Alright, now, we are going to be reviewing a film that was set in the 1950s. Not only that, but it was also based on true events that occurred. So now, let’s discuss the one, and only, Devotion.
Plot: The movie takes place during the Korean War that took place in the 1950s. The film highlights events like Ensign Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) being the only African American member in his Navy Unit, his friendship with Lieutenant Tom Hudner (Glen Powell), the ugliness that occurred during the Korean War, and many other events as well.
Alright, now the question is, “How well done was this film?” Honestly, for a film that’s based on a true story, it is very well done. For one, you can tell that the filmmakers did their best to research what life was like back then, and of course learn more about the actual people that were portrayed in this film. I’m not sure how long that took, but, man, did the filmmakers work really pay off. I’m not familiar with all the history that was involved with the Korean War, or with much of the lives of the soldiers like Jesse Brown, or Tom Hudner, who were both involved in the war, along with many other soldiers. However, from what I, and anyone else, saw depicted in this film, it didn’t seem as if a whole lot seemed inaccurate. Yes, it’s possible that, like many other films that have been based on true stories, films do take some creative liberties here and there. Even so, Devotion does look like it tries it’s best to stay true to the source material of the true events that occurred during this time in history.
Additionally, Devotion is not afraid of showing the human side of any of the characters in this film, especially the main stars in this film. For instance, you have instances in this film where some of the characters make choices throughout the film that sometimes, let’s just say aren’t exactly the best. The characters are also likable, be it Ensign Jesse Brown, and Lieutenant Tom Hudner, To Jesse Brown’s wife, Daisy (Christina Jackson), and others. Even some of the commanding officers, though jerks at times can be complex, and likely even make you understand where they’re coming from.
Now, we come to one of the even bigger highlights of this film, the action. Wow, let me tell you, the action is phenomenal, whether it be shots of planes making practice rounds at sea, and flying back to base, planes launching missiles during war scenes, you name it, they are amazing to watch in this film. Films like Devotion, and Top Gun 2: Maverick (which, how interesting that both Top Gun 2: Maverick, and Devotion came out on a holiday weekend, Memorial Day weekend, and Thanksgiving weekend respectively) both serve as proof that even nowadays action films don’t necessarily need to have potential 3D graphics, or have a 3D version of the film for the action to be great. Honestly, since there were no 3D backgrounds in this film, it was probably for the best that there wasn’t a 3D version for this particular movie. Now, the special effects, of course that would be a must have, especially when we compare the special effects of films like this, and special effects from movies that were released around 40-50, maybe 60 years ago.
Finally, the storyline is really good. Devotion is proof that even if you don’t get all the details of a true story correct, if you remain as faithful to those events as possible, that’s all that counts. Devotion is one of those films that, even if bitter, and tragic at times, it also has moments of being uplifting, and encouraging to the audience as well. Yes, one will probably be surprised by how things turn out near the end. At the same time, however, when you get to the credits, you’ll be happy, and encouraged to know some very fun facts that are mentioned during the end credits if this movie. Also, how could I not mention that it was good for Devotion to be a little o we two hours rather than around 2.5-3 hours, or something like that? This film has a running time of of 2 hours, 38 minutes. And yes, that was time worth spent with this film.
And that’s my review for Devotion. It is a really good film with great action, having emotions of nearly every kind, memorable characters, good music, and anything else that one could think of. If you haven’t added this film in your list of movies to see around the Thanksgiving, or Christmas holiday, or shortly after, I would highly recommend that you do. This film is deserving of quite a few awards, from Best Special Effects , Best Leading Actor, Best Original Score, you name it. Go see Devotion ASAP, if you still have yet to. It is so big screen theater worthy.
Final Grade: A+
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 