During World War II, the Air Force finds themselves losing more bomber pilots in Europe than they'd care to admit. In an act of desperation, they turn to the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-African-American fighter group discriminated against back at home, to join them in Italy to wage war against the Germans and protect bombers in combat. The Captain, Easy, battles a secret case of alcoholism, while the first Lieutenant, Lightning, is a reckless egomaniac whom Easy feels will get himself killed if he continues flying in his manner. During their first battle, they score a key victory over the Germans, but their youngest pilot, Ray Gun, injures his eye, giving him partially impaired vision. After much begging from Ray Gun, Easy allows him to continue flying into battle with them. However, their next battle doesn't go nearly as well, and Ray Gun's plane crashes into enemy territory, presumably dead. Easy realizes this was his fault, that he never should've approved Ray Gun to return, and he begins to drink more heavily than ever. Meanwhile, Ray Gun joins a group of other prisoners of war and plans an escape from their German captors. When the remaining Tuskegee Airmen are given an assignment to protect the first American bombers being sent to Berlin, they know they may become a part of history forever... but in order to do so, Easy must sober up, Lightning must learn to fly right, and they must endure the racism of those inside the bomber who would prefer to undergo their mission alone.
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Best part of story, including ending:
It's a terrific tale of heroism and overcoming the odds, with a large cast of very likable young men, some terrific air battles, and some nice historical details.
Best scene in story:
Lightning's reckless flying in battle is exciting to watch-- we fear that his tactics may result in his death, but it is undeniably thrilling.
Opinion about the main character:
Easy is a hero with a disease, and he must figure out how to overcome his own self-doubt to put down the bottle. It's a sympathetic task to achieve, and Nate Parker is a terrific young actor.
