Les Thunderbirds: Élite de l'US Air Force

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.

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.

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.

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.

The documentary immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of the Thunderbirds, capturing the precision, discipline, and camaraderie required to execute complex aerial maneuvers.

Through stunning cinematography and in-cockpit footage, audiences experience the thrill of formations like the Diamond Pass and the Opposing Hit, where jets fly mere inches apart at supersonic speeds.

While the aerial displays are mesmerizing, the documentary delves deeper, exploring the personal sacrifices and rigorous training that define the Thunderbirds.

It follows new team members as they undergo a grueling two-month certification process, emphasizing the "blind trust" essential among pilots flying in close formation .

All in all I loved watching this documentary and would highly recommend it!