Clint Eastwood celebrates a modern hero in 'Sully'

In his 35th film as a director, Clint Eastwood tells the story of American pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger, known as Sully, who landed a full passenger plane on the Hudson River in 2009. Tom Hanks takes the lead in this true story.

Pictures of the spectular emergency water landing of the US Airways jet went around the world. It was a miracle that none of the 155 people on board were injured in the maneuver.

Chesley B. Sullenberger was a very experienced pilot when he had to land in the Hudson River in 2009. Clint Eastwood was inspired by the story of an expert who was just doing his job as best as he could in the heat of the moment. With years of experience under his own belt, Eastwood is known as a disciplined and professional actor and director.

The aircraft struck a flock of geese on its initial ascent out of LaGuardia Airport and became disabled, forcing Sullenberger to land in a skilled but unusual maneuver. Eastwood turned the situation into a catastrophe film.

Eastwood didn't only concentrate on the short flight and emergency landing. He also portrayed the events that followed. Sullenberger and his co-pilot Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart) were initially celebrated as national heroes. But when the authorities investigated the incident, they also received criticism. Both pilots felt like they've been treated unfairly.

During the investigation, Sullenberger and his co-pilot addressed challenges in the aviation industry. Competition had been tightening and airlines were forced to cut costs. These developments meant safety measures were suffering, they said. "Sully" is not just entertaining, but also broaches an issue that is still current.