Living in Britain it is hard to appreciate how much deeper the racial divide was in the United States especially during the time from when they entered the 1939-45 war. I lost a father unnecessarily during that war so was emotionally angry by the time it ended and would have liked to have known what happened to all the key personnel whether they stayed in the Army Air Corp or returned to civilian life and how they got on. The record that the Tuskagee 400 or so airmen achieved of not losing a single Flying Fortress during bombing missions to Berlin and elsewhere wasn't just impressive bearing in mind so much racial abuse and restrictions compared to the lack of problems that even Polish, Czech, Canadian, Australian and Free French Fighter pilots had in the Battle of Britain but was admirably portrayed by Laurence Fishbourne and others.

This movie gives a good look at the first all black squadron of fighter pilots trained in Tuskegee, Alabama. The trials and tribulations of the "Fighting 99th" as they join the 332nd Fighter Group. They gained respect and much deserved recognition by escorting bombers over Germany. The Tuskegee Airmen received over 800 medals for their collective war efforts and never lost a single bomber under their protection. A standard, but memorable WWII flick with its share of 'dog-fights'.

The hard working cast includes: Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., John Lithgow, Christopher McDonald and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

NOTE: parts of the movie were filmed in Muskogee, Oklahoma at Davis Field. Local EMTs and firefighters were used as extras.

This is a movie that should be viewed by all Americans interested in seeing a slice of Americana which has for so long been ignored. Most will identify with the raw emotion evoked by the plight of these brave and talented men. Black Americans will be moved to tears as we are reminded of what those trailblazers overcame so that future Black soldiers, airmen and every day citizens could take their rightful place in American society, proud of their past and heritage. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Tuskegee Airmen. This movie makes it clear why.