“Flight of the Intruder” (1991) is a war film directed by John Milius and stars Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, and Brad Johnson. The film is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen Coonts.

Plot Summary:

The film is set during the Vietnam War and follows the story of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Rick “Rick” (Brad Johnson) and his colleague, Lieutenant “Paco” (Willem Dafoe), who are naval aviators flying the A-6 Intruder bomber aircraft. The plot focuses on their missions and the challenges they face as they conduct dangerous bombing raids over North Vietnam.

As the war progresses, Rick becomes increasingly disillusioned with the war and the political motivations behind it. His growing dissatisfaction leads him to question the purpose of his missions and the ethics of the war effort. The film explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the personal costs of war, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on the pilots.

Themes and Style:

“Flight of the Intruder” combines action with a deeper exploration of the moral and emotional struggles faced by soldiers. It emphasizes the intense and dangerous nature of aerial combat while also delving into the internal conflicts experienced by the characters.

Production and Reception:

The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of naval aviation and the use of authentic military aircraft in its sequences. It features impressive aerial combat scenes and a focus on character development. However, “Flight of the Intruder” received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While the action sequences and performances were generally praised, some critics found the plot and character arcs to be less compelling.

Overall, “Flight of the Intruder” offers a combination of high-flying action and a more introspective look at the impact of war on those who fight it.