A Wing and a Prayer (2015) User Reviews

The Film Captures the Adventurous Tone of the Real Story Very Well

[aakashshewakaramani · 9/10 · 30 September 2015]

The filmmaker, Boaz Dvir, has done a great job of bringing out the adventurous tone of the story. All the interviewed people are passionate about the role they played in delivering the weapons and fighter planes. Also the parallax, albeit a bit too fast in motion, really brings to life the still pictures. A big part of this film is still images, and that's fair because the delivery to Israel was not recorded in video, for the major part. Also, Dvir's personal connection to the film (his grandfather), adds another layer of depth to the story. Even though the film is a documentary, it is also the story of a man trying to know more about his roots- where he came from, and I think this personal touch makes this film all the better.

A History of Courage, A Picture Made with Perseverance

[robertgelb · 9/10 · 3 October 2015]

An hour long, this documentary seldom slows down. The research is extremely thorough, and this is evident from the number of participating interviewees, some of whom are thousands of miles apart. Their memories are quite sharp about these events from 60 years ago.

The story of these pilots though, while marginally available, has not received as extensive of a treatment until this documentary. And we are all better for it. It recounts an epitome of sacrifice and courage for what one believes is right, and it is made all the better by the efforts of its director.

I highly recommend the film not only to people invested in Israel but to everyone who is looking to broaden their understanding of historical facts.

Show us the real history

[baidiwang · 8/10 · 28 August 2017]

This is a story full of touching for me while I was watching it. Before I watched the film, I was not so clear about that history of those kind of secret part of the WWII. Via interviews of Scwimmer, I could imagine how hard for them to survival at that time, let alone building their own country. What makes me feel so powerful is some old videos related alternated in the whole film, which brought me to that history frame to see how great Schwimmer and his men had done.

Must-see

[liza-shurik · 10/10 · 17 May 2015]

This movie is an eye-opener for anyone interested in uncovering what happens behind the curtain of major world events. This film showcases the efforts of unsung (until now) heroes whose efforts changed the course of the Middle East (and really, the world) forever. For history- lovers, it is awe-inspiring. For those of us who love and cherish the Land of Israel, it is mandatory watching and a story that should be passed down through the generations. The filmmaker has pulled together and organized a wealth of information and is handing the treasure down to the rest of us in the form of this film. I'm grateful to him and the amazing men in this movie!

AMAZING! A must see

[silverdknight · 10/10 · 29 May 2015]

This is a very interesting documentary that sheds some light onto a topic that is not very well known. This has brought a new understanding to a huge turning point during Post-World War 2. As you watch you will feel the determination, passion, and risk taking that all the people have faced during this time of struggle. This is one movie that will truly hit home with a lot of people.

Boaz Dvir has truly invested a great deal of time and effort in making such an amazing documentary that both captives it's audience and immerse them into the story. This will inspire young people to take chances and risks to better themselves.

Amazing documentary !

[jim-38738 · 10/10 · 27 May 2015]

UNLIKE the fictional, "for profit" version of this story by Nancy Spielberg, called Above and Beyond, THIS documentary is spot on! It includes all the players Jewish and Non, that led to the inception of the Israeli Airforce. Mr Dvir also makes sure to mention the involvement of "Charlie Winters", a non Jew, who spent 18 months in prison, the only contributor who went to jail, who without the use of his B17 bomber aircraft, it has been said, that Israel might not exist today!

"A Wing and a Prayer" also has the only interview of the great Al Schwimmer, the "father of the Israeli Airforce" and the man who organized the whole event. Sadly Al passed away prior to the release of this film. I'm sure he would be very proud of the efforts and accuracy of Mr Dvir's film.

Thank the heavens for film maker Boaz Dvir for preserving and promoting the factual legacies of all the brave persons involved with the creation of the Israeli Air Force and the creation of the State of Israel.

A must see for all Jews, Non Jews, history buffs, or anyone that loves a "Rocky-esqe" movie where the underdog comes out on top!

A Story of Courageous Men

[taliachiariello · 6/10 · 12 January 2018]

A Wing and a Prayer was a documentary that showed the motivation and will of young inexperienced Americans and Jews. Both felt that they needed to do what was right for the people of Israel to help the Israelis protect their state. The film portrayed Al Schwimmer not just as a leader, but as a friend through interviews with those who partook in the mission to help the Israelis. There was also a bit of comic relief through random happenings that the interviewees told about their mission. The movie reminds the audience of the will and drive of young men to follow their hearts at all costs.

Amazing hidden historical treasure about ambitious and heroic pilots who despite the odds worked to help Israel

[scottmarissa · 10/10 · 5 September 2017]

The film beautifully details the heroic lives of a group of pilots who worked tirelessly to help Israel combat the Egyptians. The first hand accounts allow for the true insight into the men and their lives as they ambitiously completed their project. This film takes you through a journey of emotions included sadness, thrill, American pride, and American embarrassment. This hidden historical journey is something that needs to be brought to the limelight to honor these amazing men. This film is a clear and thorough portrayal that will leave you wanting to know more about hidden historical treasures and people who did the write thing no matter the risk and without being honored and thanked.

A great example for many generations

[hinaanoor · 5 February 2017]

The film and its characters show differences of the younger generation from that time and now. Besides the important of the film and the impact of the characters, the film also compares differences of the generations in terms of planning and actions. In the film, we confront men who have the same goal, but are different in many ways. They did not plan or overthink as much as today's generation does. A well-constructed plan might be a good way to approach things, but the characters in the film went after their goals without over- planning and thinking too much. Their actions screamed their values, goals and ambitions. Breaking prisons to help escape the Jewish prisoners is one of the many great examples of their actions. And less planning, less words and more actions did, indeed lead to a Jewish state. At that time, the people involved in this spent more time working together as a team and with passion than planning cautiously and waiting for something to take place. They remained with their goal and completed it by not waiting and making a move. This is an off-guard topic or issue in the film, but it certainly differentiates the generation during Al Schwimmer's time than now. We tend to see differences in terms of planning and major events taking place during that time a lot more often. I think about college students today, who being the same age as those young men at that period time, I think about how much we procrastinate just about homework or the next exam, and we overthink ten times before writing the beginning of an essay.

Seven Stars

[smileae · 7/10 · 2 September 2017]

An interesting take on an otherwise unknown story. While the plot remains interesting throughout the film, there is a lack of modern design throughout the film. With such compelling stories, this director/filmmaker deserves to have a group of creatives who can better guide him through artistic decisions. I look forward to seeing what Boaz Dvir has cooking up next -- he seems to have several projects in the works as of Fall 2017.

The Al Schwimmer Story

[sdavid-41660 · 2/10 · 7 November 2015]

Dramatically titled A Wing and a Prayer to attract at least some audience, this plodding documentary should have more accurately and appropriately been called The Al Schwimmer Story. Aside from perhaps the most annoying background music in documentary film history, the tone for this amateurish production is set near the start when the narrator announces that "Arab leaders had good reason to reject the UN Partition Plan." If you consider waging perpetual war against the Jews to deny them a state of their own within any borders a "good reason," then I suppose that the narrator is correct.

Mr. Dvir earns two stars in my book for at least trying to tell an important story, and for his brief homage to the modern Israeli Air Force. But he laments the loss of the "about 12,000 Arabs" who died in this chapter of their ongoing war of annihilation against the Jews; a war which the Arabs began well before 1948 and which Israel has so far won.

If you want to watch a far more ambitious and inspirational film about the birth of the State of Israel as told by US (and other foreign) volunteers, and Israelis who built the foundation for the Israeli Air Force, then see Above and Beyond, available on Netflix, a documentary infinitely superior in scope, depth and emotional impact to The Al Schwimmer Story.

Awesome

[jendoppelt · 10/10 · 15 February 2016]

This film truly shed light on the experiences of heroes during this time period and their stories. Personally, I was not aware of these occurrences before watching A Wing and a Prayer, and was truly captivated by the magnitude of these people's bravery. Whoever you may be, however old you are, or wherever you come from, this story will be admirable as well as motivating. This time period was a very trying time for many people and I feel as though these people did not receive enough credit for their impact on society until this film shed light on their story in such a captivating way. The first person interviews truly provide insight into the world that these men were living in and the risks that they took to better their lives as well as the succeeding generations.

Absolutely eye-opening movie!!!!!! Phenomenal!!!

[eweinstein-1 · 10/10 · 25 August 2017]

I am an avid Zionist and supporter of everything Israel, always thirsting for greater knowledge and insight to this nation that is a light to all nations!

Having been to Israel dozens of times, and many museums in this tiny country, and having read many books on the history since 1948 of this modern miracle which has 3,000 thousand years of history, this was a story that I never knew!

Filmmaker Boaz Dvir brought a new dimension to my understanding of how the rebirth of Israel was accomplished due to the heroism of common people. The movie was an inspiration, to continue on the path of understanding how as individuals we all have the ability to direct the future of humankind for the goodness of all peoples.

I love documentaries but this was the first time one made me cry

[daveaudy · 10/10 · 24 May 2015]

GREAT NEWS, THE VIDEO IS NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE IN ITS ENTIRETY!! AT:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY4OZRbdoRc

There is an interesting and well meaning documentary, "Above and Beyond" on this same subject that came out slightly before this one and cost about 5 times as much to produce. I saw them both last week. However, in my opinion, "A Wing and a Prayer" is the better film by far.

It has a remarkably poignant and intimate feel to it. And while both films cover much the same ground, this one integrates its interviews with the American Airmen and the amazing feat they pulled off in a much more affecting way.

You can feel the intense pressure and incredible difficulty these men faced as this real life drama unfolds as well as the unspeakable tragedy of a second Holocaust if they failed. The film was both gripping and intensely human in its telling and detail. It made me cry, which was a first for me!!

The only complaint I have about it, is its availability. I could not find it on any of the PBS sites nor on any paid streaming services. I actually had to buy it from WPBT 800-222-9728,(the Miami PBS station that helped sponsor it at APT),in order to see it again. While looking to see it,I found an interesting article about the the film on Penn State's "Daily Collegian" from April 22nd 2015.

I hope the film gets the airing it deserves and I urge anyone interested in the subject to look for it! You will not be disappointed!

Untold History!

[jshfortune · 10/10 · 12 October 2015]

This film is a much needed history lesson for all ages. Answers questions and fills gaps from basic post World War 2 period, also tells a story of civil sacrifice. Nazi melted metal turned arms becomes the savior of Palestinian Jews, to top the icing with a cherry it was TWA American pilots that brought them to Palestinian soil. This part of history is told from the "Robin Hood"-like perspective of Americans who could not sit and watch something so unjust occur, audience of Jewish background will appreciate this film. Americans attention and curiosity will be grabbed within the first few minutes, military service men will be honored to hear such a event while any scholar in academia will inquire more from such an untold topic. In the end 6,000 Jews, 12,000 Arabs and 8 of Al's men were needed to prove that this land and people were worth fighting for.

A Wing and A Prayer Is A Must See Film

[lionhearttalentmanager · 10/10 · 11 June 2015]

I viewed the film at the Jewish Historical Society theater in May- it was sold out. I had heard good things about the film and its director Boaz Dvir. From the first moment of the film to the end my date and I thoroughly enjoyed a truly entertaining, inspiring, and moving film. This is a most remarkable story of an improbable group of World War II veterans who risked their lives and American citizenship's to give the newborn state of Israel a chance to survive. Al Schwimmer? He is part Indiana Jones, Donald Trump, & Howard Hughes. He and his "crew" mastermind a plan to arm the Palestinian Jews with millions of dollars worth of World War II surplus rifles, machine guns, bullets and planes into ill-equipped Israel just as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War broke out. Schwimmer's group – made up of Jews and non-Jews – eluded the FBI, outsmarted the U.S. State Department and created fictitious airlines to help the Israeli army ward off attacks from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Egypt. I am so glad to have seen this wonderful film. The added bonus was the question and answer session after the film and then the reception the Jewish Historical Society had for us- The Chocolate Babka was to die for. Great Night Out. Bravo.

A documentary with clear purposes

[j-98172 · 10/10 · 8 July 2015]

A wing and a prayer is intended to tell an untold story from a third person perspective. The title and the concept itself draw its audience to explore the stories. A wing and a prayer did a brilliant job telling the stories in a factual manner and help the audience understand the social and political situation they are in postww2 period. However, I would hope there are more of how the avatars came together emotionally and how they are as a person. I gained knowledge after watching this documentary and I like how they knew they would never be recorded by history, but they did it anyway. Risking everything they had. They changed the course of history just like that.

Really learned a lot

[kathanne1 · 10/10 · 26 July 2015]

The film brings alive - and in full color - something very few people know anything about. This film is extremely clear, even surprisingly funny at times. The depth of the interviews, especially given how delicate the subject matter is, is incredible. I loved hearing what motivated the men to get in planes and fly across the world to fight, especially in the wake of a world war. I also enjoyed the way the history was presented. It was enough to set the stage without bogging down the plot. The director included so much archival footage that the whole historical scene really became clear. You don't have to know anything about Israeli history to follow the story and learn from it. And, everything was presented in a way that feels relevant to today. I didn't feel far removed from the story as I had when I first learned about the historic events that made it - in fact, by the time credits rolled, I felt like I knew the men on some timeless frequency. The way the story was told manages to transcend politics and focus on the human spirit. It's not just an American story or an Israeli story; it's a human story. I enjoyed every minute.

Enlightening and fascinating

[gjadesh · 8/10 · 2 July 2018]

The topic of Israel is a complex one and has been since its inception. However, while the American attitude towards Israel is friendly with the current administration, it was not so amiable at Israel's inception, which this documentary makes clear. The story of Al Schwimmer is not well-known in the American history books, yet it's such an influential one. This documentary sheds light on the story and really paints the picture of what that time was like.

A Must-See

[niakai · 10/10 · 23 May 2018]

What an incredible legacy Al Schwimmer has left behind.This film is suspenseful, historical, informative, sad with its lighthearted moments, but overall this film is extremely humbling.

We hear stories all the time about the holocaust, and the Nazis and Jews, but I think since it happened so many years ago our generation has become so desensitized to what happened back then and the lives that were and still are affected. This film is a great reassurance and a learning lesson of the veterans and people that experienced the war first hand.

inspiring and incredible

[bLLUi15 · 10/10 · 17 June 2018]

This true story is one you've probably never heard before even though it changed to course of history. If you like history and covert illegal operations this is a great watch. I don't want to give too many details away but this film is the first hand accounts from the small group of men who carried out missions that gave Israel a fighting chance in the 1948 Arab-Israel War. It's really interesting to come across a story that had so much influence on the outcome of major wars and global events but remained nearly secret for so long. These men risked their lives to carry these missions out and it's very cool to see them tell their story.

A little known complex story that has been executed graciously.

[adhyaksh98 · 8/10 · 18 March 2017]

Real Complex story of struggle, obstacle and a team working together to get through it. This sis incredibly motivational and a story that hasn't been covered too often by many people around the globe. This is a one of a kind story that marks a time in history when something impossible was done in spite of tremendously unnerving odds.

Very informative

[robbiewd · 10/10 · 21 May 2018]

Found this documentary very informative, I had never heard of this man and these missions ever in my life. I think it was very insightful and I loved seeing a different side of the war. Stories like this often get lost behind the major storylines, and I am glad that this one was able to break through and get out there. I highly recommend watching this film!!!

A true story that is unbelievable

[whiteuncle · 8/10 · 28 August 2017]

It's the first time for me to watch such kind of movie that shows something I nerve know or never think about. With the film moving on, I feel more and more engaged in that history, and I did respect those people in the interviews of the film so much. They were the true heroes of that time, and there are no reasons that this story should be forgotten by history, and there are also millions of reasons that we should remember and learn from it. By the way, the film is good for telling the story via showing maps, pictures, and videos of that history.

Unbelievable that this story was left untold until now - INCREDIBLE film!!

[cherishfong · 23 May 2018]

This remarkable story of a team of courageous men has the ability to captivate many. Not only was this documentary moving and inspirational, but the intensity of the story will have you at the edge of your seat.

As I sat and watched each detail of this operation and the obstacles that these men endured, I found it absolutely unbelievable that this story was essentially hidden from all of history before this film.

How could a story like this be forgotten? The sacrifices these men made in order to prevent another horrific genocide and fight for the survival of the Jewish state makes them absolute heroes.

This film is so powerful and emotional and does a fantastic job of telling the tale that somehow flew under the radar. I would recommend this film to everyone, because these men's story need to be heard.