Watch Faith of My Fathers

Faith of My Fathers, released in 2005, is a biographical drama directed by Peter Markle. The movie is based on the memoir of the same name, co-written by United States Senator John McCain and his aide Mark Salter. The film stars Shawn Hatosy as John McCain, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Vietnamese prison guard Major Pham Van Dinh, and Joe Chrest as Admiral Jack McCain, John's father.

The movie tells the story of John McCain, a naval aviator, who is shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. He spends more than five years as a prisoner of war and is subjected to torture and harsh treatment. Throughout his captivity, he clings to the values and principles that his father, a decorated admiral, instilled in him. He also develops a bond with his fellow POWs.

The film begins in 1999, with John McCain embarking on a campaign for the Republican nomination for president. His team suggests that he should downplay his military service and focus on his political achievements, but McCain insists on telling his story honestly. He flashes back to his time in captivity, where he faces various challenges, including the psychological warfare tactics employed by the Vietnamese prison guards.

Faith of My Fathers portrays the bond between John McCain and his fellow prisoners, particularly with a fellow POW, Mike Christian, played by Scott Glenn. The two men exchange a particularly poignant moment when Mike fashion a makeshift American flag from pieces of cloth and presents it to John as a symbol of their shared patriotism.

The movie also delves into the complex relationship between John McCain and his father. The elder McCain's service in the Navy and his influence on John's life are spotlighted. The two men have a strained relationship during John's captivity, partially due to contrasting personalities and opinions on the war. However, John's father ultimately supports him and helps him adjust to civilian life after his release.

The movie effectively portrays the brutality and hardship of war and the immense suffering of prisoners of war. It also highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by John McCain and his fellow POWs.

The acting performances in Faith of My Fathers are noteworthy. Shawn Hatosy gives a nuanced and authentic portrayal of John McCain, capturing his courage and determination as well as his vulnerabilities. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is impressive as the Vietnamese prison guard, infusing the character with a complexity that goes beyond the stereotype of the cruel enemy. Joe Chrest shines as Admiral Jack McCain, portraying a father devastated by his son's captivity but standing by him unconditionally.

One minor flaw of the film is that it tries to cover too much ground, from John McCain's childhood to his presidential campaign. As a result, some aspects are underdeveloped and feel rushed. Nevertheless, the movie remains a compelling and inspiring tribute to the qualities that John McCain embodies: courage, honor, and unwavering commitment to principles.

In conclusion, Faith of My Fathers is a well-crafted movie that honors the sacrifices and service of John McCain, his fellow POWs, and all the men and women who have served in the military. It is a story of resilience, humanity, and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in American history or military-themed movies.

Faith of My Fathers is a 2005 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.