‘Devotion’ tells the tale of the first person of colour to join the US Navy as an aviator, based on actual events. Jesse Brown, the main character, changes the course of history with his ground-breaking deeds and heroic bravery. The film also depicts his close bond with Tom Hudner, another pilot. The heroic actions of the two fighter pilots against the Koreans during a brutal conflict help their nation win. Furthermore, they stand out from the rest of their team due to their sacrifices and fearless attitudes.
The J. D. Dillard-directed war action film finds some inspiration in Adam Makos’ book “Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice.” The book’s title is a fitting description of the different ideas and emotions that recur throughout the story. The 1950s setting allows the filmmakers to precisely capture the atmosphere and aura of the time. The following recommendations are ideal for you if you wish to see movies that depict the challenges of people of colour in battles and armies. The majority of these films like “Devotion” are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
1917 (2019)
The Sam Mendes-directed film “1917” revisits World War I events. The war movie centres on Schofield and Blake, two young British troops who are tasked with conveying a message deep into enemy territory. They act in this way to thwart a planned attack that would kill 1,600 soldiers, including Blake’s own brother. The soldiers are followed as they go through hazardous and perilous terrain, encountering a variety of difficulties along the way. Additionally, it provides a glimpse into the hardships of battle and the sacrifices made by troops while performing their duties, similar to the incidents and feelings in “Devotion.”
A Soldier’s Story (1984)
The play “A Soldier’s Story,” which won Charles Fuller the Pulitzer Prize, is adapted by Norman Jewison. The drama movie centres on Captain Davenport, an African American army lawyer who is sent to look into the 1944 murder of a black sergeant at a Louisiana army camp. The film is a murder mystery that is set during World War II amid racial tensions and discrimination in the military. Captain Davenport is forced to confront the prejudices and discrimination that black soldiers endured during the war when he looks into the murder. This film, like “Devotion,” explores a little-known period in African American history and raises awareness of racism and prejudice in the military and in general society.
Black Brigade (1970)
George McCowan is the director of “Black Brigade,” often referred to as “Carter’s Army.” World War II is the setting for the drama movie. In addition, it depicts the tale of a black-only military regiment charged with constructing a crucial railroad bridge in the face of racial opposition. The film explores issues of racism, prejudice, and fortitude in the face of difficulty. In spite of bigotry and persecution, the story shows how the black troops’ tenacity and tenacity demonstrate their ability as capable soldiers. Both the films “Devotion” and “Black Brigade” explore the military experiences of African American soldiers. They are also essential in drawing attention to the prejudice that black soldiers endured during the conflict.
Glory (1989)
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American battalions to serve in the American Civil War, is the subject of the historical drama film “Glory,” which is based on their real-life experiences. “Glory,” a film by Edward Zwick, tells the tale of the regiment from its founding in 1863 through its training and participation in a number of significant battles, such as the Battle of Fort Wagner. The white regiment’s commanding officer, Robert Gould Shaw, and its second-in-command, Trip, a freed slave, are the main subjects of the movie. The regiment, which was mostly composed of African American soldiers throughout the film, encountered prejudice and discrimination from white soldiers and officials, but they were adamant to show that they were brave and effective combatants. Similar to Jesse’s trip in “Devotion,” this is.
Hurricane (2018)
David Blair’s war movie “Hurricane” was originally titled “Mission of Honor.” The No. 303 Squadron of the Polish Air Force, which took part in the Battle of Britain during World War II, is the subject of the movie. The film centred on the brave airmen of the Squadron and the sacrifices they made during one of the war’s most crucial and gruelling battles. The film tells the tale of their hardships, courage, and comradery as they worked together to win the battle. Additionally, it illustrates how they were able to combat the German Luftwaffe and significantly influence how the war turned out. The movie shows the difficulties and problems faced by aviators in army squadrons, as was also shown in “Devotion.”
Men of Honor (2000)
Men of Honor, a film by George Tillman Jr., is based on the real life experiences of Carl Brashear, the first African American master diver in the US Navy. From his early days as a recruit to his eventual appointment as the first African American master diver, the biographical drama film traces Brashear’s path. The plot takes place in the 1950s and 1960s, a time when Brashear had to deal with racial prejudice and segregation as well as antagonism from his white boss. Billy Sunday, a tough-talking Navy diving instructor, helps Brashear learn to endure and get beyond his challenges. Both “Devotion” and “Men of Honor,” which are actual stories, are about pioneering people of colour who go on to change history. The bigotry and discrimination that were common in the 1950s are reflected in both stories. However, because they open the door for change, they are inspiring stories.
Midway (2019)
The Battle of Midway, a crucial naval engagement between the United States and Japan during World War II, is the subject of the war movie “Midway.” The leaders and combatants from both nations who took part in the conflict in June 1942 are the main subjects of the movie. This was a turning point in the conflict’s Pacific theatre. The Roland Emmerich-directed movie depicts both sides’ preparation and eventual fight. Along with the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who took part in the battle, it looks at the human cost of war. The US Navy is depicted with courage and steadfast determination in the films “Devotion” and “Midway.”
Miracle at St. Anna (2008)
The 92nd Infantry Division, popularly referred to as the Buffalo Soldiers, was a segregated force of African American soldiers who served in World War II, and whose narrative is told in the historical drama movie “Miracle at St. Anna.” The Spike Lee-directed movie centres on a group of four soldiers who, in 1944 Tuscany, become separated from their unit and stumble upon a small village where they meet the people and become involved in the Italian resistance. Racism presents difficulties for them as they struggle to survive and finish their goal. The complicated topics of race, conflict, and courage are explored in both “Miracle at St. Anna” and “Devotion.” The former pays heartfelt homage to the WWII contributions made by the Buffalo Soldiers.
Red Tails (2012)
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, and their narrative is highlighted in the Anthony Hemingway-directed film “Red Tails.” Despite battling prejudice and discrimination, the Tuskegee Airmen went on to become one of the war’s most renowned and successful fighter formations. The story of a group of young men who had to work harder than anybody else to become one of the most renowned fighter units of World War II is told in the movie. Additionally, it is an inspiration that exemplifies the fortitude and tenacity of the black community in the face of racial prejudice, much as “Devotion.”
The Outpost (2020)
The war movie “The Outpost” was made by Rod Lurie and is based on the nonfiction book “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” by Jake Tapper. It tells the true account of the Battle of Kamdesh, which occurred in 2009 in the Afghan region of Nuristan. In the movie, a few of American soldiers assigned to Combat Outpost Keating are attacked by a large group of Taliban insurgents. The men defend the outpost and thwart the enemy attack despite being greatly outnumbered and outgunned. The movie depicts the troops’ valour and sacrifice as they struggled against insurmountable odds to defend their friends and the outpost. The movie and the 2022 film “Devotion” both feature realistic fighting scenes and meticulous attention to detail, as well as the courage and sacrifice of the warriors.
