By: Kimberly Grant
It’s just not fair. Even though we know that African-Americans were treated badly since the first slaves landed on Plymouth Rock, doesn’t make it easier to watch blatant racism. To think, the first slaves landed in the New World in the 17th century and centuries later, Blacks are still seen as less than and treated like second and third class citizens. Note: This is a review of Devotion, which will land in movie theaters on November 23.
To Be Fair
Before we get to the unfairness, let’s take a look at the behind the scenes talent. J. D. Dillard directs a film written by Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart; based on a novel by Adam Makos. These men tell the story of US Navy fighter pilots (basically Top Guns) who risk their lives during the Korean War. Within this story, these fighter pilots have to learn how to fly the latest in 1950s fighter plane technology while fighting for their country.
In the film Devotion, the writers focus in on two specific fighter pilots: Ensign Jesse Brown (played by Jonathan Majors) and Lieutenant Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). Jesse is the only Black man in his unit and faces racism both overt and subtle from his fellow wingmen and men in other US military branches. Tom is a white man who wants to fight racism on Jesse’s behalf. And, here is where it’s not fair.
Jesse is a great aviator, but the color of his skin is what most of the people around him keep talking about. Not to mention, he doesn’t have the luxury of defending himself, because he could be labeled “the angry black man”. So, he’s forced to grit and bare racism, while serving his country well.
“They Allow Coloreds in Aviation”
These words are spoken by Elizabeth Taylor (Serinda Swan) to Jesse during our wingmen’s trip to Cannes, France in 1950. Looking at it from the angle of 1950s, Jim Crow-type racism, her comment is pretty tame. In fact, her use of the word “colored” was considered a way to show solidarity with the black community. Not so much these days, though.
Looking at her comment in today’s climate, she would be considered a racist and would be cancelled. But Elizabeth’s words seem mild compared to the overt racism Jesse endures at the hands of the French people who would just as soon spit on him then serve him. For a group of people whose calling card is all about love, it’s jarring to think they would treat people this way. It’s enough to anger any sane person. But not Jesse. He just smiles and carries on with his mission.
It’s Just Not Fair
In a perfect world, Jesse’s accomplishments as a black aviator in the US Navy, flying the top-of-the-line fighter plane, would be celebrated on a large scale without mentioning the color of his skin. Alas, we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a world where a decorated aviators like Jesse could come home from war victoriously and be pulled over and harassed by a racist cop.
Jesse’s achievements were so great, that a movie has been made to celebrate the legacy he left behind for other aviators of all backgrounds. Unfortunately, when audiences see the film, though, they’ll be focused on how surprising it is to see a black man as a US naval aviator; a Top Gun before the world knew what that meant. That said….
What is Fair
In order to end this review on a positive note, let’s look at the performances. First, you’re probably thinking that you recognize Powell’s face and/or name. That’s because he’s been type casted in Devotion. His previous roles include playing a top gun in this year’s Maverick and playing astronaut John Glenn in Hidden Figures. Joe Jonas is in the film as another wingman named Marty Goode.
Most importantly, Majors, who has been busy making movies (Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania, Creed III, and the next two Avengers films), gives a great performance. It’s not just that he’s good at playing young black men with an old soul. It’s not just that he’s good at bringing his brand to each and every role he portrays. It’s that he really connects with his raw emotions and projects it onto the screen. There’s a reason why Majors seems to appear in every big budget film that’s coming up in the next few months. He’s a talented actor.
So, even though the racism faced by the real-life Jesse Brown is totally unfair. It would be fair to take the time to go to the theater and witness an evoking film about US Navy aviators who paved the way for top guns of today. And helped end the Korean War.
Wondering what I thought about Black Panther? You can read my review of the movie.
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