Top 15 Films Similar to Devotion

The 2022 film Devotion artfully blends multiple genres, namely war films, buddy films, and biographical stories. At its heart, it chronicles the profound friendship between two men—one Black, the other White—who serve in the American military during the Korean War. This poignant narrative showcases not only an inspiring bond but also delves into the harsh realities of racism that plagued military ranks, highlighting Hollywood’s knack for storytelling that imparts both inspiration and reflection on social issues.

Films like Devotion eloquently illustrate the complexities of human relationships amid the backdrop of war. They encapsulate the bonds that can form or fracture under the weight of adversity, especially focusing on the influence of overt and systemic racism on those relationships. This thematic exploration is prevalent in numerous films delving into military camaraderie and the struggle for equality.

Men of Honor (2008)

Inspired by a Real Naval Milestone

Billy (Robert De Niro) questions Carl (Cuba Gooding Jr.) in court in Men of Honor

Similar to Devotion, Men of Honor is rooted in real events, even though it applies dramatic embellishments for cinematic storytelling. The film follows the inspiring journey of Carl Brashear, the first African American master diver in the U. S.Navy, illustrating his struggles against discrimination in the post-World War II military milieu.

While Brashear’s narrative lacks the deep camaraderie of Devotion, it tells a powerful story of resilience and determination against the backdrop of racial tensions in the 1950s and 1960s. Both films resonate with the themes of racial injustice that Black military personnel faced, accentuating the perseverance required to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.

The Steel Helmet (1951)

The First Movie to Portray the Korean War

The Steel Helmet stands out as an early portrayal of the Korean War, launched just a year into the conflict, which later gained the moniker “the forgotten war”due to overshadowing Vietnam narratives. This film is notably pioneering in addressing the realities of racial dynamics within the military.

Set against the backdrop of a segregated military, it weaves a narrative that focuses on the main character’s experiences alongside diverse soldiers, including a young Korean boy and an African American medic. The film challenges systemic racism while depicting the grueling psychological toll of war, earning acclaim for its unflinching representation of combat stress.

A Soldier’s Story (1984)

A Military Murder Mystery

A Soldier’s Story, adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play, centers on the investigation of a murdered Black Army sergeant during World War II. While it diverges from the traditional camaraderie narrative, it still echoes themes present in Devotion, particularly regarding racial tensions within the armed forces.

Set in a segregated unit, the story unfolds as a Black military lawyer examines the complexities surrounding the sergeant’s death, revealing deeper societal issues at play. With multiple accolades, including three Oscar nominations, the film resonates with both critical acclaim and historical importance.

71: Into The Fire (2010)

A South Korean Story of the War

A Korean soldier in the grass in 71 Into The Fire

71: Into the Fire provides a South Korean perspective on the Korean War, diverging from the American-centric narratives common in war cinema. The film recounts the heroic yet tragic story of 71 student soldiers defending a middle school against the North Korean army.

With limited combat experience, the young soldiers’ resolve is tested, showcasing the internal conflicts among them, thereby challenging preconceived notions about war. This film contributes an essential viewpoint to the broader discourse surrounding the Korean conflict, echoing the emotional journeys witnessed in Devotion.

Glory (1989)

The First African American Combat Regiment of the Civil War

Glory transports audiences to the Civil War, depicting the struggles of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African American regiments in combat. This film similarly explores themes of brotherhood and valor in the face of systemic racism.

The narrative unfolds predominantly through the perspective of the regiment’s white commanding officer, yet it highlights the valor and sacrifices of the Black soldiers fighting for their own freedom. Despite embellishments for dramatization, Glory honors the legacy of its characters and the fight for equality, similarly reflected in Devotion.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

A Sequel that Took More than 30 Years

Centrally, both Devotion and Top Gun: Maverick celebrate themes of camaraderie among military personnel, albeit in different contexts. This long-awaited sequel shines with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, delivering high-octane action alongside heartfelt moments.

A particularly moving scene involves Maverick’s touching reunion with Val Kilmer’s Iceman, establishing an emotional core amid the film’s adrenaline-fueled sequences. Notably, Glen Powell also features in both films, showcasing the enduring bonds formed among those in service.

Top Gun (1986)

A Modern Military Classic

Much like Devotion, the original Top Gun successfully balances thrilling action with emotional storytelling, cementing Tom Cruise’s status as an action star. The film, while less focused on issues of race, still exemplifies the camaraderie and challenges faced by military personnel.

Through impressive technical prowess during aerial sequences, Top Gun remains a staple War film, paralleling the emotional depth found in Devotion, thus appealing to fans of military narratives.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Examining Racism During the Space Race

Hidden Figures complements Devotion by exploring the lives of African American women during the era of the Space Race, highlighting their significant contributions amidst systemic racism. With a stellar cast, the film serves as both an informative and emotional narrative, emphasizing vital themes of perseverance and competency.

While embellished for narrative impact, the film accurately portrays the struggles faced by these women, echoing the sentiments of courage and resilience depicted in Devotion. Glen Powell’s supporting role as one of the astronauts further intertwines the narratives of these films.

Marshall (2017)

A Look at the Career of a Supreme Court Justice

In Marshall, Chadwick Boseman brilliantly portrays Thurgood Marshall, providing a powerful insight into the life of one of America’s pivotal Supreme Court Justices. His performance is reminiscent of the camaraderie explored in Devotion, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs faced by Black Americans in their fight for equality.

Boseman’s dynamic presence commands the screen, creating a riveting experience similar to the chemistry found between the lead characters in Devotion, making this film a compelling addition to the discussion of race and perseverance.

42 (2013)

The First Black Man Joins Major League Baseball

Jackie Robinson in the baseball field in 42.

42 showcases Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, delving into the life of the first African American to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Like Devotion, it intertwines genres, presenting elements of biopic, sports drama, and historical narrative.

While some events are dramatized for greater emotional connection, the film effectively highlights Robinson’s significance to American sports and civil rights, paralleling the inspirational journeys explored in Devotion.

1917 (2019)

A War Movie about the Pressure of Combat

1917 represents an epic portrayal of World War I and the human spirit’s resilience under pressure, crafting an authentic visual narrative that resonates with both harsh realities and moments of triumph. Both 1917 and Devotion bring attention to often overlooked conflicts, narrating the strength of humanity amidst adversity.

Dunkirk (2017)

A Larger Ensemble Look at a Great War

Dunkirk explores the poignant human aspect of World War II through a broader ensemble cast, extending beyond the individual narratives of friendships showcased in Devotion. The film effectively captures the emotional weight of war while delving into the larger collective experience of soldiers.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

A Wartime Romance

While Pearl Harbor met with mixed critical responses, its exploration of friendship and romance resonates with themes present in Devotion. The dynamic between Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett highlights a bond akin to that of the lead characters in Devotion, emphasizing loyalty amid love triangles.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

A Literal Wartime Tale of Brothers

Saving Private Ryan, regarded as one of Spielberg’s finest works, merges the brutality of war with powerful emotional moments. Its story revolves around camaraderie and sacrifice, echoing Devotion‘s emphasis on brotherhood forged in combat, ultimately conveying a message of human resilience against the horrors of war.

Selma (2014)

Stream on Hulu

Finally, Selma addresses civil rights struggles, paralleling Devotion‘s exploration of racism during the Korean War. Both films shed light on racial injustices of their respective eras, highlighting friendships that transcend societal divisions. Ava DuVernay’s portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr.delivers a stirring narrative that resonates deeply in today’s societal context.

Together, Devotion and these films illuminate the historical struggles faced by marginalized communities, underscoring themes of resilience, brotherhood, and the quest for equality amidst adversity.

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