Animation: 5/5
Writing: 3/5
Historical accuracy: 2/5
I have mixed feelings about this animation. I definitely like the way the aircraft move in the animation, they clearly used some simulator to coreograph the thing instead of just trying to move the models through imaginary air in a 3D program like the Dogfights series does (which, predictably, results in completely implausible aircraft movements).
On the other hand I didn't really like the time lapse sequences, which made it look like the aircraft kept fighting in badly damaged state, with very low fuel and ammo, for what seemed like several hours, doing a lot of vertical maneuvering, when they look like they could barely fly straight and maintain altitude.
Then there is the matter of really weird aircraft match-up and incorrect 3D models, as well as the location.
The match-up is a Bf 109 C-3 or D-3, against a somewhat dubious Spitfire which seems to have the basic features of an early Mk.IX: Two underwing radiators and rounded vertical stabilizer, which would mean it's a Mk.IX converted from a Mk.V, Mk.II or even Mk.I - however it seems to have 4x20mm Hispano cannons installed which is definitely non-standard for a Mk.IX (although possible if it's an experimental testbed variant).
Additionally the placement of the Spitfire's cannons is incorrect as they are too far outboard.
But whatever variant of Spitfire it is, it would hopelessly outclass the Bf 109 C/D-3 it's supposedly fighting against on even standing. It could make sense if the planes ended up somehow meeting with Spitfire already having some serious damage, but the match-up is still very, very unlikely to ever have happened.
Then there's the matter of the environment to consider - the planes seem to be fighting on a mountainous area with some open water lake or river. This would basically mean the video takes place after the invasion of Normandy, when the RAF had established operations on continental Europe and the flight range of the Spitfire could have taken it somewhere over the proper mountain ranges of Europe. Alps, Apennines or Pyrenees would fit the bill, I suppose. But the timeframe of winter 1944-1945 makes the presence of a Bf 109 C-3/D-3 even more ludicrous.
Finally, the premise of fighter pilots being piloted by zombie demon monsters seems unlikely. I know the Nazis had interest in occult, but I don't believe either side actually operated fighter squadrons manned by the undead.
Joking aside, my interpretation of the video is that it could be a nightmare of a veteran fighter pilot - on either side of the conflict. Or it could be just the regular symbolic for how awful war is. But overanalyzing aside - I liked the film, even with its flaws, mostly because of the coreography and animation of movement.
I just think it should be mandatory for any warplane film maker to consult some warplane nerds to check if their writing makes sense in historical context.
Author
Topic: Path's of Hate - Animation (Read 5049 times)
