Over the years, bit by bit, lesser-known heroic stories of the brave men and women that fought in battle during World War II have come to light via cinema. The latest in a line of intriguing films, Hurricane, tells the story of the Polish fliers who found themselves fighting for the freedom of their own country in foreign skies for Britain’s own RAF.
Coming from The Messenger director David Blair – and also marks the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force – the film stars Game of Thrones’ Iwan Rhoen, Hacksaw Ridge’s Milo Gibson, Prime Suspect 1973’s Stefanie Martini and Under the Skin’s Krystof Hadek.
Seen through the eyes of Jan Zumbach (Rheon), fighter ace and adventurer, it tells how the Poles, driven across Europe by the German war machine, finally made their last stand. Flying Hurricanes for the RAF over Britain, they became a key component in the legend of ‘The Few’. Up against the might of the Luftwaffe, they hoped that, by saving Great Britain from Nazi invasion, they were keeping the dream of a free Poland alive.
In the lethal melee above England in that summer of 1940, they fought with a tenacity and skill that earned them the admiration of the whole British nation. The dogfights against superior planes cost some of the men their lives. The constant strain of gladiatorial combat took away the sanity of others. But, as Zumbach discovers as the war stutters to a close, becoming the best in the RAF is a hollow victory for the Poles.
Zehra Phelan sat down with the Director, David Blair as well as cast members Milo Gibson, Stefanie Martini and Krystof Hadek in the wondrous setting of the RAF museum to chat about the film.
Hurricane Cast Interviews
Released in cinemas and on digital platforms on 7 September 2018
