Burning Blue

I've read all of the reviews on this official IMDb page of this film prior to choosing to watch. For the most part, I watch a film based on my own personal interests regardless of popular/professional reviews. Unfortunately, I was the only one in the theatre with a friend. I found it appalling that the movie theatre showing the film did not even have a one sheet much less any kind of promotional materials to at least help with the in-theatre promotion of this independent.

Let's get to the movie. The friend I went with read me a couple of bad reviews from folks who did not even show the film the courtesy of watching it but had judge the film based on its homosexual content. I had to promise her that if she did not like it we would both leave within the first 20 minutes. Well not only did this film not disappoint, but I found my friend and myself tearing up unexpectedly throughout the last quarter of the film. Yes, gay themed films have evolved pass the don't ask don't tell. However, as the story unfolds, you will find yourself immerse in it and also wondering what will happen next. The lead actors have a very engaging chemistry. They are so good together that whenever they are on screen they light it up with a very romantic glow. Lastly, I would like to advise anyone who's on the edge of whether to watch this film or not, give yourself the opportunity to enjoy this very entertaining treat. You will find yourself elated that you did. Specially towards the end of the film. You will even want to call a friend or two to recommend it. This is a film you will not soon forget. I came into this film with much trepidation and now after watching it all I can say is that you should bring some tissue because when you least expect it, this film will hit you like a ton of bricks and you will empathize with the plight of the character during some very devastating turn of events.

It may be the time of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' but a whole lot in the Armed Services haven't got the message. They're still on a seek and eliminate mission as we see in Burning Blue.

Trent Ford and Morgan Spector are a pair of Top Gun type pilots who are also married and quite secretly gay. Assigned to the same unit they fall for each other. There seems to be so many in the Navy that are gay one wonders if they all disappeared tomorrow how that might effect the security of the nation.

But eliminate them is the mission of Michael Sirow of NCIS and don't kid yourself if you're a fan of the television series. NCIS in the bad old days did indeed conduct 'investigations' to find gays in the military. Sirow takes a pair of plane crashes among the pilots and turns it into a witch hunt.

Ford and Spector have a lot to lose, they're both from traditional military families, their fathers are admirals. It's beyond the pale and impossible that these All American fighter jocks are queer.

Burning Blue is a fine drama about days that are hopefully behind us. The mere fact that the military apparently cooperated in the making of this film indicates as much. A fine ensemble cast plays this one from the heart. Definitely try and see this one.

A film seductive first for the way to define sensitive subjects, for the art of tension and anatomy of conflicts and, off course, not the last, for performances. It is not exactly what you expect and this can be more than a virtue. A smart story and well construction of conflicts. And , sure, the precise message. Short, just real good.

What a surprise...underneath the corny top gun look is a touching story. The best part is that you feel the longing and the distance between the two men.

No spoiler alerts here! To my mind... OK here are my bug bears: - Not clear for first half hour which decade the film is set. This may have been intentional to suggest timeless values of camaraderie, betrayal, taboo and forbidden love. If so then well done but not clear - Whether its editing, direction or script, the character development is done but not the relationship leaves too much too the power of suggestion and imagination. It's clear to me that someone with a conservative agenda edited out anything that might have been too salacious for its time. The power of suggestion? Meh... - The audience is clearly intended to be wider than just LGBT. But how many non military people will search for a film if not LGBT? Am guessing they were thinking of immediate box office success - how successful was it in the end? As an LGBT film it falls short. OK here are the things I like: - The story itself -The actors (yeah!) - The use of an external figure investigating which uncovered the facts - but not the important ones such as the reasons for the "mishaps"- interesting - The idea of 'blowing off steam' while on shore leave gave the characters time to explore their identity - The courage of one individual to stand up to the organisation and defend himself and the truth... did I understand the story was based on a true one? All in all well done 4* just pity about the need to 'not offend' mainstream audiences...