You have used all your credits for this month. Please add more credits to continue.

by

There’s no doubt that the classic film, Top Gun, is one of the most iconic movies from the 1980s. It revolutionized action cinema, a feat that would become synonymous with Tom Cruise‘s acting career. Much like many of his films, Top Gun features genuine stunts performed by the actors and is renowned for its authentic depiction of air combat. The film’s commitment to realism was reinforced through the use of actual naval aircraft and by consulting naval officers during the scriptwriting phase, thus ensuring that it met the high standards of realism it aimed to establish for future action films.

36 years after the original “Top Gun”, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick”. This action-packed movie holds its own against the original, and in some ways, even surpasses it. The high-quality action sequences and commitment to realism set a new standard for franchises like “Fast & Furious”. Plus, the chemistry between Val Kilmer’s Iceman and Tom Cruise’s Maverick is fantastic, with both characters delivering memorable lines. However, a seemingly insignificant remark from an unexpected character stands out as one of the movie’s most impressive details in terms of attention to detail.

Where Top Gun’s “There Are No Points For Second Place” Line Actually Comes From

It is A Reference To Naval Training

The movie Top Gun follows the experiences of trainees at the U.S. Navy’s premier aviation program, as they strive to become the best. One of the initial scenes in the film is where the new students receive an overview of the program. Commander Viper, played by Tom Skerritt, welcomes the new students to TOPGUN and outlines the rules before concluding with a motivational statement that emphasizes the importance of winning. He states, “Fellows, this school revolves around combat. There’s no reward for coming in second.

As there are no rewards for coming in second in air combat, the F-14 is intentionally designed to be a versatile mix of hardware and performance that can outsmart any scenario an enemy could create, now or in the near future, according to Commander Tom Cassidy in 1974.

In a subtle nod to the past, this seemingly ordinary line is in fact a reference to the 1974 instructional video titled “Role of Fighter Aircraft 1974 Grumman F-14 Tomcat” produced by the U.S. Navy. The video concludes with a highlight of the F-14 Tomcat’s exceptional design for aerial combat, and this conclusion is preceded by the statement, “there are no points for second place.” This may not be familiar to casual fans of Top Gun, but for naval officers and trainees, it serves as an intelligent Easter egg.

The Top Gun Movies’ Attention To Detail Is What Makes Them Great

There Are Many References To Real Naval Practices

The films “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick” are action movies that impressively surpass all assumptions due to their commitment to realism. These movies were developed in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, and numerous scenes were filmed on-site at a naval aircraft base. The majority of the stunts, executed by the actors themselves, involve genuine military fighter planes, offering audiences a unique perspective into the workings and infrastructure of the U.S. Navy.

In the creation of these movies, there’s clear attention given to replicating the U.S. Navy’s aviation methods as verified by individuals who have graduated from the authentic TOPGUN program. For example, it has been suggested that various aerial maneuvers portrayed in Top Gun: Maverick closely align with the instruction provided at the Navy’s TOPGUN. While the narrative itself may not reflect actual events, the more technical aspects of the film are remarkably consistent with real-world practices.

Through meticulous attention to detail, these movies seem incredibly realistic, with their fictional worlds and storylines exuding a sense of truthfulness and heartfelt sincerity. While many viewers may not have the opportunity to tour a naval base or join the U.S. Navy, these films offer an exhilarating insight into its operations. They are particularly noted for their commitment to accuracy, both in the depiction of the officers’ roles and the naval hierarchy, as well as the intricate planning of the aerial stunts. This dedication to authenticity sets them apart from other action films, especially those that primarily focus on military divisions.

Read More

2025-05-29 23:18