even begin their briefing . Their commanding officer Dick Cevoli (Thomas Sadoski) can’t stand any nonsense and demands that everyone performs excellently well; therefore suggesting that Jesse should be taken through some routines by Tom.
Their first flight together as wingmen scares Tom rigidly.Jesse flies recklessly fast while making swerving movements.Diving towards a house dangerously close then pulling out quickly.Tom has to keep up or stay down.There are those who do not forgive easily including enemies.Soon afterwards,Tom spots Jesse’s car broken down on the road side.Approaching him,Tom offers Jesse a ride home.Daisy, Jesse’s wife takes an instant liking to Tom due to his respectful character.Even more surprising is how Jesse’s hardened face changed around his young daughter.
Several weeks later, the squadron heads into the Korean peninsula.As they traveled longer and longer distances together,Jesse got closer and closer to Tom.Jesse feels embarrassed by an interview on the flight deck with life magazine.He is neither token nor charity case.Jesse earned his wings and he was now a top-notch fighter pilot.He certainly does not want Tom sticking up for him.He will fight his own battles.It is only at the outbreak of war that pilots are put in mortal danger.The two dearest friends learn that honor and duty always come with heart-rending tragedies.
Devotion has elements of a successful story. He was a trailblazer who refused to be drawn into the limelight. The odds were stacked heavily against him. Nothing came easy for him. With oppressive systemic racism pushing back against every step, he scraped forward.Tom grew to understand Jesse’s cause.And how best to support his friend, without being paternalistic or condescending. Their friendship recently grew stronger following the experiences of fighting in a foreign land during their early years in marriage. Forty thousand Americans fought in savage battles which scarcely moved any mountains between North and South Korea; 40000 dead bodies later .The film pays tribute to their bravery as well as survivors’ agony of loss.
In this engaging third act Devotion deals hard blows.War’s aftermath can be challenging.Guilt feelings and remorseful remembrance are also considered here.Medals cannot fill emptiness left by gone ones.Let us ensure we preserve them as part of our history.Majors and Powell are fantastic in this section too.
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