Les Thunderbirds: Élite de l'US Air Force

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.

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.

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.

So let me go over the positives first. Amazing amazing filming of the flights. Not sure how they did it. I don't like air shows, but watching the acrobatics in this film was amazing.

The film goes over the progress toeard being certified as a Thunderbird to give demonstrationas around the world. Displays a dedicated team, working effectively together. Like all documentaries they have a story line. Not sure how contrived it was, but fundamentally the individuals stories was also interesting (though only really touched on their stories briefly.. could easily have been half an hour longer). Good pacing, very upbeat.

What I didn't like.. I've served myself, and I think these guys, while appearing calm logical types, are absolutely insane. 10% of Thunderbird Pilots die. This is an acrobatics demo team but I'm sure that death rate is higher than combat. The tight formations theu fly on are absolutely jaw dropping. Seriously I had tears in my eyes just watching them fly. God bless them, bit seriously, is it worth that death rate? Anyway I highly recommend this film. It literally amd figuratively flew by. Well done to the team that filmed this.

The dedication and precision of their flights was absolutely mesmerizing. Thunderbirds Air Force Elite is a stunning display of raw skill, power, and human excellence that left me in awe. What truly sets it apart from traditional flight documentaries is its focus on character-driven storytelling. You don't just witness the jets in action, you get a genuine, emotional insight into the lives, mindset, and sacrifices of the incredible pilots behind them. I loved every minute of it.

I left feeling deeply moved, inspired to dream bigger, and more committed than ever to pursuing excellence in my own craft.