Masters of the Air

The third series from producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg shifts its focus to the American Air Force during WWII. And no, I don't want to compare it to Band of Brothers – this is a different setting, different people, and a different time of filming, and it really shows. While the ground warfare was brutal, up in the planes, it was more of a noble affair. The boys here exemplify the spirited American youth of the 40s – heroes who not only live their stories but also enjoy them, somewhat shielded by the skies. However, once the story touches down, it takes a more interesting and intense turn. Over nine episodes, there are surprisingly few iconic battle scenes. Some aerial moments are unforgettable, yet many of them are repetitive, which is perhaps the only downside, costing the series a star. Ultimately, it’s a solid piece of work but not the best in its genre. Still, we should be grateful for such a well-made story. (26/03/2024)

The 2024 series cannonade continues, and this time Apple is throwing its hand in with quite possibly the best World War II thing we'll see this year, because there probably won't be any other competition. The Zone of Interest (or rather, disinterest), of course, is just peering out the window and silently envying. The series focuses on the pilots of the 100th Bombardment Squadron and I don't think I've seen anything more cinematically close to the Air Force. The horror of the pilots and what they have to go through is almost palpable and I devoured the entire series without blinking an eye. Of the characters, the best were Austin Butler, Callum Turner and Nate Mann, who’s so cool, with angel wings on his back. Barry Keoghan was also great in a smaller role. What annoyed me a little about the series, though, was that they rotated a bunch of characters from episode to episode and I couldn't really build a proper relationship, but considering the suicide missions they were sent on I can't fault that too much. The best episodes are without a doubt 3 and 5, which have the most action packed passages, it was a decent Battlefield in the air, with Cary Joji Fukunaga surprising with some nice gore at times, and the ending is properly touching. I liked the fact that there were concentration camps as well and the riot in the finale is a decent atmospheric gem. For me a wonderful affair that presents WWII from a slightly different angle, but does it in an honest and heartfelt way. So Fukunaga has handled the subject with grace and can definitely take credit for its success. It doesn't lack much for a full score. 85%. (15/03/2024)