Skip to main content

DEVOTION - Final Trailer (HD) And Film Review


Thank You NASL For the prescreening of this Film

Past depictions of war captured that will always stand out to me: The Red Badge of Courage, All Quiet on the Western Front, K-19 The Widow Maker, and now Devotion. To paraphrase a statement from one of the commanding officer’s, "Don't let this one moment in battle define you....war is never ending...no one remembers their history..." Much more profound hearing it of course, but it sets the tone for this review. What horrid conditions these men faced in past battle trenches, boats and subs. The women who later experienced warfare or the ones at home, all suffered.

Thank you to our Veterans and to those who currently serve. Movies like this serve as a much needed reminder.


There's no way to fully capture the thoughts and minds of another. Film adaptations only give us a glimpse into the character of the actual person they're attempting to portray. What stands out in Devotion is that of Jesse L Brown's devotion to his wife, so well captured in the love letters and dates included in the film. First, before anything, before being a Naval Aviator- the first African American one, he was a devote husband and father.

The extra pressure put on him that he shares with his wingman that he experienced during training: weights added to his suit, being held under water, told repeatedly he didn't belong, made him superior. In the film he expresses that if he had done what he was told, he wouldn't be where he is today. There's a lesson for all of us in that sentiment. At times, we must be willing to chart our own course.

From the film, (and the reason I believe the rating was lower from other reviews ) it was difficult to see how his character or demeanor was shaped and formed. The audience was forced to spend time figuring things out as the scenes transpired, which to an extent is good and creative, but also disconnecting and limiting. Jesse Brown did not drink, spoke French, and was disciplined and focused on his performance as a Naval aviator, not as a black man who happened to be a pilot. His past trauma and training was discussed, and we accepted it as is. His integrity and character, well established. My only major criticism, a bit more biographical foundation to put things in perspective to connect us to his character. (Perhaps there is more bonus content from deleted scenes?)

The intro felt as if it were missing an introduction, but the film flowed nicely aside from a slow beginning. Transitioning towards the end was subtle and collective. Everything well packaged and on the surface; enough for you to grasp the heaviness, but not too intense where you're depressed experiencing real trauma from the events depicted.

Amazing camera angles, cinematography, color schemes, musical scores, facial expressions, flight scenes, war reenactments. An annual movie to watch. Overall a great inspiring, uplifting character review.

83%

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

(Perspective) Biblical: Freedom In The House Of Mourning

Countless times I've expressed the expansive variety of options we're gifted here on Earth. Why do we limit ourselves to options ABCD, though? We're told we have free will. We're told we can do what we want with our bodies and choose when to have kids  But what does it really look like to have free will? I'll tell you now. Not caring about the options at all. Seeing everything as a gift. Realizing this world was designed to be enjoyed and lived in to the fullest extent possible. Again, why limit ourselves to simple options? Pick whatever car you want (as long as it's the color options they've presented you with.) Eat whatever type of french fry, icecream, or food that is available on the menu list at your favorite restaurant. We have personal preferences and there's nothing wrong with having options and opinions. The question poised here is simple: Are you really free, or just given options?  I was blessed to hear a wonderful sermon that presented this w...
Post a Comment
Read more

15 December 2021 Dream

Dream last night was trying to meet someone outside to talk in person. Guess I got impatient.  Was outside at night fall. Was able to read street sign that read "Lara". Walked down the road to food joint. Inside I see some small black square shaped folding table, that some well dressed Mexican man was holding up, then allowed to fall and collapse. I was frustrated and annoyed that he left that mess. I attempted to fix the table. He quietly laughed to himself at my struggle.  I start laughinig like him in a mocking way. There were a couple of small stuffed pillows that I tossed to the ground with every laugh walking towards him. He looked at me pissed off and angry. A full cup of Coke in a paper cup with the lid on sat on the table where he stood next to it. He knocked it over and it spilled all over the floor leaving a long trail throughout the entire length of the restaurant. I hopped over it and said, "I'm not cleaning that. Guess everyone will have sticky feet the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Respect Rules and Regulations

2 Timothy 2:5  "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." I find it interesting how mad people can get when a referee makes a bad call during a sporting event. I find it very interesting how angered and outraged a group of peoople will act when they're under the impression their team should have won, and lost due to rules being broken and someone failing to do their job right and make the correct call.  Many of these same people committed to these teams and their strict terms of correctness, also tend to ignore many rules of life.   I won't deny  that many rules are arbitrary, don't make sense and are designed to disenfranchise groups of people. Many are forced on people that deny your right to life.  Combat those things with respect. If it goes against your conscience which is part of you, you have the right to defend yourself. Those who are in power also are expected to lead, following rules wi...
1 comment
Read more