Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag

I read a couple of very damning review of this film saying that it was completely dumbed down (simplified) and that some bits are completely fake. You could see watching it that this was indeed the case...

...but, I still think, that it's wonderful to see 70mm films in high definition (especially if your new to it too) the quality on the footage is so very clear and detailed….again its very nicely edited with long takes. There's a wonderful sense of being up there flying...its really quite scary actually! It's a problematic film definitely, but I still have to recommend it because of the detail in it that the 70mm cameras get...there is after all not many films made in this format too...so they are rare things.

I can completely understand people being upset about it...being a expert in something and *then* seeing a film about your specialist subject and that film missing the mark completely is very, very annoying...so I do understand it.

THE BAD: the person doing the narration is very monotone and that was very unfortunate.

THE GOOD: It's a heck of a experience with the detail this high.

I simply cannot understand why anyone would not give this IMAX documentary a solid 10 out of 10. Because I just discovered this in October 2024 after signing up for Sling, I feel that I have cheated myself by not having seen this uplifting program in the last twenty years.

Of course, almost every person in this film is retired by now. I hope that you will see some of the personnel who were your comrades in arms.

128 aircraft from 6 countries !! Every imaginable type flying back then from the U-2 to the B-2 bomber.

I especially like the protagonist talking about his Grandfather who survived flying F4U Corsairs in the Pacific during World War Two.

After the ending credits we learn that Grandson survived three separate deployments in the Middle East.

The comment above me is full of inaccurate facts about the fighter pilot in the movie, his unit and the filming of the movie. I believe that if you are going to write a review about something that you obviously know nothing about then you should stick to your opinion instead of making stuff up and pretending like you know what you are talking about....You know neither Capt. John C. Stratton or anything about the filming of this movie...if you don't like it, then just say that. However, I found the movie to be amazing and inspiring. I cannot tell you how many people I have heard come out of the theater after viewing it and say "wow" or "I think i want to join the air force."

I took my kids, 4M,6M,and 9F to this.

They all enjoyed it as I did. Lots of things get blown up. Cool! I did have to explain that there was no one in those vehicles.

There are invigorating flight sequences and the narrator explains things as he goes along. The visuals lift it from a 5 to a 7.

There are continuity issues as another commenter has noted, making it difficult to follow for anyone with any orientation. This is often a problem with films. It is necessary to let go of those issues to enjoy the film.

It was difficult to keep track of the story. A more direct story line would be appreciated.

Well worth it!

Notwithstanding the outrageously low score awarded to this film by at least one self-proclaimed "frustrated" reviewer, this is a terrific flick.

Obviously (and thankfully) exploiting the spectacular IMAX technology, director Stephen Low provides us, the uninitiated, with shot after shot of awesome and awe-inspiring aerial combat and the planes that participate in it. This is a movie that simultaneously wows us with aesthetics and excitement. Indeed, isn't that what fighter pilots have said so often - that 'it's beautiful but scary up there'.

In addition to the breathtaking cinematography and heart-stopping action sequences, I was especially impressed by some of the less glamorous depictions. The shots inside the AWAC plane are simply exquisite. In fact, I would have guessed that the luscious views we see of the computer displays on board that intelligence craft would have forever remained off limits to us civilians. Likewise, we are treated to stunning panoramas of the airfield and runways at Nelles AFB. Wow! A super example of something that must be seen to be appreciated.

And that's just it. 'Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag', Low's brilliant work, allows us to SEE modern air warfare first hand and up close. The IMAX process has never been put to better use.