Devotion‘s opening text refers to the Korean War as America’s Forgotten War. While there are some who are no doubt aware of it, the majority of Americans may only know about the three-year conflict because of the TV show M*A*S*H. The likelihood is there isn’t much interest in a bout that ended in a stalemate. Fortunately, while the Korean War might not make for the most exciting war movie, it is the backdrop for a compelling drama.
Devotion charts the career of Ensign Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) as a Navy pilot and his friendship with Lieutenant Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). The film drives home Jesse’s skill as well as the racism he endures as the first Black aviator to complete the Navy’s basic flight training program. The movie also displays the complexity of the relationship of the two real-life servicemen. While Tom wants to stand up for Jesse, Jesse tells Tom there some fights he doesn’t understand, and ones Jesse must fight on his own. Both actors impress with their performances, especially Majors. It would not surprise me if he received recognition come awards time.
Another commendable performance is Christina Jackson as Jesse’s wife, Daisy. A devoted housewife in the 1950s is not a role with the most agency, but it is one Jackson adds believability to. Her chemistry with Majors is evident from their first scene. Joe Jonas has a small role as another pilot, Marty Goode (curiously, his brother Nick played an aviation machinist in Midway). Glen Powell is also no stranger to the role of being a pilot having starred in Top Gun: Maverick.
The movie utilizes real period aircraft for much of its runtime. This, along with the costumes and production design, provides a level of authenticity. The reliance on CGI is greater when the characters ship to Korea. Though the film can’t match the amount of in-camera action as a movie like Battle of Britain, and the Korea section is shorter than you’d expect, the theatrics still excite.
Devotion is a snippet of the Korean War, and that’s all it sets out to be. Disregarding the politics of the war, it tells an important story of sacrifice and victory in the face of prejudice. In a more ideal movie landscape, this movie would have received an even bigger budget and been a hit at the box office. The filmmakers should be proud. I recommend seeing it in theaters while it’s still playing.
