User talk:USAFDFC

From personal experience with 244 combat missions flown over the Southeast Asia from 1971 through August 15th, the last day of the bombings, I would like to add my impressions to those of the critics. I have only seen the last half of the film and "yes," it was riveting, perhaps more so for one flying at relatively low level in the summer of 1971 over the DMZ/Laos. Trained in only basic survival school following pilot training, the film captures the only imagined anticipation of capture and survival that seems to be at the heart of the film. However, this layman's impression is that the film is on a par with what the first half of "Full Metal Jacket" was to basic training on Paris Island. Bale's performance, and those of the supporting characters, takes this airman back to the heart and resolve remembered in youth as well as to the commraderie remembered between those in the air and on the ground, sharing supportive commitments commensurate with mutual survival. In an environment officially defined as by the book, the flim's direction also touches on the essential exigencies of functioning outside of the box. For the critics who felt the film lagged in the beginning or was too lengthy, they might read a little more of Shakespeare to understand foundation and character development, but in the defense of such critiques, perhaps one can make allowances for youth that did not relate to the polemics and duality that characterized the 1960's and early 70's, or at both the objective and subjective issues in living within war, the subtleties of the indigenous population. But possibly without even knowing the difference between a "Safe Path" on the ground in those cultures and that of the combat zone, for one who was there, the film evokes all of the tangibles and intangles that were there both in subjectively and objectively. It was as if subconsciously the director knew, as with the villagers as well as in the character of the friendly dwarf-sized guard. It is said that art typically strikes a chord or an emotion that is unique in the eye of the audience and individually. I don't know whether or not this 67 year old veteran with five tours in 'Nam,' a DFC for "something (?) unknown or long forgotten, a fist full of air medals and some 'President's Citation' could have been more moved and in the direction and casting of every character, revitalized. It may be a human failing or just a personal one, that we begin to accept age or the status quo of today. I will order this film and watch it more than once for I have yet to even hear the music or the entirety of the work. It's inspiring in reminding us of who we were and more importantly of what we are. In that, the work in inspiring and authentic even on a subjective level. I feel remiss in not seeing it seven years ago, but will recommend it to other pilots and veterans. From just another one who was there in that time...another one who protested the war but found a bliss in flying, I am very thankful for this work which says so much more about life than the resolve of the characters...especially in what might be seen of a view of the world today.