Thunderbirds: La élite de la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU.

I would expect this to appeal to the patriotic pro-military types who might attend an air show but I was surprised by the entertainment value as I don't consider myself the target audience. But maybe I am, as the boss of the Thunderbirds noted that their entire mission is to inspire people who see these performances to think about what America means to them as an idea. They certainly have dedicated themselves to their craft and of course succeed in igniting a desire to achieve great heights in America's youth, as many of the pilots relayed their own stories of how they were inspired as kids by watching their heroes and now find themselves talking to excited kids at the air shows afterwards. A good film that captures the extraordinary skill of this elite team.

I live in the UK and I just loved watching this documentary about the Thunderbirds. It is inspiring to all humans. These pilots just blow your mind with the risks they take and the huge team of people behind them all essential to their success including their families. The footage filmed from inside the cockpit is just shocking and mind blowing. I must go and see a Thunderbird display in the states. At a time (27.5.25) when everyone is looking at the USA and thinking WTF this documentary shows you what is great about the USA. I did wonder if Primo's difficulties were purely for the camera and to make the story more interesting. However pulling a 7G manoeuvre is not for anyone other than super humans. Thank-you for your dedication Thunderbirds.

I can't say enough about this documentary! I wouldn't say I know a lot about the Air Force, or what it takes, but this documentary did such a great job at giving you an all access insight into the unbelievable skill and determination it takes to be at this level. At so many points in the documentary I was terrified for the pilots, just beyond impressive. I loved the style and feel of how it was filmed it just felt like you knew the pilots and understood each of their stories. I hope to see more documentaries like this. Really enjoyable watch and one that I walked away from with a greater appreciation of these pilots and what they do.

Ah yes, Thunderbirds: Air Force Elite. I tuned in expecting jet-fuelled thrills, precision aerobatics, and a dash of military mystique. What I got, dear reader, was a red, white and blue firework of self-congratulatory waffle wrapped in a stars-and-stripes burrito.

The first 20 minutes? Rather good, actually. We meet the pilots, learn about the intense training, and there's some properly impressive flying. I was sipping my tea, genuinely intrigued. For a moment, I thought, "Gosh, perhaps this will be different. Perhaps we'll get some nuanced insight into the psychological and physical toll of being an elite aviator."

But no. Silly me.

Somewhere between the slow-mo flag waving and the swelling orchestral score that could make brushing your teeth feel like the D-Day landings, it swerved into full-blown American propaganda. We were no longer learning about a flying squadron, but being gently bludgeoned by a love letter to a fantasy America where everything is freedom, justice and suspiciously good dentistry.

Now, don't misunderstand me. I love a bit of national pride. I've even stood up for Rule Britannia while holding a gin and tonic. But this wasn't pride. This was a heavily scripted advert for a country that seems less interested in self-reflection and more interested in selling itself as the world's moral compass. A compass that, incidentally, spins wildly whenever oil is nearby.

By the end, I half expected an eagle to swoop across the screen clutching a cheeseburger while screaming about liberty.

In summary: if you enjoy airshows, motivational quotes, and documentaries that say "We're the best!" without a hint of irony, this is the film for you. But if you're looking for depth, balance or anything resembling humility - may I suggest watching paint dry on a Lancaster Bomber instead.

At an air show the public just sees the product. The documentary does show what all the work there is in getting to the final product. Breaks down to a degree each performing pilot and tells a little of their background before becoming a team member. Shows to a lesser degree logistics, medical, maintainers, administrative personnel and their roles on the team. So a viewer does come away with a sense of the total team and how each is dependent on each other doing their job. It is good for the public to see all that and understand it as well. Shows the hard training required to get the routines down to perfection. Really enjoyed it and believe anyone would like this documentary. On another note...wasn't too keen that some personnel wearing short sleeve uniforms had exposed tattoos showing. That did not sit too well with this old USAF retired MSGT. Doubt that would bother anyone else who watches it, but that is the only thing keeping me from giving this a 10. Highly recommend viewing this.