Sully

Sully is a compelling biographical drama released in 2016, featuring Hollywood luminary Tom Hanks in the titular role. The movie unfolds the story of Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, the heroic pilot who safely landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River, saving all 155 souls aboard in what is known as the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’. Directed by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood, the film explores the aftermath of this extraordinary event and the largely unrecognized emotional turmoil Sully experiences.

Set in January 2009, the film commences with Sully, a seasoned pilot for US Airways, preparing for a routine flight along with his First Officer, Jeff Skiles, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart. However, moments after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City, the Airbus collides with a flock of geese, crippling both engines at a low altitude, leaving everyone on board bracing for a possible catastrophe.

Tom Hanks delivers an outstanding performance as Sully, brilliantly portraying the high stakes decision-making of this veteran pilot, whose calmness under pressure steers them out of imminent catastrophe. Clint Eastley masterfully directs this scene, ensuring audiences are drawn into the action, sharing in the palpable terror felt by the crew and passengers. Just minutes after the water landing, we see the swift and effective deployment of New York's emergency response teams, symbolizing the resilience and courage of the city.

However, Sully does not merely recount this emergency landing but delves into the unjustified inquiry Sullenberger faces in the event's aftermath. Despite the public and media hailing him a national hero, behind the scenes, he endures an awkward contradiction as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiates a potential career-ending investigation. The NTSB questions his decision to go for a water landing rather than attempting to return to the airport, implying that he might have needlessly risked the lives of his passengers.

The film skillfully alternates between the actual event and the tense aftermath to maintain the momentum of its compelling narrative. Aaron Eckhart as Skiles, the co-pilot, offers a commendable performance, providing unwavering support to Sully throughout the investigation, perfectly enacting the camaraderie between the two. Completing the main cast is Laura Linney as Lorraine Sullenberger, Sully’s loving wife who concerns herself with her husband's welfare, despite being miles away and wrestling with her fear and anxiety. She adds another rich layer to the narrative, showcasing a personal and emotional perspective to the global media event.

Clint Eastwood’s craftsmanship succeeds in turning a story that could have simply been about a thrilling landing into an introspective look at Sully’s personal journey. The events in the movie personify ethical dilemmas, heroism, and the human spirit's resilience when confronted with unforeseen crises. Eastwood's ability to create tension and engage viewers, even when they know the outcome of the event, shows the true measure of the director's gift. The spot-on cinematography and effective sound design magnify the realism and the thrilling, suspenseful moments in the film.

Tom Hanks's performance is one of his best, with the veteran actor perfectly embodying the quiet heroism and humility of Sully. He brilliantly portrays a man burdened with sudden fame, wrestling with self-doubt fueled by the investigation into his actions on that fateful day. His character is an embodiment of grace under pressure, calm in the face of a crisis, and humility amidst unexpected acclaim.

In conclusion, Sully is a beautifully-directed tense drama that reveals the untold story behind an extraordinary act of heroism. It explores the paradox of a man hailed as a hero on one side and questioned for his actions on the other. With top-notch performances from Tom Hanks and the rest of the cast, the film becomes an emotional exploration of self-doubt, character assassination, and public heroism. It's a powerful cinematic piece that's as much about the internal human struggle as it is about a remarkable external event. The film’s ability to maintain suspense, despite the well-known outcome, is a testimony to the prowess of the director and the performance of its cast - a movie that is a must-watch for anyone who loves thought-provoking cinema.