Watch Billy Bishop Goes to War

Billy Bishop Goes to War is an emotional and powerful musical drama movie, which depicts the life journey of a world war one fighter ace, William Avery "Billy" Bishop. It is directed by Barbara Willis Sweete and features John Gray and Eric Peterson in the lead roles, which they portrayed beautifully. The movie tells the incredible story of Billy Bishop, how he joined the army at the age of 20, and moved from being a small-town boy to a decorated war hero. It follows his journey from being an ordinary soldier to becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force flying ace. The movie is a tribute to the bravery and courage of the soldiers who fought for their country in one of the deadliest wars in history.

The story is a combination of drama, humor, and music, and it takes the audience on a journey of laughter, sadness, and despair. The musical score is outstanding, and perfectly complements the movie's plot, making it an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.

The movie begins in the present day, with an old Billy Bishop (Eric Peterson) reflecting on his life, and then transitions to Bishop's earlier years. It traces his journey from his childhood in Owen Sound, Ontario, where he had a fascination for planes, to his enrollment in Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, and finally to the frontlines of the war.

John Gray brings Billy Bishop's character to life, with his excellent portrayal of the young Bishop. He captures Bishop's youthful energy, enthusiasm, and his determination to succeed. Gray's acting skills are visible in his ability to switch effortlessly from one emotion to another, making the audience connect with the character on a deeper level.

Eric Peterson, playing the older Bishop, is equally convincing in his role. He plays the aged Bishop with a sense of poise and dignity, which adds depth to the character. Peterson's narration, combined with Gray's portrayal of Bishop, creates a seamless link between Bishop's past and the present.

The songs in the movie are poignant and soul-stirring, transporting the audience back to a time of great sacrifice and courage. Whether it is the ballad 'Two Young Men', which Bishop sings along with his friend, or the rousing anthem, 'The Royal Flying Corps', which celebrates the flying corps' valor and bravery, every song is memorable and impactful.

The movie does an excellent job of shedding light on Bishop's struggles and the horrors of war. We witness the toll that war takes on Bishop's physical and emotional well-being, and the constant fear he experiences as he flies over enemy lines. We also get a glimpse of the psychological trauma that soldiers endured when they returned home, which is poignantly portrayed through Bishop's experiences.

The film also highlights the camaraderie and close bonds that develop between soldiers during war. Bishop's friendship with his fellow soldiers is heartwarming and touching, and it is easy to see how they rely on each other during their darkest hours.

Overall, Billy Bishop Goes to War is an excellent movie that is both entertaining and educational. It celebrates the courage and bravery of a Canadian war hero and helps us understand the sacrifices that our soldiers make to ensure our freedom. With its outstanding musical score, powerful performances, and stunning cinematography, this movie is a must-see for anyone who loves history, music, and drama.

Billy Bishop Goes to War is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.