"Air" like other remarkable Russian war films, is brutally frank. It tells you that war is not pretty, it is not forgiving and above all, for many combatants, there are no happy endings. Indeed, even those who do survive, face the trauma of rememberance of those who are lost,leaving emotional pain, that can last generations. This is the story of a young female Russian pilot. Antithetically she must embrace her humanity, connecting with those around her, whilst, in turn, denying it, by cooly taking the lives, of enemy pilots. Everything about this film speaks of excellence. Its a capably crafted, with strong performances from the cast. Its also, at times, a traumatic, deeply sad, even draining watch, as any honest war film, should be. In summary, "Air" strips away any pretense and romance, surrounding aerial warfare. It is, in short, a frank essay, on the real, unforgiving, face of war. A must watch.