Go to war with the “Red Tails”

War movies are rarely easy to watch. The images can be gruesome and the characters you grow attached to through the course of 95 minutes are never really safe until the end. But there’s something special about “Red Tails.” This isn’t to say there aren’t numerous flaws; no film can be perfect and this is far from it. But there’s enough emotion, humor and action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The movie begins with the Tuskegee Airmen running basic patrols and taking out mild targets; none of the pilots are happy about this. They do excellent work, however, taking out a weapon’s train thanks to the work of one reckless pilot. Lieutenant Joe “Lightning” Little is young and talented but usually goes for the glory and doesn’t use caution. He frequently wrecks planes in his processes as well.

Lightning is also known as a ladies man but he finds a woman blowing a kiss to him on a roof top and goes to meet her. Even though she doesn’t speak much English at first they begin a relationship.

Everything changes for the pilots when the military approves a plan called Operation Shingle. Impressed with the success of the Tuskegee Airmen’s handling of the mission, they assign them to protect bomber planes due to high casualties. Colonel A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard) points out that the former squadron’s problem was going after German fighter planes instead of staying with the bombers to protect them.

The Tuskegee Airmen are successful yet again, but one of the pilots David “Deke” Watkins nearly dies in a crash landing and another, Ray “Ray Gun” Gannon (Junior) is forced to land as well. Ray Gun’s emergency landing happens to be in enemy territory and he’s taken prisoner. Some of his inmates plan an escape and before Ray Gun leaves he gives his dog tags to the leader of the resistance, instructing him to give them to Easy if he doesn’t make it back home.

Before they can all escape the last man out is caught. Ray Gun creates a distraction and they both are shot at. Not long after, the leader goes to the Tuskegee Airmen’s base and gives Easy Ray Gun’s dog tags, believing him to be dead.

Lightning and the Italian woman he met, Sofia, steadily become more serious. He explains all his inner struggles and how Easy almost caused Deke’s death, showing that he’s beginning to trust her and they are becoming more serious. It couldn’t possibly get any better for him, right?

Well the Red Tails have one more mission; protect the U.S. bombers on the way to directly attack Berlin. The catch with this one, however, is the ‘Red Tails’ are only accompanying the bombers the first leg of the trip and a second group will take care of the rest.

But how would this film be complete without an epic ending? Obviously their relief squadron never comes and Major Emmanuel Stance (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) gives Easy the choice to stay with the bombers. Since their fuel levels are good for the journey they go the distance. They take down several of the new German fighter jets but in the process, Lighting miscalculates once and doesn’t make it.

Returning to their base, Easy gives up the bottle for good and a memorial is held for Lightning. At that memorial a truck pulls up and Ray Gun steps out with a smile on his face, asking not to be called Junior anymore because, “He’s been to hell and back.” The film ends with a commemorative speech to the Airmen, decorating them for their courage and skill.

“Red Tails” has just enough emotion for you to feel the pain of war but enough humor to keep your heart from getting too heavy. You get connected to the characters and most of them are still around by the end of the film. If you want some last minute inspiration for Black History Month, this movie has enough for a lifetime.