The Tuskegee Airmen
Seen it?1995 | 106 min | War, History, Drama, TV Movie
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won 3 Emmys and it earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite little lasting buzz. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Glory or Schindler's List, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
During the Second World War, a special project is begun by the US Army Air Corps to integrate African American pilots into the Fighter Pilot Program. Known as the "Tuskegee Airman" for the name of the airbase at which they were trained, these men were forced to constantly endure harassement, prejudice, and much behind the scenes politics until at last they were able to prove themselves in combat.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 3 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries or a Special, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or a Special – Single Camera Production, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special. Won 1 Peabody Award: Peabody Awards: HBO Pictures and Price Entertainment. Also nominated for 7 more Emmys, 1 Golden Globe and 1 SAG Award. Plus 2 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 36K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Glory
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Andre Braugher, in another critically acclaimed true-story historical drama.
Schindler's List Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed true-story historical drama.
Flyboys
Weeknight WatchAnother true-story historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Resistance Weeknight WatchAnother true-story historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Great Raid Weeknight WatchAnother true-story historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Robert Markowitz
- Laurence FishburneHannibal Lee
- Allen PayneWalter Peoples
- Malcolm-Jamal WarnerLeroy Cappy
- Courtney B. VanceLt. Glenn
- Andre BraugherBenjamin O. Davis
- Christopher McDonaldMajor Joy
- Daniel Hugh Kelly
- John LithgowSenator Conyers
- Cuba Gooding Jr.Billy Roberts
- Mekhi PhiferLewis Johns