Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag (2004)

Stepphen Low's "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" is an American 40-minute short film from over 10 years ago and the title already tells you what this is about. I must say I generally do not have a great interest or any interest at all in this subject, so i cannot say i was surprised how little this documentary did for me. It's probably only worth a watch if you have a great interest in aviation, American military (history) or are a (fighter) pilot yourself. The technical aspects did not do a whole lot for me and the patriotic parts was a bit on the cringeworthy side as well and felt way over the top in my opinion. That said, I also never really felt that this one may get me interested in the subject or be a really informative watch. As a whole, i give this one a thumbs down and only the demographics I mentioned earlier may want to check it out. Not recommended.

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.

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."

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.