Devotion [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray]

Director: J.D. Dillard J.D. Dillard

Overview

The historical war drama chronicles the true story of American Navy fighter pilots Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown. Jesse Brown, who became the first African American carrier pilot in the American Navy, built a special bond with his wingman Tom Hudner. The two elite pilots worked together during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices made history. Starring Glen Powell, Jonathan Majors, Tom Sadoski, and Joe Jonas.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/28/2023
UPC:	0191329242483
Original Release:	2022
Source:	Paramount
Language:	English
Sales rank:	41,138

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Glen Powell	Tom Hudner
Jonathan Majors	Jesse Brown
Thomas Sadoski	Dick Cevoli
Joseph Cross	Charlie Ward
Joe Jonas	Marty Goode
Daren Kagasoff	Bill Koenig
Christina Jackson	Daisy Brown
Spencer Neville	Bo Lavery
Logan Macrae	Nicky Hilton
Boone Platt	Buddy Gill
Hadije Aliu	French Woman
Nick Hargrove	Carol Mohring
Dean Denton	Captain Sisson
Aleks Alifirenko Jr.	Driver
Darin Toonder	Journalist
Kenneth Trujillo	Dispatcher
Adetinpo Thomas	Clara Carroll
Joshua Whichard	Sailor
Elizabeth Harlow	French Woman
Arianna Rosario	French Woman
BettyLynn Allison	Elderly Woman
Percy Bell	Black Marine
Scott Andersen	Passenger on plane
Isaac March	Blackjack Dealer
Buddy Watkins	Plane Captain
Samuel Roberts	J.R. Stevens
Serinda Swan	Elizabeth Taylor
Matt Riedy	Hudner Sr.
Akhil Jackson	Archie Fambrough
Christie McLendon	Grocery Store Patron
Thomas Bekkers	Casino Barman
Victor Zheng	Chinese Sergeant
Erik Bello	French Security Guard
Hunter Gray	Sailor
Donna Fishman	Mary Hudner Sr.
Julie Kessler	Jesse's Neighbor
Michael David Anderson	French Security Guard #2
Grant Henley	ENS C.M. Lane
Todd Brown	Police Officer
Connor Williams	Actor
Michael P. Walker	Mike Calloway
Daniel Garcia	Hagaru Marine
Oluwaseumn Patunola Ajayi	Black Sailor
Cedar Moore	Sailor
Jeff Burhans	White House Guest
Sandy Burhans	White House Guest
Tyrell Hill	Actor
Stephanie Ehatt	Beachgoer
Ava Michelle Thompson	French Woman
Chris Davidovicz	Marine
Jack Friddle	Hagaru Marine
John King	Neighbor
Chanda Y. Dancy	Composer

Technical Credits

Jake Crane

Adam Makos

Jonathan Stewart

J.D. Dillard	Director,Executive Producer
Jake Crane	Screenwriter
Adam Makos	Screenwriter
Jonathan Stewart	Screenwriter
Glen Powell	Executive Producer
Thad Luckinbill	Producer,Producer
Rachel Smith	Producer,Producer
John Friedberg	Executive Producer
Adam Fogelson	Executive Producer
Tamara Notcutt	Casting
Robert Simonds	Executive Producer
Alexis Winter	Casting
Zackary Monroe Keeler	Special Effects
Matt Yocum	Sound/Sound Designer
Zach Goheen	Sound Editor

Editorial Reviews

Devotion is a biographical war film based on a book by Adam Makos. The film is directed by J. D. Dillard and stars Jonathan Majors (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), Christina Jackson (The Night House), Joe Jonas (Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation), Thomas Sadoski (John Wick), Serinda Swan (Redemption Day), Daren Kagasoff (Ouija), Nick Hargrove (Charmed), and Spencer Neville (The Obituary of Tunde Johnson). If viewers are expecting another thrilling aviation flick on the heels of Top Gun: Maverick, they're in for a surprise. Devotion is a true tale of racism, heroism, and dedication. It tells the story of Jesse Brown (Majors), a stoic and reserved elite fighter pilot. As the only African American in his squadron, he is met with racism from both the press and other members of the military. By the time he meets Thomas Hudner (Powell), he has already built a reputation of being an amazing pilot. While they sometimes butt heads, Jesse eventually shows Tom what it means to be a wingman and to truly be there for someone when everything is on the line. Devotion is the story of their friendship and the sacrifices they and their fellow airmen make in the Korean War. The pacing is fantastic throughout and doesn't let up despite the 138-minute run time. The cinematography, score, and locations are also on point. Screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart did a brilliant job giving the talented cast a wonderful script to work off of. While the acting is great all around, Jonathan Majors' portrayal of Jesse Brown is outstanding. Anytime Majors delivers a monologue, whether it is a story about his past or to school someone about their actions, he captivates the entire theater. Where the movie lacks is its clarity of theme. It almost feels as though the film tries to do too much. Heroism, friendship, racism, and loyalty are all covered in equal measure. However, focusing on only one of those topics might have proven to be more impactful. The theme of Devotion is portrayed well with the bond of wingmen and soldiers, but also with Jesse's relationship with his wife Daisy (Jackson). But instead of building up the tension between Jesse and Tom, and then showing the growth of their relationship, it is watered down with everything else the film attempts to cover. In addition, the trailer focuses mainly on Jesse Brown, which gives the illusion that the movie will be about him first, and his friendship with Tom second. However, the movie doesn't delve deeply enough into Brown as a character, his achievements, or his heroism. Devotion is a powerful film filled with superbly choreographed aerial action scenes, emotional twists, and characters worth rooting for. While the themes may be diluted, they are still important. It is a compelling glimpse into the life of Jesse Brown, a true American hero.