The Bloody Hundredth: A Documentary Review of Real WWII Airmen

Fun Fact: I’m a nerd, and I love good documentaries! Imagine my surprise after reviewing Masters of the Air; my opinions were requested once more to review The Bloody Hundredth.

The Bloody Hundredth is an hour-long documentary that spotlights the true stories of several characters and real-life airmen featured in “Masters of the Air” including John Egan (played by Callum Turner), Gale Cleven (played by Austin Butler), Harry Crosby (played by Anthony Boyle), Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal (played by Nate Mann), Frank Murphy (played by Jonas Moore), Alexander Jefferson (played by Branden Cook), Richard Macon (played by Josiah Cross), as well as veterans John “Lucky” Luckadoo, Robert Wolff, and many others.

The documentary did not disappoint; I loved hearing my favorite characters’ background stories, thoughts, and experiences. As I watched the show Masters of the Air, I always thought Buck and Bucky were cool white guys, and I was pleased they were in real life. What stuck with me most from the film was the bravery and sense of duty to one country! Can we take a moment to acknowledge how wild it is that it took Pearl Harbor to get us to join the fight? But when we did, we had a mission and helped win the war.

“Look on your left and right, and only one if you are gonna come back. We were going overseas to die.”

I can’t see the new generation hearing that and still being ready to serve their country. Even I, who am patriotic and pro-military, would be hesitant. Learning the details of how The Bloody Hundredth, their mission to control the sky, and their preparation not being the best makes their story even more remarkable! Of course, y’all know they had to shine a light on the Tuskegee Airmen and how they came to save the day. Everyone who served in WWII is a true hero, and The Bloody Hundredth story deserves and needs to be heard. I know for me, I have always heard how the military fights for our freedom, but this documentary breaks down how. I must say, I am grateful, and thank them for their service. 

The film gave me so much insight and background knowledge; I must rewatch Masters of the Air. Overall, the documentary is a great watch, and it gave me the closure I didn’t know I needed.

It is streaming now on Apple TV+, and y’all should go check it out!