American History at its very best
John A. Kuczma | Marietta, GA USA | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The story of the magnificent 332nd Fighter Group is woven into a dramatic tapestry of the horror of war and the disjointed approach of many Americans to a difficult time and a situation many would have preferred to ignore. The performance of the pilots who graduated the Tuskegee Training Program (they NEVER lost an escorted bomber to enemy action!) unfolds against the backdrop of misunderstanding, racism and political machinations that nearly destroyed the entire enterprise. This film does a magnificent job of telling the tale without being melodramatic, preachy or snide, but does full justice to the accomplishments of the pilots and their eventual victory against both German pilots and their own nation's refusal to recognize their talents. For the student of World War II, this is a well-known and much-respected story. For the student of African-American History, it is a tale of pride which shines as brightly as the stars on the American Flag these men so courageously defended. Fishburn and Cuba Gooding are superior as men caught between their own humanity and the de-humanizing effects of war. If ever a film deserve a 5-Star rating, this one does."
Proud of these heroes
John A Lee III | 02/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a white 64 year old Air Force veteran. Watching these heroes of WWII in dedicated, valorous performance, who never lost a bomber to the Nazis, brought tears and pride from me for them. For those still on the ground and for those still "On Patrol", thank you!"
Outstanding
William R. Graham | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA USA | 07/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie not only addresses the tragedy and patriotism of those of served our country in WWII, but in brings to light the discrimination that was also a very real part of the existence of our black american heroes. This movie is not what I originally feared it would be, a typical portrayl of the oppresive white man keeping the black man down. It showed the courage and tenacity of a group of Americans (in the case African Americans) who fought and died for their country in the war to end all wars. The storyline follows a group of black pilots who not only bring honor and pride to themselves, but their country. They lived the motto, "My country, right or wrong, my country." It didn't matter that these men were discriminated against because they were black, they did the job that had to be done and they did it well. What more can we ask of any American? Watch this movie for the accurate history it portrays, not only in the struggle for equality in our country, but for all the guts and glory of those fighting men we owe our very freedom to today. God bless America."
The "Tuskeegee Experiment" is a great and informative film.
Jenny J.J.I. | That Lives in Carolinas | 08/17/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I tend to get very emotional about this film. I can never see the ending without tears of appreciation, joy and intense pride. HBO is by far the best at making original movies and shows. The film has technical flaws... every film does... but beyond them it tells a story that, by design or negligence, has been ignored by American history for almost a half century.
Laurence Fishburne and Andre Braugher deliver stellar performances as Hannibal Lee and the great military leader Benjamin O. Davis. The other great actors who have some sort of direct or distant connection to the cause, to contribute were Cuba Gooding Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Allen Payne, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Andre Braugher.
This film was wrapped up for me when a red necked White bomber pilot says in the final briefing: "I have a crew whose lives are my responsibility. If it's all the same to you Sir, I want the 332nd to take me to Berlin and back". That cinematic statement is a long overdue.
`Tuskegge Airmen' is a movie that should be viewed by all Americans interested in seeing a slice of Americana that's been neglected. Most will identify with the raw emotion evoked by the plight of these brave and talented men. Black Americans will be moved to tears as we are reminded of what those trailblazers overcame so that future Black soldiers, airmen and every day citizens could take their rightful place in American society, proud of their past and heritage. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Tuskegee Airmen. This movie makes it clear why. I hope HBO continues it's long trend of fantastic films and series.
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