Devotion

Devotion is a 2022 American biographical war drama film directed by J.D. Dillard and starring Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as the two US Navy fighter pilots at the heart of the story. The film is an adaptation of Adam Makos' non-fiction book "Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice," first published in 2017. The year is 1952, and the Korean War has been ongoing for two years. The US Navy's Fighting Squadron 51 (VF-51), based at the Naval Air Station at Agana, Guam, has been tasked with defending the country against North Korean and Chinese forces. The film focuses on the close friendship and remarkable exploits of two pilots, Tom Hudner, a white pilot from New England, and Jesse Brown, an African American pilot from Mississippi. Tom Hudner is an experienced and respected pilot who has flown in several major battles, including the Korean War. He is part of a small group of elite pilots who serve as part of the "Little Friends" squadron, providing close air support to ground troops. Jesse Brown, on the other hand, is a newly commissioned lieutenant and a rookie pilot at the time, who overcomes incredible odds to earn his place among the squadron's elite pilots. The two pilots quickly form a close bond, despite their starkly different backgrounds and personalities. Hudner is a charismatic leader who earns the respect of his peers, while Brown is a quiet, unassuming pilot who quietly earns his place among the squadron's best. Their friendship is forged during a series of intense aerial battles, where they work together to protect their squadron and provide cover for the US ground troops. As the story unfolds, the film explores the harsh realities of war and the incredible camaraderie between the pilots. The US Navy, at the time, was struggling to overcome its racist attitudes and segregationist policies, which created significant challenges for Black pilots like Jesse Brown. Despite these obstacles, Brown perseveres, driven by his determination to excel as a pilot and to serve his country. One of the most pivotal moments in the film comes when Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown are tasked with providing air support for a critical US operation in the North Korean city of Chosin Reservoir. The pilots fly their F4U Corsairs, which were highly advanced for their time, and bravely face off against North Korean and Chinese MiGs. In the process, they are separated from their squadron and are forced to fly solo, relying on each other for support and cover. The stakes are high, and the danger is real, as Hudner and Brown fly through treacherous skies, dodging enemy fire and navigating through treacherous weather conditions. In one of the film's most intense scenes, the two pilots find themselves surrounded by North Korean MiGs, and Hudner is forced to make a split-second decision that would change the course of their lives forever. The film's second half is a heart-wrenching exploration of the tragic consequences of war, as Tom Hudner makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Jesse Brown. The two pilots' extraordinary bond and selfless actions ultimately lead to Hudner being awarded the Medal of Honor, the US military's highest award for bravery, for his heroism and sacrifice during the Korean War. Through the story of Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown, the film sheds light on the extraordinary stories of the African American pilots who served in the US Navy during the Korean War. These brave men fought for their country and their freedom, despite the racist attitudes and segregationist policies that sought to hold them back. Their remarkable stories of heroism, friendship, and sacrifice serve as a reminder of the incredible contributions that African Americans have made to the US military. Ultimately, "Devotion" is a powerful tribute to the lives of Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown and to the sacrifices they made during the Korean War. The film is a sweeping epic that explores the intense camaraderie between the pilots and the extraordinary challenges that they faced during one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century. It is a poignant reminder of the bravery and selflessness of the men who served in the US military during the Korean War and of the indomitable spirit that defined the bond between Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown.