Sully Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pilot lands a plane on a river, then gets questioned about it by nerds with computers, and everyone learns a valuable lesson about feelings.

🍿 Sully: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Miracle on the Hudson

On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, experiences a dual engine failure shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport due to a bird strike. Faced with an imminent crash, Sully makes the courageous decision to land the plane in the Hudson River.

The NTSB Investigation

Despite the successful water landing and the survival of all 155 passengers and crew, Sully finds himself under intense scrutiny by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The investigation casts doubt on his decision, suggesting that computer simulations indicated a possible return to LaGuardia or Teterboro Airport.

Sully’s Doubts and Reflections

Haunted by nightmares and wrestling with self-doubt, Sully grapples with the possibility that he made the wrong choice. He reflects on his decades of experience as a pilot, questioning whether his judgment in those crucial 208 seconds was accurate and justified. His conversations with his wife, Lorrie, reveal the strain the investigation puts on their family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger (Tom Hanks): The experienced pilot who safely lands a damaged plane on the Hudson River, saving all 155 passengers and crew, but faces scrutiny over his decision.
• Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart): Sully’s co-pilot who staunchly supports his captain’s decision during and after the emergency landing.
• Lorrie Sullenberger (Laura Linney): Sully’s wife who provides emotional support while he faces intense investigation.
• Charles Porter (Mike O’Malley): The lead investigator for the NTSB, tasked with determining if Sully made the correct decision, creating conflict.
• Elizabeth Davis (Anna Gunn): An NTSB investigator assisting Porter, initially skeptical of Sully’s choices.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: “Everything is unprecedented until it happens for the first time.” – Sully says this to his wife, encapsulating the unprecedented nature of his successful water landing.
• Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: “I did the best I could.” – Sully says to his wife, showing his doubt and the emotional toll of the incident and subsequent investigation.
• Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: “Forty years of experience in the air. But in the end, I’m gonna be judged on 208 seconds.” – Sully expresses his frustration with the investigation focusing on the short duration of the emergency.
• Jeff Skiles: “Well, the good news is, we’re alive.” – Jeff’s optimism after barely surviving the crash.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $125,070,033
• Worldwide Gross: $243,870,033

💥 Sully Reviews

Personal Review

I remember when the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ happened, and watching Sully really brought it all back. Seeing Tom Hanks embody Sully’s calm demeanor under immense pressure was captivating. I was on the edge of my seat during the landing scene, even though I knew the outcome. The way the film explored the doubts and the investigation made me appreciate the human element in such critical situations. It’s a really powerful and moving film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tom Hanks”
  • “Those interested in aviation stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate heroic tales”
  • “Individuals who enjoy true-life dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depiction of a plane crash”
  • “Some thematic elements may be intense for younger viewers”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Clint Eastwood delivers a gripping, understated drama centered around a real-life event, showcasing Tom Hanks’ compelling portrayal of Sully and emphasizing human judgment over computer simulations. The film’s authentic depiction of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ makes for a captivating cinematic experience.
• Rolling Stone: “Sully offers a respectful, grounded retelling of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson,’ with Tom Hanks delivering a measured performance. While the film’s focus on the NTSB investigation occasionally slows the pace, it effectively highlights the scrutiny faced by Sully despite his heroic actions.
• Chicago Tribune: “Clint Eastwood’s Sully is a compelling narrative that balances the thrilling water landing with the intense aftermath of the investigation. Tom Hanks brings a quiet strength to his role as Sully, portraying a pilot who trusts his instincts while battling doubt and the cold logic of technology.

Audience Reactions

The realistic depiction of the plane crash and rescue scenes was incredibly intense and moving.: Viewers praised Tom Hanks’ performance and the film’s respect for the real-life heroes involved.

Many viewers were impressed by how the movie highlighted the human element in crisis situations and questioned the reliance on computer simulations.: Audiences appreciated the film’s focus on the emotional and psychological impact on Sully following the event.

Overall Consensus: Sully is a well-made, respectful dramatization of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson,’ praised for its realistic portrayal of the event, Tom Hanks’ performance, and its exploration of human judgment versus technology.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ferry Captain Vincent Lombardi, who was the Captain of the first ferry to reach the airplane, played himself in this film.”
• “Clint Eastwood composed the film’s theme music. He collaborated with Tierney Sutton and J.B. Eckl on ‘Flying Home’, the theme from ‘Sully’.”
• “The film incorporates actual audio recordings from the air traffic control during the emergency, adding to the realism and authenticity of the portrayal.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sully?

Sully is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings or streaming service for rental or purchase options. Keep an eye out for special features and behind-the-scenes content that add to the viewing experience.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sully, you might like these similar films:

• Apollo 13 (1995): Shares the theme of skilled professionals facing a life-threatening technical crisis, and the intense scrutiny that follows.
• Flight (2012): Deals with an airline pilot’s heroic actions during a plane malfunction and the subsequent investigation into his conduct.
• Captain Phillips (2013): Another Tom Hanks film based on a true story of a captain facing a crisis and having to make tough decisions under immense pressure.
• Argo (2012): Based on a real-life covert operation to rescue six U.S. diplomats from Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis, highlighting human ingenuity and courage under pressure.

🛒 Sully Related Products

• Sully: My Search for What Really Matters: The official autobiography by Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, offering deeper insights into his life, career, and the events surrounding the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’. It is a compelling read that provides a personal account of his experiences.
• Airbus A320 Model Airplane: A detailed, high-quality die-cast model of the Airbus A320, the same aircraft that Sully landed on the Hudson River. Great for aviation enthusiasts and collectors.
• Hudson River Miracle T-Shirt: A commemorative t-shirt celebrating the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ featuring a stylized graphic of the plane landing on the river. Made from comfortable, high-quality fabric.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator: Experience the challenge of piloting an Airbus A320 with the Microsoft Flight Simulator, fly through New York, and try replicating Sully’s landing! Provides realistic flight simulations for aviation enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Sully features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Flying Home (Theme from ‘Sully’)” – performed by The Tierney Sutton Band

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How All Passengers Survived the Miracle on the Hudson

Delve into the real-life story behind ‘Sully’ and learn how the skillful actions of Captain Sullenberger and his crew saved 155 lives.

Sully Sullenberger Surprises Tom Hanks

Witness the delightful moment when Captain Sully himself meets the actor who brought his story to the big screen.

Captain Sully’s Minute-by-Minute Description of The Miracle On The Hudson

Hear directly from Captain Sully as he describes the harrowing moments and his expert decision-making that saved lives.

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