Top Gun

Top Gun

1986

Director: Tony Scott

Writers: Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr., and Ehud Yonay

Maverick (Tom Cruise) came into our lives as a hotshot pilot and stole our hearts as a great wingman.

But mind you none, Maverick was a reckless individual. He took unneeded, unauthorized chances with himself, his plane, and his crew. He illegally buzzed the tower. He dropped below the hard-deck. And he even made decisions that lead to his co-pilot, Goose (Anthony Edwards), death.

Maverick was irresponsible.

He was chasing the memory of his heroic father. And with his death, Maverick felt uneasy about his place in the world, so he took life to the edge. And Iceman said it best, "Every time you go up into the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous."

So, why do we root for him?

Because he is a hero. In the opening scene, Maverick, Goose, Cougar (John Stockwell), and Merlin (Tim Robbins) are approached by Russian MIG-28’s. They are forced to deal with the situation and as Maverick had no troubles with his MIG, Cougar freezes up.

Enter Maverick's heroics.

Cougar had his own things going on. He has a wife and a child. He was scared. He was a pilot filled with fear about his place in the Navy. And that fear took over. Once Maverick chases off Cougar's MIG by “giving him the bird,” Cougar shuts down. He can’t fly anymore, doesn’t have enough gas to figure it out, and now can’t land his plane.

Trouble sets in.

Merlin pleads with Cougar over the radio, while Maverick and Goose listen on the wire. Maverick knows what happened. He knows the fear. And instead of landing, Maverick doesn't land, disobeys a direct order, and goes after Cougar.

In the scene above, Maverick guides Cougar onto the aircraft carrier. Maverick talks him through it. He's right there for his fellow pilot and friend. And he saves Cougar's life.

After Cougar lands safely, he turns in his wings. With that choice, Maverick and Goose are invited to the Top Gun School.

But this scene above is crucial. It shows Maverick has integrity; he does the right thing beyond the rules and regulations of the United States Navy. He has a likeably nature, a heroic wit to his character. And even though he make poor choices the rest of the film, we know he saved the life of fellow pilot trying to get home to his family.

Maverick is a hero.

This film launched a plethora of Maverick and Goose costumes for Halloween, inspired many children to become Navel Aviators, and boosted Tom Cruise to international super star.

It’s because Americans love heroes. We love when people go against the rules for the sake of another man’s life. And we love the bond between United States Military personnel and their belief about how important the man fighting beside you truly is.

Maverick showed us that. Top Gun showed us that. And that’s why we love it.