Steal the Sky (1988)

An Israeli agent entices an Iraqi jet pilot to defect with his MIG fighter.

Director:

John D. Hancock

Writers:

Christopher Wood, Dorothy Tristan

Stars:

Mariel Hemingway, Ben Cross, Sasson Gabai

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mariel Hemingway	...	Helen Mason
Ben Cross	...	Munir Redfa
Sasson Gabai	...	Kamel Djern
Nicolas Surovy	...	David Mason
Ronald Guttman	...	Mohammed Khader
Mark Rolston	...	Colonel Bukharine
Sam Gray	...	General Curt
Andreas Katsulas	...	Colonel Gemayel
Etti Ankri	...	Fara
Michael Shillo	...	General Tal
Tamara Triffez	...	Chantal
Yosef Shiloach	...	Aziz (as Yossi Shiloa)
Reuven Bar-Yotam	...	Dr. Taupe
Faim Saadi	...	Amwar
Maria Cavaiani	...	Nadi

Storyline

An Israeli agent entices an Iraqi jet pilot to defect with his MIG fighter.

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Plot Keywords:

seduction | mossad | israel | iraq | fighter pilot | 

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Genres:

Action | Romance | War

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the first production entry under the HBO-Paramount co-financing agreement launched in 1987.

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Goofs

Munir Redfa's defection did not involve a dogfight - also, he actually defected with a MiG-21, not a MiG-15. The fighters that escorted his MiG were Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars - in real life, he was escorted by two IAF Dassault Mirage IIIs.

User Reviews

An exciting movie

Okay, historical accuracy is only approximate... Mig 15, Mig 17, Mig 21 well, whatever it was, I'm sure it's not important to get this spot on. What I think is important, the big picture, the story as a whole, the drama, the excitement... that really comes through. The tension builds up, and the timing all adds to a tense climax.

I do love this film ; the actors are great and the sense of speed and awesome shots of low level flying (I don't think this is enough to qualify as a spoiler) are thrilling. This is my favourite film about warplanes / fighters... and is much better than Top Gun in my opinion. In fact, writing this I've just got myself all excited about it ... and you know what... maybe I'll go upstairs and watch it one more time!! Do not miss it just because one reviewer says the facts are off (because they are... it's just based on a true story).

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 August 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Complotto in cielo

Filming Locations:

Reno, Nevada, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Pictures, Home Box Office (HBO), Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1