Favourite Fighter Pilot Film

Follow @empiremagazine

Forum Home

Register for Free!

Log In

Moderator Tickets

FAQ

Users Online

Favourite Fighter Pilot Film

Logged in as: Guest

Printable Version

All Forums >> [Film Forums] >> Favourite Films >> Favourite Fighter Pilot Film

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 2:40:49 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

I'm starting this thread mainly in an attempt to dig up some good fighter pilot films. There are some great ones out there - Battle of Britain or Dam Busters perhaps? (Ok, bomber films too)

Another reason for the thread was to identify a recent film about WWII polish pilots. I can't remember the name and would like to track it down. Deep Blue Sky or Deep Blue World, or something? Anyone?

Or perhaps you prefer more modern films with jets? Top Gun or Iron Eagle perhaps?

_____________________________

"When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
"Dance for me Colin! Daaance for me!!"
"Everybody's dead Dave"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41022_10150255199830294_790880293_14349909_1904630_n.jpg

Post #: 1

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 2:54:19 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Well I am a sucker for a good old fashioned WWII film but for you Wedge, I'm going to recommend THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN.

Tells the story of the black combat pilots during WWII that during their bomber escort flights NEVER lost ONE bomber to enemy action. Great little film made by HBO that combines actual WWII footage into the film.

Great cast and you get it cheap on R1 DVD. Get it now before George Lucas CGI's the hell out of them in his future project RED TAILS.

A fascinating true and moving story.

Saying that though, I watched ID4 at the weekend (I love that film) and was amazed by the dogfight battle footage in that. A wonderful blend of model work and CGI.

"Eagle One! Fox Three!"

< Message edited by Timon -- 5/3/2007 2:55:03 PM >

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 2

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 2:58:17 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Oh, i forgot FLYBOYS. I have yet to see it but i intend to get the R1 DVD.

Click below on poster for trailer if you haven't heard of it.

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 3

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:10:33 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wedge

Another reason for the thread was to identify a recent film about WWII polish pilots.� I can't remember the name and would like to track it down.� Deep Blue Sky or Deep Blue World, or something?� Anyone?

Dark Blue World.

Haven't seen it. Let me know if it's any good.

Oh and let's all add.......

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 4

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:22:01 PM

Cuchulainn

Posts: 5755
Joined: 18/2/2006
From: Hell

_____________________________

"Give 'em Hell 54th!!!"

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 5

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:31:13 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

ID4?

I don't think I've heard of the Tuskegee Airmen (the film that is). Is there no Region 2?

I wish they'd make more WWII fighter plane films. Wasn't Tom Cruise going to do a Yank in the RAF-type film. Having an American perspective is probably the only way another big budget film will ever again be made about the Battle of Britain.

That Polish RAF film is called Dark Blue World. I haven't seen it but apparently dogfight footage from Battle of Britain was integrated with contemporary film footage using computer imagery and mastering to create the aerial sequences. Brief shots from Memphis Belle were also used.

Here's a few lists:

WWI -

Wings (1927)
The Blue Max (1966)
The Red Baron (1971)
Zeppelin (1971)
Aces High (1976)
Biggles (1986) (sort of...)
Flyboys (2006)

WWII -

A Yank in the RAF (UK/1941)
Fighter Squadron (US/1948)
Angels One Five (1952)
The Dam Busters (UK/1954)
Reach for the Sky (UK/1956)
633 Squadron (UK/US/1964)
Battle of Britain (UK/1969)
Mosquito Squadron (UK/1969)
Memphis Belle (UK/US/Japan/1990)
Tuskegee Airmen (US/1995)
Dark Blue World (UK/Czech Republic/2001)

Vietnam -

Flight of the Intruder (1991)

Cold War -

A Gathering of Eagles (1963)
Top Gun (1986)

Bosnian War -

Behind Enemy Lines (2002)

_____________________________

"When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
"Dance for me Colin! Daaance for me!!"
"Everybody's dead Dave"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41022_10150255199830294_790880293_14349909_1904630_n.jpg

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 6

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:40:35 PM

Cuchulainn

Posts: 5755
Joined: 18/2/2006
From: Hell

quote:

ORIGINAL: Timon

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wedge

Another reason for the thread was to identify a recent film about WWII polish pilots. I can't remember the name and would like to track it down. Deep Blue Sky or Deep Blue World, or something? Anyone?

Dark Blue World.

Haven't seen it. Let me know if it's any good.

Oh and let's all add.......

Prime contender for absolute worst DVD of all time.

_____________________________

"Give 'em Hell 54th!!!"

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 7

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:43:02 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

ID4 = Independence Day

Tuskegee Airmen is only on R1 DVD as its was a HBO movie and wasn't even released over here although i have seen it shown on CH.5. Surely a smart man like you has a multiregional player?!

Note that HART'S WAR also features more information/problems that the Tuskegee Airmen faced although the book is miles better than the film.

Tom Cruise was rumoured to be making THE FEW with Michael Mann a couple of years back. It would have revolved around Billy Fiske, the first US casulty of WWII - an American volunteer who joined Eagle Squadron and was shot down during The Battle of Britain (without any kills). The Daily Mail of course was outraged at this saying that the US was rewritting history blah blah blah winning the Battle of Britain blah blah blah but as Michael Mann is quite the historian I'd be suprised if he did this. No script was ever released so it's unknown in which direction the script would go. Last I heard, it was on Mann's 'to do' list.

I've noticed you've omitted Pearl Harbour. Now say what you like about the film, it is a bad, flawed film but the aerial sequences were very well done as was the central battle. Shame about the rest of the film.

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 8

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:52:37 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

Yeeees, Pearl Harbour. I should really have mentioned it. It's aerial scenes really showed what could be done with a modern WWII air force film. So much so that my mouth salivates at the prospect of a modern retelling of the Battle of Britain.

I have a tv/dvd that I've hacked. Still, I haven't bought any non-region 2 dvds since doing it!

_____________________________

"When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
"Dance for me Colin! Daaance for me!!"
"Everybody's dead Dave"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41022_10150255199830294_790880293_14349909_1904630_n.jpg

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 9

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 3:57:57 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Tuskegee Airmen DVD on Amazon Marketplace

�2.56. You can't really go wrong.

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 10

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 4:06:56 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

Damn you Timon! I've just bought it. �3.80, including P&P.

_____________________________

"When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
"Dance for me Colin! Daaance for me!!"
"Everybody's dead Dave"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41022_10150255199830294_790880293_14349909_1904630_n.jpg

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 11

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 6:30:58 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Just for you Wedge, I've scoured the forum and found very very old threads on RED TAILS and THE FEW. They're in Future Films.

This search engine really is crap.

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 12

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 8:15:18 PM

Rotary Ten

Posts: 922
Joined: 31/10/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wedge

That Polish RAF film is called Dark Blue World. I haven't seen it but apparently dogfight footage from Battle of Britain was integrated with contemporary film footage using computer imagery and mastering to create the aerial sequences. Brief shots from Memphis Belle were also used.

Looked it up on Amazon and apparently it's about Czech pilots, not Polish. Still gets 4 star customer reviews though, must be worth watching.

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 13

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 11:15:53 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Empire gave it 2 stars ................. we need to ask someone who's actually seen it.

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Rotary Ten)

Post #: 14

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 5/3/2007 11:25:52 PM

James74

Posts: 4314
Joined: 3/2/2006
From: Glasgow

Film 4 has been showing The Battle Of Britain quite frequently lately and its such an amazing film considering when it was made and has became my favourite now.
A few others i enjoyed were Dambusters, Memphis Belle and Top Gun.
Dont know if this counts but Catch-22 which is primarily about Pilots during the war was good too.

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 15

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 6/3/2007 8:19:10 AM

Cuchulainn

Posts: 5755
Joined: 18/2/2006
From: Hell

Does anyone remember the old TV show Black Sheep Squadron? I used to love that...

_____________________________

"Give 'em Hell 54th!!!"

(in reply to James74)

Post #: 16

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 6/3/2007 8:24:30 AM

doncopey1

Posts: 4981
Joined: 29/11/2005
From: Liverpool: Age 25

Dive Bomber, thats a decent one too.

_____________________________

"Fake is as old as the Eden tree." Orson Welles

(in reply to Cuchulainn)

Post #: 17

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 6/3/2007 12:29:09 PM

hozay

Posts: 3333
Joined: 13/10/2005
From: the long,dark teatime of the soul

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuchulainn

Love that film!!
This was pretty good too....both sides of the story and a bit more realistic (story) than most.

I've tried to track down a great Japanese Kamikaze WWII film I saw a few years back about two very young pilots in the
final months of the war who are forced to become kamikazes (only enough petrol for a one way trip) it's a good insight into
the Japanese mindset at the time but manages not to glorify either kamikazes or war the way some other Japanese productions
have.Haven't found it yet cos I can't recall the title but I'm on the case as I know a few of you might enjoy it.
It's late 80's early 90's and set mainly on a remote airforce base if anyone has a clue.

(in reply to Cuchulainn)

Post #: 18

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 6/3/2007 3:31:49 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

An updated list:-

WWI -

Wings (1927)
Hells Angels (1929)
The Dawn Patrol (1930)
The Blue Max (1966)
The Red Baron (1971)
Zeppelin (1971)
Aces High (1976)
Biggles (1986) (sort of...)
Flyboys (2006)

WWII -

A Yank in the RAF (UK/1941)
Dive Bomber (1941)
First of the Few (aka Spitfire)(1942)
Desperate Journey (1942)
Flying Tigers (1942)
Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)
Fighter Squadron (US/1948)
Angels One Five (1952)
Island in the Sky (1953)
The Dam Busters (UK/1954)
Reach for the Sky (UK/1956)
633 Squadron (UK/US/1964)
Battle of Britain (UK/1969)
Mosquito Squadron (UK/1969)
Tora!, Tora!, Tora! (1970)
Catch 22 (1970)
Midway (1976)
Memphis Belle (UK/US/Japan/1990)
Tuskegee Airmen (US/1995)
Pearl Harbour (2001)
Dark Blue World (UK/Czech Republic/2001)

Vietnam -

Flight of the Intruder (1991)

Cold War/Post Cold War era -

A Gathering of Eagles (1963)
Firefox (1982)
Iron Eagle (1986)
Top Gun (1986)
Iron Eagle II (1988)
Fire Birds (1990)
Iron Eagle III (1992)
Iron Eagle IV (1995)
Aurora: Operation Intercept (1995)
Les Chevaliers du Ciel (2005)
Stealth (2005)

Bosnian War -

Behind Enemy Lines (2002)

My update has re-introduced me to the wonderful 1942 biography of R.J.Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire, First of the Few (aka Spitfire).

< Message edited by Wedge -- 6/3/2007 3:43:27 PM >

_____________________________

"When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
"Dance for me Colin! Daaance for me!!"
"Everybody's dead Dave"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41022_10150255199830294_790880293_14349909_1904630_n.jpg

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 19

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 6/3/2007 3:52:30 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Firebirds? Firebirds?! It's WINGS OF THE APACHE, numbnuts! I don't care what those silly colonials call it.

Behold THE WINGS OF THE APACHE APPRECIATION THREAD

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 20

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 10:28:01 AM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

Firebirds? Wings of the Apache? A turd by any other name...

How about A Matter of Life and Death? David Niven's character is a bomber pilot, no?

_____________________________

"When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
"Dance for me Colin! Daaance for me!!"
"Everybody's dead Dave"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41022_10150255199830294_790880293_14349909_1904630_n.jpg

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 21

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 11:43:59 AM

Titanm21

Posts: 1162
Joined: 18/10/2006
From: The Womb

_____________________________

www.uniquemick@Blogspot.com
www.TrailerHouseMusings@Blogspot.com

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 22

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 11:49:23 AM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

Now, I considered air America but decided against including it in the list because it isn't, strickly speaking, a combat film and they aren't military, per se.

(in reply to Titanm21)

Post #: 23

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 3:42:33 PM

Tech_Noir

Posts: 20203
Joined: 12/10/2005

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 24

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 3:44:14 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

quote:

ORIGINAL: Tech_Noir

Oh christ, if we start including sci-fi we'll be here till kingdom come!

(in reply to Tech_Noir)

Post #: 25

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 3:50:40 PM

Tech_Noir

Posts: 20203
Joined: 12/10/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wedge

quote:

ORIGINAL: Tech_Noir

Oh christ, if we start including sci-fi we'll be here till kingdom come!

Come on, it still counts. It's a story about a fighter pilot... a fighter pilot in outer space!!!

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 26

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 4:12:17 PM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

Ok, so long as no one mentions Wing Commander. AHhhh! Too late!!!

(in reply to Tech_Noir)

Post #: 27

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 7/3/2007 4:20:51 PM

sharkboy

Posts: 6031
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: Belfast

Since we've expanded beyond fighter planes, can I put my vote in for Fail Safe, one of the best cold war thrillers ever? Like Dr Strangelove without the laughs, it tells of a B52 bomber pilot who receives the wrong message and sets out to obliterate Moscow while the President and his military attempt to prevent WW3. Recently remade as a "live TV event" starring a pretty stellar cast (Clooney, Dreyfuss etc), the original is a masterpiece of cold war drama.

Korean flyboy movies seem to be a bit few and far between - wonder why this is? There's plenty of potential in Mig Alley for a great war movie. Sabers vs Mig 15s - who wouldn't want to see that? The only Korean movie featuring a pilot that I can think of is The Bridges at Toko Ri which is definitely worth a look with great performances from William Holden and Frederic March.

Speaking of flyboys, avoid the eponymous movie like the plague - it's complete shit. There's a good movie to be made of the story of the Lafayette Espadrille, but this definitely isn't it.

EDIT - how could we forget the first ever Oscar winner for best movie? Wings (1927) tells of two WW1 flyboys competing for the love of a woman. And don't forget Howard Hughes' obsession - Hells Angels has aerial sequences that can still take the breath away after all these years.

< Message edited by sharkboy -- 7/3/2007 4:24:00 PM >

_____________________________

WWLD?

Every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless

I left in love, in laughter, and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit.

(in reply to Tech_Noir)

Post #: 28

RE: Favourite Fighter Pilot Film - 8/3/2007 11:05:44 AM

Wedge

Posts: 4494
Joined: 5/2/2006
From: 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam

quote:

ORIGINAL: sharkboy

EDIT - how could we forget the first ever Oscar winner for best movie? Wings (1927) tells of two WW1 flyboys competing for the love of a woman. And don't forget Howard Hughes' obsession - Hells Angels has aerial sequences that can still take the breath away after all these years.

I didn't, you'll notice them in my list