The film was directed by Anthony Maras, who also co-wrote
the script with David Haig. It was adapted from Haig’s stage play that
premiered in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2014, later moving to London’s West End. The
movie stars Andrew Scott as James Stagg and Brendan Fraser as Dwight D.
Eisenhower.
Stagg was a real-life person who was from Scotland and
worked his way through school and work, eventually becoming a meteorologist
after a teaching career. During his time as a meteorologist, he was responsible
for forecasting the weather to decide on the date for D-Day.
The film was an inspirational movie. Stagg had to deal with his
knowledge being doubted by another meteorologist that Eisenhower was also
working with. Despite the pushback he received, he stayed firm in what he knew to
be true, and it proved to be correct. Seeing someone Scottish, or even Celtic,
win on such an important and historic scale is inspiring.
Aside from the obvious inspiration mentioned above, this win
is crucial for those with Celtic heritage. A common experience for those who
consider themselves to be Celtic, whether by living in a Celtic nation or by
ancestry, is dealing with adversity, struggle, and even oppression. The pushback
that Stagg received echoes this experience, but the way he stood firm in what
he knew, and the fact that he was correct, is inspirational for those dealing
with hardship.
The movie has some violent parts, specifically showing
Exercise Tiger and D-Day, so those who may be sensitive to watching war battles
should proceed with caution. However, these scenes are handled respectfully. There
is also a storyline where Stagg’s wife is in a maternity hospital that gets
bombed. The bombing itself is not shown, but it is mentioned.
The timing of the movie’s release, falling between Memorial
Day and D-Day, could not have been more perfect. Before the film, Fraser talked
about the timing being after Memorial Day and how this story being told is
essential. He reminded audiences that it is important to remember those lost in
battle, those who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms, and the
families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Overall, this movie is inspirational. It highlights Group
Captain Stagg, who many may not have known about if not for the movie. His perseverance,
even when his skills and knowledge are doubted, is an incredible thing to
witness, especially for those with Celtic heritage who may have faced a similar
pushback. The movie is a reminder to learn as many stories of the heroes who
fought and sacrificed so much for freedom as possible. It was an honor to learn
about Stagg, and viewers will want to learn even more about his story.