Flying Tigers

As a pilot, I love movies about flying, and I read that this one has some really good flying scenes. I know the history of the real Flying Tigers and I wanted to see how closely this matched reality. Well, in many respects, it was pretty accurate to more objective history. Of course, this was made during World War II, so, like most Hollywood productions of the time, it glorified our help our of friends (the Chinese in this case) and vilified our enemies (the Japanese in this case). I don't hold that against the film. John Wayne gave a good performance of a commander of an all volunteer group who was trying to keep the group together and alive in the middle of a war. Some of the other actors' acting wasn't quite up to that standard. The flying scenes left me a bit disappointed. I know there was a war on and I know budgets were tight, but the aircraft were so obviously models that it was hard to suspend disbelief. About the only thing you didn't see was the strings on the models. Still, it was a good movie with a rousing patriotic message - even the "bad" guy in the group finally gets the message in the end. This won't be one of my favorite movies, but it is one I'll watch more than once.

This fictionalized account of Chennault's Flying Tigers, the foreign volunteer air force that took on the Japanese before the start of World War II. Japan invaded China in 1935, quickly conquering Manchuria (and renaming is Manchukuo), with designs on converting it as they had with Korea into a vassal state. The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was nimble when compared to the Luftwaffe aircraft, in China it was outperformed by the fighters A6M Zero and Nakajima Ki-43 "Oscar" which lacked the P-40's structural strength for high-speed hard turns. In traditional dogfights, the P-40 often fared poorly. It did have a greater climb capability and Chennault used this to develop the hit-and-run tactics that allowed the pilots to come home. Wayne's character plays the man in charge. The scenes with the orphans were to show the American audiences just what living in war zones meant for children. A good B war flick. Worth a look, and if you're a John Wayne fan, you should add it to your collection.

As a product it is in good condition. As a movie, it is true American cinema propaganda. The underdog, against the villain. Good over evil, and America as the shining beacon to save those held under oppression. I think if Joe McCarthy had understood the Chinese mind set and the need to befriend even the communist element at the time, we would not be where are today. But that's history, and this movie is just a part of that history.

This film is amazing. I remember watching it on AMC before they became about shows like Walking Dead. Thank you for letting me recapture a part of my childhood. The packaging is good too, it’s not one of the new covers you can poke your finger through.

The master from which this was transferred from was loaded with so many scratches at times that it looked like it was raining. I do understand though the movie was made in 1942. Just wonder if there is any way they can put these through some type of wash before releasing. I am so far disappointed in both purchases from Olive films and will re-think buying more as I have 2 more classic films on my wish list

It was not one of the Dukes best but it was still a good flick and I love watching the P40 War Hawk's in action. They were one of my favorite war planes and since they were the first, before the US got involved, I give them an A+ for service. I always enjoy seeing our country portrayed in a good light instead of what has become popular, but that just me. I still think the US of A is a special place and these guys who flew in China are special in my mind.

typical war movie for the period. nice to watch. not a lot of blood and guts, but enough to keep you interested. fairly well shot for the time before all the fancy digital enhansements of today.

This is truly an excellent movie but I only gave it four stars because it seems like they rushed to put it on Blu-ray without really making the film better picture wise but other than that it is a great movie to add to your collection

At this price I didn't have any illusions about this issue. However, I never expected the awful mess I was viewing. I stopped watching it when the plane which was ( "coming in on a wing and a prayer " ) ie, one engine on fire. After that scene which was in the semi dark, I have never seen such noise on the picture image. Before that, there were scratches and other picture anomalies, and I don't mean the old war footage inserts, (which is acceptable in this kind of war film.)I would think it's the same print as the official Universal/ Republic DVD issue I have, but Digitally enhanced, picture sharpened, brightness and contrast. The soundtrack was exactly the same on both. I re-watched the normal, good quality of the DVD and enjoyed watching the film again. I certainly would not recommend this B/R version out of the two issues.In the US, " The Fighting Seabees " and " The Sands of Iwo Jima " have been done on B/R at a price of around £20 each. They are bound to be restored at this price..I await their arrival...Region B UK review..

This is a wonderful movie. So glad that I ordered it. An absolute gem and John Wayne never fails to act superbly.

it is a good john Wayne movie

Excellent and very entertaining . For all P 40 WARHAWK enthusiasts a very good buy .

Good movie