In real life, Robert Oppenheimer was the scientific head of the Manhattan Project, the secret wartime project in New Mexico where the first atomic bombs were designed and built. Top Gun takes a look at the danger and excitement that awaits every pilot at the Navy's prestigious fighter weapons school.Tom Cruise is superb as Maverick Mitchell, a daring young flyer who's out to become the best. And Kelly McGillis sizzles as the civilian instructor who teaches Maverick a few things you can't learn in a classroom.