I have watched the first two episodes of Masters of the Air and I really like it. The air scenes are intense and historically accurate. Good Catholic presence, with a Catholic chaplain, men shown crossing themselves, and the ball turret gunner on a bomber bellowing out the prayer to Saint Michael. Good mixture of drama and comedy, just like real life. Episodes noted why the US did daylight bombing, as opposed to British nighttime bombing. They further looked at such topics as the special breakfast on mission days, and how the ground crews worked tirelessly around the clock to keep the flying forts flying. The series is educational enough that I think it could be used by the home schoolers. The historical feel is spot on. Right now I would rank it as worthy to stand with the classic Twelve O’Clock High (1949). My highest recommendation.
Haven’t seen Masters of the Air but I’m surprised by some of the casting. In particular Barry Keoghan who plays Lt Curtis Biddick. Disclaimer Keoghan recently starred in a series called Saltburn which has some utterly immoral and grose scenes in it performed by Keoghan. I haven’t watched Saltburn for this reason and don’t recommend anyone to.
Yours is virtually the only recommendation that I consider authoritative. You’ve now got me interested and wanting to watch it.
Ezabelle,
I wish I had your integrity. Following a suggestion by someone who I thought had better taste, I watched that movie. There were a couple (at least) of scenes that were filmed apparently for the shock value alone–along with the “symbolism,” of course. In short, it was a movie about the insufferable hunting down the unspeakable (to paraphrase Wilde). There was no great human insight or interest.
It is much better than I expected, not 12 o’clock high ,but that is a very high standard.
Unlike most modern war movie/shows I’ve seen it is very good on context and background.
Reccomended, well worth the time.
My jury is still out. MOA doesn’t grab you right from the beginning, as did Band of Brothers, but it does a better job than The Pacific. Oddly enough, my one specific complaint is with the portrayal of the Catholic chaplain, who seemed too wishy-washy and apologetic for being there. Every military chaplain I’ve known (personally and by reputation) including those who served in WWII, were strong men, sure of themselves and their vocation, as capable of throwing a punch as making the sign of the cross.