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Aces High

Aces High

Action · Drama · War · 1976

The first World War is in its third year and aerial combat above the Western Front is consuming the nation's favored children at an appalling rate. By early 1917, the average life-span of a British pilot is less than a fortnight. Such losses place a fearsome strain on Gresham, commanding officer of the squadron. Aces High recreates the early days of the Royal Flying Corps with some magnificently staged aerial battles, and sensitive direction presents a moving portrayal of the futilities of war.

Movie details

Aces High

“High above the trenches 14 days is a long life...This is the 15th day!”

1976 Action · Drama · War 1h 54m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

5.9 / 10

Community rating

The first World War is in its third year and aerial combat above the Western Front is consuming the nation's favored children at an appalling rate. By early 1917, the average life-span of a British pilot is less than a fortnight. Such losses place a fearsome strain on Gresham, commanding officer of the squadron. Aces High recreates the early days of the Royal Flying Corps with some magnificently staged aerial battles, and sensitive direction presents a moving portrayal of the futilities of war.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Aces High?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Jack Gold

Written by

Howard Barker

Malcolm McDowell

Malcolm McDowell

Maj. John Gresham

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer

Capt. 'Uncle' Sinclair

Simon Ward

Simon Ward

Lt. Crawford

Peter Firth

Peter Firth

Lt. Stephen Croft

David Wood

David Wood

Lt. 'Tommy' Thompson

John Gielgud

John Gielgud

Headmaster

Trevor Howard

Trevor Howard

Lieutenant Colonel Silkin

Court is in session

Put Aces High on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Sentimental Softie

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Cool Ironist

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.