Black Hawk Down [Blu-ray] Reviews

• Thank You To A New Greatest Of Generation Group

  
  By A37F1G84K35FCZ on 2002-01-20
  The man-made famine in Somalia and the steps nations took or did not take regarding the Genocide, is an incredibly complex issue. No single film could pretend to tell the entire story, and no matter how the tragedy was portrayed, various parties would not agree. The Director of, "Blackhawk Down" Ridley Scott, has been very clear that this movie is about a single mission, the men involved, and what they did. This cinematic presentation is also notable for how it matched the book. I cannot remember a book transferred to the screen more faithfully.

  The professional reviews I read prior to the film had many comments in common and so many of which are false, they are worth noting here. This movie does have the graphic depiction of death and suffering that took place. It is never gratuitous as it portrays what took place. A series of scenes involving the treatment of a wounded Ranger, while graphic, is accurate. If critics have a problem with this they need to read some history. This movie is not, as has been written, comparable to the Normandy Invasion as portrayed in, "Saving Private Ryan". The fighting is sustained for a greater part of the film in, "Blackhawk Down", however 19 Americans died. Many times that number was horribly killed and maimed within the first minute of fighting in, "Saving Private Ryan". The latter film tells a story that evolved over days, this film is about an 18-hour event.

  One of the most disturbing parts of the movie is the beginning, and again, contrary to what has been written, you will not even see a gun. A person is wrapping a famine victim in a death shroud, and while this plays out, graphics share many facts about events that lead the US to intervene. If the opening does not demonstrate why the victims of a man every bit as evil as Hitler or Stalin needed to be helped, I don't know what visuals would. As the movie progresses it will also become crystal clear why the US has to be involved in any major international effort, and even more clearly, why, on the battlefield we should have nothing to do with United Nations politics. And the lesson that Washington should not be deciding what troops do and do not need on a mission, is again proven the folly that President Johnson is famous for. There is no way to replay the events, but if the general in command had the permission for the air-cover and other forces he wanted, there likely would have been far fewer deaths of Americans, and of Somalians.

  The movie is about the men who went on the primary mission, those that joined to help their fellow soldiers, and those that asked to be placed in the middle of the fighting to attempt a rescue that was unlikely to spare their lives. The constant mortal risk, or at times what appears a mortal certainty, never gives these men pause when one of their own is in need of help. These men were not from the same branches of the service, they were not all long-term friends. Men who knew nothing about one another risked and gave their lives so that another of their number could live. Two of these men received The Congressional Medal Of Honor. They were never to have the honor placed upon them, for they both died saving another's life.

  Praising this movie does not make a political statement, it does not mean the viewer gains some vicarious thrill from violence. For voyeurs there is the fiction of the Rambo films. Praising this film is paying tribute to what the film is about. It is about having men who are willing to serve this country, i.e. you and I, and to do so in a manner that focuses on the respect and admiration we owe them every moment they are doing their job.

  These men do not decide where they will fight or why. This film does not spend time on the stupidity of governments and their leaders who play politics, and consult polls instead of making decisions. What this film does present is the total commitment, the selfless sacrifice, and the supreme competence of the fighting men who serve this nation. This film has a focus, and what it focuses on may be hard to watch and easier to criticize. However, the truth is none of us has seen enough of the horror that is war, and so we continually send men and women to die for questionable reasons. Why should American soldiers die when the mission is catalyzed by man-made famine? If the answer is that as a nation we have both the ability to help and the willingness to support the effort, that effort must have as its primary goal the provision of support to the men and women that volunteered to serve this nation. We do not send them to a situation where an incompetent military organization in the form of UN Peacekeepers plays any role in our troops safety. We do not demand that bullets fly at them before they can fire their own weapon, we do not require they watch as Somali, "Technicals", butcher people at food stations.

  It is true that the film spares viewers the scenes of our dead being dragged through the streets. It does not omit the event, it makes a visual note that is all the reminder anyone needs. This is another fact the critics miss.

  Don't like watching what it means when a primary rule is, "that no one is left behind"? Stay home, don't see the film. If you want to see the best of human nature in the most inhuman situations, then go and pay tribute to those who fought in Somalia, and for those who have fought throughout this Nation's History.
  
  

• "No one gets left behind..."

  
  By A2B7BUH8834Y6M on 2002-01-19
  This is a phenominal film. I'm sad to say that I was fairly oblivious to the conflict in Somalia... I was working 3rd shift and sleeping during the day in 1993 when this incedent took place. This film could not have been more timely in its release... when long dormant patriotism has been brought to the forefront of every American's thoughts.

  Now that we've been attacked on our own soil, conflicts overseas seem that much more real to us.

  In 1993, the Islamic leader and warlord of Somalia, Muhammad Farrah Aidid, led with fear and tyranny. His henchmen were equipped with what appeared to be limitless weapons -- large machine guns, shoulder rockets, pistols, and many automatic and semi-automatic weapons. They enlist even the youngest and most innocent of their populace to help them spy and keep in constant contact via cell phone. Aidid stopped international aid from reaching his own people, killing 300,000 by starvation and the onslaught of civil war.

  Washington sent in their military forces to remove Aidid from power and to prevent the Somali people from having to endure more suffering under Aidid's iron grasp. Sadly, Washington didn't want to "look too dramatic" and denied military requests for C130 gun ships and other heavy artillery that certainly would have made a big difference on the outcome of this event.

  Army Rangers, pilots, medics, the famous Delta Force, the pride of America was there, fighting for the freedom of a people they did not know.

  This film is the realistic portrayal of the events that led to the deaths of 19 U.S. servicemen... but it's not just a shoot 'em up movie. You feel like you're there, with them. What should have been a mission that was to last only 30 minutes, lasted longer than anyone imagined when a single Somali soldier downs a Black Hawk rotor with a shoulder-launched rocket... and the Ranger motto, "no one gets left behind," is tested to the limits.

  There are some humorous moments to break the tension, but the majority of the film is a stressful experience where you are literally at the edge of your seat to see what happens next.

  The 19 servicemen that are killed range the gamut from 18 year old enlistees to First Sergeants with years of service... and none of them dies in a pretty way. If you are made queasy by blood, beware... this is a bloody film... and there are a number of scenes that will make you gasp in horror. Some of these guys were hit by rockets... burned and blown apart... it's just awful, but sadly... it's reality. We usually just hear some sterile figures on CNN how a particular number of soldiers were shot, stepped on land mines, etc... but we don't see what really happened and that's when we become very detached from reality and end up sympathizing with the people (often our enemies) we see in easier-to-stomach scenes of children living in squalor as a result of conflict, maligning Americans against their own military. Please note the rating of this film and consider it thoughtfully before considering bringing a child. The gore is horrific and the scenes are really too intense for young ones.

  For those who like shoot-em-ups and explosions, you won't be disappointed. The special effects are fantastic... there are a few scenes in the movie in which you feel like ducking as it appears a missile is ready to whiz right over your shoulder. The sound is fantastic... you can hear and feel the bullets whizzing by and you can hear the klinking of shells falling at your feet. The foley artists on this film are to be commended.

  Hans Zimmer delivers a wonderful and complimentary score to the movie... along with the sounds of African children singing and some rock-n-roll to boot... it's a nice soundtrack.

  Ridley Scott reminds us once again his flair for delivering crisp, vivid scenes that are riveting, exciting and moving all at the same time.

  Watching this film is an emotional and intense experience that will leave you tired when it's over... but images from the screen will replay in your head several times. These soldiers trained hard to become Rangers and to be part of the Delta Force... these are young men that know what dangers await them and they go in with their eyes wide open... and they are prepared to defend their buddies with their lives. In many ways, this film is a monument to their strength, their courage and their loyalty. Those 19 men should not be forgotten. This film is also a testament to the necessity of properly arming and equipping our soldiers so that they have the best protection needed when engaged in conflict and worrying less about appearances and more about protecting American lives, both military and civilian.

  I highly recommend this film.
  
  

• WAIT!!!!! DO NOT BUY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  
  By on 2002-04-16
  My advice to everyone who is planning on buying the DVD release of Black Hawk Down. Wait a little while longer. This release has next to NO extra features on it. Also, Ridley Scott is planning on puting together a special edition version of it-packed with loads of extras that will be a fine edition to this awesome film. Just be patient and it will pay off.
  
  

• Very well done!

  
  By A2Q82OA1N32Q16 on 2002-01-03
  I have to say that they nailed this movie pretty good.

  Basically all it does is tell the story of what happened in Mogadishu on October 3, 1993. They didn't focus on character detail that much which to me is a good thing. There are just too many people involved to go into detail with them all. Going into too much detail on certain characters and not others would take away what some did and would lessen their sacrifice. So, they stuck to just the story. Good move.

  They compressed the story some, changed a few names, and merged some characters into one character This was done to get the story down to a movie time frame and to protect certain characters identities as they are still serving.

  No movie based on a book is as detailed as the book. Don't expect it to be. You should read the book as well.

  Some critics have said that it is way too violent of a film. Did they know they were going to see a movie about combat? Hello!!?!! It's about time that film makers have started making movies to show the American public what really happens in combat. Combat is not one guy running around killing people by the hundreds with a head band on. They made it a real as you could get it on the screen. Saving Private Ryan started it off and now Black Hawk Down. To Jerry Bruckheimer and Ridley Scott, Bravo! Well Done!

  It's very accurate as far as weapons, equipment, uniforms, etc. They used the exact helicopters that were used in the original mission in 1993 with the 160th SOAR.

  The whole movie I was searching for inaccuracies. Want to know what I came up with? They had their names written in marker on their Kevlar helmets (this was done so the audience could quickly tell who's who) we wrote our names on the helmet band. The chin straps on the Kevlar helmets were not taped up (As soon as I got to Ranger Battalion we had to taped up and tie down certain pieces of equipment and this was one of them), they wore dog tag silencers (in Ranger Battalion I was told to get them off and tape em up with 100 MPH tape as soon as I got there), and sometimes they said each others names on the radios instead of call signs (once again this was done for the audience). So as you can see I was really reaching there.

  Certain shots were just incredible for me. For example, there was a point of view shot from the side of a MH-6 Little Bird (we used to ride out on the sides of those things all the time). The camera was positioned as to be a person sitting on the left side of the chopper looking to the front. In front of the chopper is another Little Bird fully loaded with guys. The sequence is them going in for a landing on the street. Just watching it reminded me of all those times I rode on those [...things].

  Maybe someday people will start to understanding what people in combat arms go through.

  A Co, 2nd Ranger Battalion
  U.S. Army (1991-1995)
  
  

• Read the book first!!!

  
  By A2NACIQH1P8J01 on 2005-06-18
  I have a somewhat unique perspective on this movie. The man in the movie played as Grimesy was one of my drill sergeants in basic training. He pretty much required all of us to read the book to get us ready for our inevitable confrontation with the realities of war.
  
  The reason he made us read the book was not to glorify his actions but to show what the consequences of arrogance in battle can be. The book does not portray Rangers in a favorable light. The Rangers saw themselves as elite but Delta was not at all impressed.
  
  The real man behing the Grimesy character was SPC John Stebbins. His name was changed in the movie because he is serving 20 years for being a child molester. What he told us at the time was that the only thing most Rangers are elite at is their arrogance.
  
  The movie misses out on this portion of the book. Ridley Scott should have done a more thorough job of communicating what was one of the major themes of the book. This is why I rate this movie as 4 stars instead of 5.
  
  The movie does a great job in portraying the battle scenes described in Mark Bowden's book. It captures all of the intensity of the 18 hour ordeal that my drill sergeant spoke of.
  
  Do not look to this movie for a detailed explanation of what all happened in Somalia or why we were there in the first place. All it portends to do is bring to light the story of a military mission that few would have otherwise known. That is it.
  
  I have seen several reviews of people complaining about the absence of a plot. If you want a plot look for Rain Man. This is history there are no plots only facts. The facts are very accurate according to the reports of the soldiers involved.
  
  It is essentially a very gory shoot em up movie because that is what happened in real life. If he really wanted to gross you out he could have shown the Rangers bodies being dragged through the streets.
  
  Sorry if the warlords and their forces are not portrayed in a positive light. Sometimes it is hard thing to do especially when you are dealing with pieces of human scum.
  
  
• The ugly side of war
  By A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ on 2002-02-27
  Black Hawk Down is war with a capitol W. This film has been blasted by film critics for being racist, biased, and slanted in favor of the Americans. Too bad. This is how it happened. If you want a date movie or a happily-ever-after movie, do not watch this film. If you want to see a war movie that will get your adrenaline pumping and a tear in your eye, watch this film.

  The story opens with a mild historical lesson to fill viewers in on the background, and some heartbreaking images of the Somali people in the desert. We then cut to American soldiers - some are fresh-faced teens, some are gritty veterans, some are disgruntled clerks. We are introduced to two in particular - Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann (Josh Harnett), an idealist who pities the Somalis and gets gently teased for it; and Danny Grimes (Ewan McGregor), a soldier who "made coffee through Desert Storm" and is somewhat bitter about it, then looking forward to his first mission. We also have "Lord of the Rings"'s Orlando Bloom as an eager-puppy new soldier, for fans of that actor.

  The solders are sent on a seemingly-ordinary raid to capture the underlings of a local crime lord. But the place they're in rapidly degenerates into a war zone, with almost every Somali in sight firing at them. The men are trapped in decaying buildings and open alleyways, while two Black Hawk choppers are shot down out of the sky. They have to find a way out and get back to U.N.-controlled territory before they're all killed.

  One thing to warn you about: There is no happy ending. Some characters you come to care about are going to die, and the ones left over are injured or traumatized. Unlike "Lord of the Rings," nobody applauded when this movie ended because every person was in a state of shock.

  Acting? Only problem with acting is that Josh Harnett does not have the same skills as the other actors; at times he SOUNDS like he's reading from little fortune cookie papers. He is the Fortune Cookie soldier. It's that trite. Ewan McGregor adds a gritty, quirky side to his disgruntled secretary, while Orlando Bloom manages to fervently pull off "Well I'm here to kick some ass!" Charlie Hofheimer is also memorable as Corporal Jamie Smith, in a heartrending scene later in the movie.

  THIS IS NOT A MOVIE FOR CHILDREN. Even some teens may not be able to take it. There is continuous graphic violence, including but not limited to: brief full view of a still-living soldier blown in half, part of a soldier's hand blown off, field surgery on someone's leg with no anesthetic, a boy shooting his father when he misses a soldier, a man falling out of a Black Hawk - six stories, and several soldiers dying when their Black Hawks go into death spirals. Even when it isn't violent, it is disturbing - the director never shows us what the Somalis do with the bodies they took from the downed chopper, but a main character's expression shows us what to think.

  There's a little grim humor: one of the soldiers goes deaf due to the constant gunfire, a standup-comedy act at the beginning of the movie, and Grimes' ironic coffee joke. And the Somalis are not portrayed as faceless; certainly no more so than the soldiers themselves, who eventually start blending together. But if the story can be told, I admit that there should not be too much emotional delving. Though if you dislike profanity... um, the F-word is used about an average of one every three sentences.

  I agree with the previous reviewers who think that the critics should READ THE BOOK; enough with calling the movie "propaganda". The violence was even worse and more disturbing in real life. The soldiers really DID call the Somalis "skinnies". The Somali leaders really were corrupt, suave men. The Somalis really were acting savagely. And for heaven's sake, don't whine that they didn't rewrite history to make it a cute tie-up-the-loose-ends movie! No politically-correct frothing will change that -- or should change that! Nor should the nobility of "leave no man behind" be sacrificed to the emotionless "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few". These men were willing to sacrifice everything out of loyalty and courage, both for each other and for their country.

  This movie is full of dramatic, touching moments: the voiceover at the end. The American soldier stumbling into a Somali schoolroom, and silently waving goodbye to one of the solemn-eyed children. A soldier with a broken leg sadly watching his friends' bodies being stripped and dragged away. The soldiers slowing the Humvees for a father holding his child's body. The death scene (you'll know it when you see it). The aforementioned soldier with a broken leg, being beaten by Somalis as he gropes for a photo of his wife and daughter. Eversmann, whose face betrays every little shred of idealism he once had being buried under the blood and dust. The soldiers running to U.N.-occupied territory, with laughing children waving them on.

  If you loathed Pearl Harbor, watch this. It's probably coincidence that this movie was released post Sept. 11th, but its timing is perfect. Why? Because there are soldiers out there in the Middle-East right now, and this movie can show you what they experience. My extreme sympathies to those 19 families, if they are reading this now.
  
  

• The truth hurts, doesn't it?
  By ANK68QCUYUVVX on 2003-02-21
  50 stars to Ripley Scott's accurate portrayal of events that occured in the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, during Operation Restore Hope. ... I've had the pleasure of serving under Marines and befriending Army soldiers who were ACTUALLY THERE.

  1) Yes, the street battles and urban combat are accurately depicted.

  2) No, we weren't there to install a "puppet" government. We were there, under a UN banner, to feed people being tactically starved by their own countrymen. If our aim was to install a puppet government, then Pakistan, Belgium, and all others involved share equally this guilt.

  3) Yes, over 1000 Somalis were killed in the two day battle. Yes, a majority of these Somalis were ruthless militiamen SHOOTING at the very people trying to feed their children. Some of these militiamen were trained under, and had links to, al-Qaeda. ....

  4) The conclusion that we "lost" this battle, in which 18 Americans were killed compared to 1000 Somali gunmen, defies all logic of war, and the hasty retreat ordered by a civilian administration only served to strengthen the already existing, if inaccurate, views of one particular ambitious aggressor that America is a paper tiger.

  What makes people so mad about this film is that it's absolutely true. No, there's not much character buildup, nor plot besides a two hour glorification of the battle itself. But even the most radicalized opponents of US military intervention cannot use the age-old argument that this operation was driven by a vampire's lust for oil.

  Nor is this movie racist against Somalis any more than Schindler's List was racist against Germans. Again, the events of the movie are a depiction of what ACTUALLY HAPPENED, backed up by countless testimony from people who were there. No, this isn't US propoganda. I currently am stationed in Europe, where I know several former UN peacekeepers who were also there, and relay the exact same story.

  Nor does this movie depict Somalis as a bunch of war-mongering terrorists. Yes, the small section of town under Aidid's control was run by these killers. But as the Rangers enter the safe zone, they are immediately greeted by friendly scores of children and others. Having lived in Africa for over a year, I can give credit to the notion that a small number of armed bandits can indeed be hated, despised, and feared by an overwhelming majority of peace loving African civilians. The heartless murderers are so unrepresentative of, and hated by, Africans as a whole that much of the population does not object, and in fact applauds, when police forces or government troops extrajudiciously execute known criminals on sight.

  So I highly recommend this film for an accurate portrayal of urban warfare, and also to show how anti-American gangsters repay us for feeding their own people.
  
  

• For truth's sake.
  By A3GIJJRZTJAKZQ on 2002-02-14
  My only complaint about the whole Black Hawk Down experience is the critics.

  To hear things like, "Ewan McGregor should have had a larger speaking part" or "Josh Hartnett should have been less 90's sympathetic" makes me realize that most of the people that went to see the movie are average moviegoers with degrees from the Siskel and Ebert school of critique. Perhaps they should have made Task Force Ranger caputre Aidid in the movie, and put him on trial?

  You can't change truth. This movie wasn't about memorable characters, or Oscar Nominations. This movie was released to tell a story. An actual story. An actual story of American soldiers fighting for everyone's freedom.

  I guess if you've never served in the Armed Forces for the good of the country and mankind, you probably won't understand what kind of story this movie is telling. You'll want a love story. Perhaps with a "funny guy." And maybe a "quiet, loner kid." Maybe a high speed car chase. Or even a bomb on a bus.

  I've always said that Americans don't care about soldiers unless there is a war going on. There's an insensitivity from Americans toward their defenders. It's taken for granted that we'll protect you when you need it. Why does it take a Desert Storm for people to display yellow ribbons? Why does it take a terrorist attack for people to display their nation's colors?

  Before I go too far off on a tangent. I suggest that before you all write your 'informed' reviews, you at least read Mark Bowden's book. It may clear up some things for you. It may even enlighten some of you. And heaven forbid, you may even realize that the "gung-ho characters" of SFC Randy Shughart and MSG Gary Gordon weren't characters at all, but were in fact real people. And they were posthumously awarded Congressional Medals of Honor. For the benefit of everyone, that translates too "They were awarded the highest award possible, but only after making the ultimate sacrifice."

  My thoughts, prayers and condolences still go out to those 19 families, as they have since October 3, 1993.
  
  

• One of the best war movies ever made!
  By on 2002-05-05
  Black Hawk Down starts out with a brief introduction into the U.S. involvement in Somalia, and then takes us on a journey through hell!

  This movie tells the true story of Task Force Ranger, who were sent to Somalia to put an end to the clan warfare and capture the most powerful warlord in the impoverished African nation. What was supposed to be a routine mission, turned into a fierce 18 hour battle that claimed the lives of 18 American servicemen and resulted in another 73 being wounded.

  This movie does not "Hollywood" the story at all because it simply did not need to. The story itself was shocking, tragic, and in many senses triumphant. It was an event that very few people in this country knew about at the time. Mark Bowden's book was exceptionally written and the movie follows it extremely well.

  Be aware...This movie is not for the faint of heart! It depicts the battle in graphic detail and contains scenes of some very gruesome injuries sustained by the men involved. There is one scene where a medic is fighting to save the life of a wounded soldier who has a severed artery in his leg. This is one of the most graphic sequences you will see in a film, so be prepared.

  Ridley Scott turned in another brilliant job of directing. He successfully puts the audience into the fight and allows us to feel the hopelessness and despair that was felt by these brave men. He tells the story of this battle with exceptional detail and realism. You will be left with a mix of emotions after watching this film, but you will also feel a deep sense of thanks and gratitude for the men and women who are serving our country today.

  Black Hawk Down is one of the best films in recent years and should not be missed!
  
  

• Pretty historically accurate
  By A2R4MTU24AU7E6 on 2002-02-20
  Most reviews focus on the political and humanitarian background of the movie. This background is helpful, but the movie stands well on its own, even if you don't know anything about the actual events it is strictly based on.
  The movie is of course based on the book of the same name, by Mark Bowden. A lot of credit should be given to Bowden; it was his tireless research that brought together a lot of scattered documents and first-hand recollections into one coherent historical piece. Before he wrote the book, there existed no single, overarching look at the battle.
  I was impressed with the technical side of the movie. Battle scenes were depicted very realistically, and I couldn't find any niggling technical inaccuracies, like incorrect weapons or tactics. Most civilian viewers wouldn't notice anyway, but hats off to Scott for going the extra mile and getting good military advisors.
  I was even more impressed that the movie followed the book so closely, and therefore what really happened. I don't think I've ever watched a movie that was almost an exact reproduction of the book its based on. Even so, there are a couple of historical glitches, and no real reason why they are there. When the first Blackhawk crashed (in real life)it did so in a very narrow road, knocking down a stone wall. In the movie it is in a traffic circle. In real life, the Minibird pilots showed exceptional skill landing in the narrow road to drop off medics. It's kind of an insult in the movie, when they simply landed in the great wide open. Beyond a few of these glitches, it tracks very closely. Watching the movie is like seeing the book fleshed out in full color. It gives you a taste of what grueling conditions the raiders faced.
  One last thing...all U.S. participants save 2 or 3 medics were in fact Army soldiers, not "from different branches of the armed forces." Nor was this based on a "novel". It recounts, as accurately as a movie can, a real life nasty firefight and the superior efforts of U.S. Rangers, Special Forces, and Army Aviation pilots (and a few brave PJs) against what turned out to be crushing odds. So long as America produces selfless, dedicated, and highly trained soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines we have little to fear.
  
  
• Definatly A Worthy Movie
  By A2F9QFZDA4OWH1 on 2002-06-07
  This is cartainly the best war film I have seen since Saving Private Ryan or The Patriot. I just read a review by someone who said that the plot was unrealistic and that the characters were too "made up". Well, that person should realize that these events ACTUALLY HAPPENED and that the movie is based on Mark Bowden's book of the same name. The book contains most all of the facts from the actual event. The actions taken by such men as Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon (the Delta Force operators who single handedly went in on a suicide mission to defend downed chopper pilot Mike Durand) were real events, but some people fail to recognize this and dismiss their heroic actions as stupid. If you truly want to appreciate what a brilliant job Ridley Scott did, than I would highly suggest reading the book first. Ignorant people, like that reviewer, make me sick because they don't know that this story really took place on October 3, 1993, and that a lot of our guys actually fought and died over there. The fact that they had some of the men who actually fought in the battle as consultants on the movie shows their true intention to keep the movie as "real" as possible. The graphic combat depictions are terrifying and the plot exposition gives you just enough to know what is going on. The ensemble cast did a brilliant job showing the fear and helplessness that some of the men felt, while at the same time showing the brave and selfelss acts that the men realized that they needed to do to survive. The movie could have easily taken over three hours to show everything that happened, but Scott keeps it down to just over two hours. The point that I really want to make is that everyone should see this movie to truly appreciate the sacrifice that our Special Forces (the Army Rangers and the Delta Force) made in Somalia.
  
  The only flaw in this movie is that they don't point out which character is which as much as they should.
  
  
• It Blew Me Away...LITERALLY!!!
  By AF8C86SGYLH81 on 2002-01-13
  This film has all the makings of BEST PICTURE for 2002. It is the best film I have seen since 2000. It tops everyone I saw in 2001. If you liked "Saving Private Ryan", you'll love this even more. "Ryan" was a Hollywood war movie. "Black Hawk Down" is so real you think the footage was taken from actual combat. Every actor is a star. The realism is chilling and meanigful. It captures the reailties of war. This 135-minute film is the best war film I have seen. What makes it so unique in this genre is that every character becomes real...like your friend or brother. The sound track is spectacular, and the editing is a masterpiece. I didn't see a flaw in the transitioning from scene to scene. If the DVD had been on sale in the foyer of the theatre, I would have purchased it on the spot. I'll be shocked if it doesn't get nominated for Best Flick of the Year...and it's only the second week in January. DON'T MISS IT!
  
  
• Great Movie, Great Men
  By A1EE20LPALJEKI on 2002-06-08
  While this movie was indeed a great war picture, it is important to understand the backdrop of how we got their. Our involvement may have started under GH Bush...but at that time it was a US-led international relief effort. While both presidents did want to scale down American involvement, Cinton made the mistake of turning over American involvement to the UN...under UNOSOM II. This new UN-led role expanded the original mandate from a "relief" effort to a "nation building" effort. From that point on, US troops were basically under the control of UN decisions as Clinton acquiesed (sp) his role as Commander and Chief. This didn't mean that he couldn't unilaterally do what he thought was best for US troops...he just chose not to. This was evident when requests for heavy vehicle support was also denied so we wouldn't "appear" aggressive. If you're going to put US soldiers in harms way, you have to give them every means to defend themselves...regardless of appearances. And that is where Clinton and Aspin were wrong.
  
  
• A great film that honors the memory of those who died.
  By on 2002-03-28
  Back in October of 1993, the attitude of the American public towards the U.S. armed forces was starting to wane. The euphoria felt during the Gulf War was giving way to feelings that the United States had no business getting involved in the affairs of Third World countries and their ancient, tribal disputes. The morale of our service men and women was deteriorating with massive Clinton Administration downsizing of our forces and the closing of numerous military facilities at home and abroad.

  By 1992 a famine was taking the lives of thousands of people in the East African country of Somalia (and I use the term "country" loosely). Previous food shipments from humanitarian organizations had been hijacked by warring clans in order to maintain control over the population. The United Nations, led by United States Marines, entered Somalia to help stop the starvation and to bring enough order to the relief efforts so that food distribution was no longer interrupted by the Somali warlords. One warlord in particular, Mohammad Farrah Aidid, was the strongest and his militias posed a constant threat to the fragile order the U.N. brought.

  After several months of maintaining relative order, the United States started to make plans for long term stability in Somalia and believed that the removal of the warlords was key to doing so. The Marines pulled out and were relieved by Task Force Ranger, made up of units from the 75th Ranger Regiment, and elements of other U.S. Special Forces, including Delta Force.

  "Black Hawk Down" is based on a series of articles written by Mark Bowden, later brought together into a book of the same same name. It details an operation by Task Force Ranger to capture top lieutenants of Aidid's organization in a bold daylight assault into the middle of the Somali warlord's turf, that was designed to take no more than an hour. When the militia and armed civilians rose up to oppose the action, and two MH-60 "Blackhawk" helicopters were shot down, the soldiers on the ground had to fall back on their training and faith in one another to survive through the next several hours into the night in the middle of a hostile city. When it was over, over a dozen U.S.soldiers were killed, 75 were wounded and over 500 Somalis were killed.

  "Black Hawk Down" chronicles the events of that day and evening. Through powerful cinematography and judicious use of special effects, director Ridley Scott manages to convey both the desperation and professionalism the Rangers and Delta Force operators displayed in the face of overwhelming odds, and the soldierly affection they had for one another as they lived up to the Ranger creed, "Leave No One Behind."

  One last comment: I have noticed other reviewers describe the assault to capture Aidid's lieutenants as a failure. This cannot be further from the truth. The primary objective was to round these people up, load them up in the ground convoy and leave the scene. This happened. The Delta Force operators were successful in assaulting the building, the Rangers provided cover and security on the building as the operators did so, and the Aidid's men were loaded into trucks and driven away. It was immediately after this occurred that the plan went awry. Talk to any of the Rangers that were there that day and they will tell you to the man that they believed they accomplished their mission.
  
  

• As Good, if not better than Saving Private Ryan
  By on 2002-04-05
  Ridley Scott's true tale of the most costly U.S. firefight since Vietnam creates with graphic detail the events leading up to and including the events of October 3rd and 4th, 1993, when 130 U.S. Rangers and Delta Operators took part in a mission to capture key Somali warlords.
  What makes this film work better than Private Ryan is that it does not waste time with cliched characters who sit around and discuss the meaning of war and its motives and consequences. Black Hawk skips right to the story of telling us who these guys are and what they do. Keeping in mind that a majority of the men in the raid were in their early 20s, and one of them was 18 years old. These were just a bunch of rock and rollers who beleived they were part of an army that was undefeated and invincible. Also, Private Ryan's combat scenes revolve around only a few incidents in the film, the first and last 25 minutes of the movie. Although very realistic and graphic, they at times don't capture Balck Hawk's feeling of chaos and confusion, even with advanced technology available. Its amazing that an advanced country with helicopters, computers, satellites can be rendered useless in a city like Mogadishu. Black Hawk actions scenes area ctually one big one, lasting at least 90 minutes and being filmed in a more frenetic pace and style, not like Private Ryan's larger and more grnad setting wheere it is hard to concentrate on the action.
  It soon becomes a mission of survival when two Black Hawk choppers are shot down and if becomes a rescue mission, but soon the RAngers and Delta find themselves cut off, and a convoy sent to find aid them and reach the crash sites gets shot up in some of the film's most realistic and graphic scenes.
  If you have read the book by Mark Bowden you will find many of the details, even minor ones, have been included in the film, giving it a more personal and emotional touch.
  Don't miss out on what was 2001 best film. And don't miss out on some of the most realistic and graphic combat scenes ever filmed.
  
  
• A Different Kind of War Movie
  By A202IBIG7TYKRD on 2002-04-05
  Ridley Scott's film Black Hawk Down does a good job presenting Mark Bowden's book by the same name. After reading the book and seeing this film I was astounded by how little I knew about this particular event.

  I recall the CNN tape of Corporal Michael Durant held captive by the Somalis and saw the hideous footage of the two American servicemen's bodies being dragged through the streets, but I had little idea that this was the result of a 25-hour battle. I didn't know that we lost 19 of our troops with fifty-seven others wounded.

  The film starts off with a little backdrop - Somali warlords commandeering the food deliveries being made by the international relief effort. The U.S. stepped in with 20,000 Marines to restore order and order was restored, at least until the Marines were evacuated. As soon as the Marines left Mohammed Aidid an Al Qaeda associate declared war on the U.N. and began to attack the food shipments again.

  By October of 1993 there was only a few Battalions of Army Rangers and some Delta Force commandos based in Somalia. Washington wanted "something done about Aidid," but when the base commander (played by Sam Sheppard) asks for more firepower he's denied. So on October 3rd, 1993 the U.S. forces set out on a mission to capture Aidid at a meeting in Mogadishu. The plan is to cover the four corners with Black Hawk helicopters, while a Ranger Battalion goes in with armored vehicles to take the prisoners. It's supposed to be a no muss, no fuss mission...over and done in a couple of hours.

  Of course, it didn't happen that way. The Somali militias are well armed with surface to air missiles (RPGs) and automatic weapons. What follows is a twenty-five hour pitched gun battle and that is the focus of this film.

  The battle scenes are graphically vivid and almost unending...some 80% of the film is compromised of this single engagement. The film is often disturbing, often repulsive - a makeshift "operation" on a soldier dying from a bullet wound that severed an artery is particularly gruesome.

  Still, critics who bash this movie for "lack of character development" and a weak story-line, referring to it as a "dressed up documentary," miss the point that THE UNIT IS THE CHARACTER. The battle and the troops response to this unexpected bit of war was the STORY-LINE. The battle itself is the protagonist and the human reaction to massive carnage is the story.

  It's hard to compare this film to other war movies. It has the terrible reality of the D-Day scenes in "Saving Private Ryan," but it's focused entirely on a single horrific event. The battle scenes are grisly, realistic and the acting is first rate. The film depicts an ugly reality, but in my view, it achieves its objective convincingly.
  
  

• Best War Movie ever made
  By A2CHYLSVXJNVGL on 2002-06-13
  I used to reserve that title for "Saving Private Ryan", but by looking at this movie I have to say that "Black Hawk Down" is the best war movie ever made. Let's stress that it's the most REALISTIC war movie ever made. No pauses for drama, no "symbolism", no "hidden messages". This movie is about how an American force of about 100 men found themselves under attack by thousands of the enemy. And this enemy was not simply an army, but an entire city where women and children were more than willing to pick up a gun. The politics of why we were there are simple: we were there to stop a famine. Anyone who says this movie does an injustice to the Somalis is a misinformed liberal who should realize that, hey, SOMETIMES AMERICA IS RIGHT! The men who fought at the Battle of Mogadishu deserve the highest honor for their heroic stand. Everyone who saw our men being dragged through the streets should realize with that image which side was right and which side was wrong. This is not an easy movie to watch, and it can get confusing. But guess what? That's what war is. Confusing, scary, and you don't have time to think about what you're doing. You just try to survive, and try to keep the man next to you alive. That's why this movie is the best war movie ever made. It shows it like it is, no candy coating and no glossing over.
  
  
• Unrelenting action and no time to catch a breath
  By A17FLA8HQOFVIG on 2002-06-11
  It happened in 1993, just a few short years ago. The United States sent troops to Somalia on a humanitarian mission because the people were starving. But something went wrong. There was bloodshed. American troops were killed. What happened? What went wrong? It was all very confusing.

  This film, based on the book by journalist Mark Bowden is an account of the operation in which American soldiers were sent to the heart of the city of Mogadishu to capture two top officials of the ruling renegade warlord who were preventing fair food distribution. It was supposed to take a mere half hour. Instead it turned into a nightmare as one of their special helicopters, referred to as a "Black Hawk" was shot down.

  Within minutes the audience is plunged into that nightmare and the tension keeps up for almost the entire film. Director Ridley Scott does a masterful job; I felt I was right there with the men, dodging bullets and caring for the wounded as a hostile mob of fully armed Somalians kept attacking. There were no name stars among the actors and, with one exception, they were all white young men in uniforms, and so it was easy to get them confused, especially since there was little, if any, back story. It was the battle itself that was the star of this film. The violence was strong and unrelenting, and there was no time for either the men or the audience to catch a breath before the next horrible thing happened. Special effects were awesome as the moment-by-moment action just kept going on and on.

  There might have been no one central character to identify with, but that was not this film's intent. It forced me instead, to identify with it all. And it certainly made me think about how a battle like this can take place in a distant part of the world without more than a few news blips here at home about what was really going on.

  One of the strengths of the film is that it doesn't preach. Both patriots and anti-war activists and the many people whose sentiments lie between these two positions can find something to relate to. It just tells the story about what happened that day. And that story is strong enough to stand by itself with no apologies.
  
  

• Spellbinding, Gritty, and Realistic Combat Movie!
  By ALR35EFI69S5R on 2002-06-19
  One leaves the theater breathless after seeing "Black Hawk Down". Now, with my new DVD in hand, I am pleased to be able to see this film whenever I like. This is, most simply put, the most grittily realistic and overpoweringly authentic and accurate depiction of modern combat imaginable. This is the closest we ordinary citizens can come to the actual experience, as we are sucked involuntarily into the terrifying vortex of the world of modern combat. We careen into combat with the young volunteers, our hearts pounding, the sweat pouring off us as we go, feeling our blood pressure rise as we rappel breathlessly down with them to the hard dusty ground! Of course, with Ridley Scott involved, one comes to expect such amazingly spellbinding theatrics, yet this movie threads quickly along the well-greased storyline provided in the best selling book, adding the sharp, quicksilver dimensions of reality only such a stunningly visual depiction can offer in addition. And, from the anxious hand tremors of a young trooper about to descend into the madness of a flurry of hostile gunfire to the knowing worried glances a special forces combatant exchanges with one of his men, this is a superbly acted, casted, and choreographed set of battle scenes. And the scenes go relentlessly on and on.

  Precious little time is wasted here providing the outlines of what turns out to be a mission from Hell; policy makers in Washington (read Secretary Albright here, trying to show she could out-testosterone the guys) decide this bunch of cravenly aggressive mercenary tribes can be corralled and democratized, that Somalia can become an instant shining example of our new-found powers of nation-making, and the American peace-keeping forces are suddenly tasked with missions for which they are ill-equipped. Without sufficient armor or enough reaction troop strength, the command orders a kidnap mission to eliminate one of the warlords who is most actively opposing the new "pie-in-the=sky" political objectives, and a small force of young troopers are dispatched in several helicopters to make a quick-strike raid into the heart of Mogadishu. Just as they have reached the point of accomplishing their mission, a helicopter is shot down, and all at once, hell breaks loose.

  Yet this is truly just the beginning. The story of how these men stood their ground, how exceedingly well they fought, and how savagely they staved off the vastly superior numbers of local opponents who were well armed and supplied is only now becoming the stuff of legend. The real question one is left with after seeing the movie (or after reading the wonderful book, as well) is how such a valiant and well-executed action could have ever been described by both our government and the press as a defeat. It is more a lesson in the extraordinary and shameful timidity of everyone in the chain of command, from Madeline Albright to Colin Powell to the Secretary of Defense on down, who refused the Battle Scene Commander the resources he requested, that literally doomed the mission once things began to go awry.

  Therefore, while we did unfortunately lose eighteen men, we also inflicted hundreds of casualties on the opposing forces, and finally were able to successfully evacuate the balance of the American forces after having engaged the street fighters for an incredibly extended period of time. This engagement and the kind of men who fought in it should be sung of in battle hymns, not decried as evidence of American softness or lack of a will to fight. As always, the fault in the action lies not in the ferocious young men who fought and died so courageously and so well, but in the despicable and all too-human failures of their leaders and their government to use them wisely, to take greater care in placing them so carelessly in harm's way. Simply put, this is a great film, easily one of the best war films ever produced, and one I can heartily recommend! Enjoy!
  
  

• I Walked Out
  By A4LLXH0IZ3LMQ on 2003-01-27
  I very rarely walk out on movies, no matter how boring or bad. But I walked out on this piece of trash. Ridley Scott's gloss on a sorry chapter in American military history may have had the good luck to cash in on America's new found patriotism, but it does so with a pointless jingoistic story, far too many characters to keep track of, no real message at all and an awfully racist sensibility that truly disgusted me.

  As has been said on this site before, 18 americans died. While certainly I don't want to minimize the sufferings of the real men and there families here, it is important to remember that many more Somalis were killed: 10,000 in the entire war, and roughtly 1,000 in the conflict described. While it's debatable that the 10,000 Somalis died as a direct result of US intervention, the smaller number definately did. This greater proportion of Somali suffering is all but ignored in the movie. Somalis are portrayed mostly as bloodthirsty and savage. And they are contrasted to the noble, self-sacrificing and ALL-WHITE American soldiers. (I find it hard to believe that, in today's army, there could possibly be an all-white division. In fact, I know for a fact that there wasn't in this war.) The scene where the mob of Somalis, including women and children savagly beat the disabled Americans to death was more than I could take and I walked out.

  Leaving politics aside, this is also poor moviemaking. The documentary style of the movie has been hailed as the most realistic portrayal of war on film. That may be, but this is exactly what makes this a poor film artistically. The bouncing of the camera makes watching this on a large screen painful. The plotting and dialogue (what little there is) is poorly drawn and the characters are at best two dimensional. I doubt that anyone who has only seen the film once can remember most of the names of the characters or differentiate one from another. As a result, the movie is pretty empty of any real emotional content.

  If you like war movies, there are many more that, while perhaps not as realistic, tell their stories much better than this tripe. Rent Bridge Over the River Kwai again, perhaps one of the most intelligent and thoughtful war movies of all time. Or Saving Private Ryan, Glory, Catch 22, MASH, or Full Metal Jacket. All of these movies in varying degrees capture more of the full contradictions of war and all have a defined point of moral point of view. You may not agree with that point of view, but at least they attack the subject intelligently. That's much more than can be said for Blackhawk Down.
  
  

• A must have collection.
  By A19I84J5A01GAY on 2003-06-04
  The movie is an excellent account of the vicious battle in Mogadishu. What makes this edition a "must-have" are the inclusions of "The History Channel Presents: The True Story of Black Hawk Down" and "PBS Presents: Frontline: Ambush in Mogadishu." The movie and the two documentaries paint a well-rounded picture of the battle and political consequences that followed, culminating in President Clinton's decision to withdraw from Somalia instead of confronting Adid, the man responsible for the ambush.

  If you liked the movie, want to know more about the events but missed the documentaries, this 3-disc release is for you.
  
  

• "Only the dead escape War" .... Plato
  By A1TJPMB7N776WS on 2002-01-16
  Ridley Scott's "Black Hawk Down" begins ominously with the above quotation from Plato.
  It is Somalia, 1993 and President Clinton has ordered the US Rangers into Somalia to capture Aidid and his lieutenants who have thus far killed 300,000 of their own people; both by cold blooded murder and by starvation.
  The United States troops are so confident of a quick victory that they take only hand and automatic rifles and very little else to what was predicted to be a 45 minute skirmish which ended up being a 16 hour street war. The US are woefully under-weaponed and under-staffed as the Somalians proceed to fell 2 Black Hawk Heliocopters... hence the name of the film. The US troops underestimated the ferocity with which the rag-tag Somalians would defend their city and after approx 19 of our men are killed...we pulled out, retreated really from Somalia.
  This is the first of what I will call the "Modern" War films, in that Heliocopter video cameras catch all of the action while General William Garrison (Sam Shepard) calls the shots from a base outside of Mogadishu, based on these video pictures. He's a God-like figure manipulating fate from a place up high and removed from the action. It's like a real-life, real consequence PlayStation2 game. Heretofore, and think of any war film before this one, whether it be the Civil War, WWI,WWII, or Vietnam...war communication was conducted by hand messages, telephone, telegraph on maybe still pictures. "Black Hawk Down" begins the era of the new film war...the first real war film of the new Millenium.
  Even though Josh Hartnett is given top billing and he does a fine job, he is only part of a superb ensemble of which Eric Bana, Tom Sizemore, Ewan McGregor, William Fichter and Enrico Murciano are standouts.
  As with all Ridley Scott films the physical production is first rate: camerawork, use of color, sound and music are extrememly effective. The tone of "Black Hawk Down" is very much like "Apocalypse Now" in that both films have an over-riding sense of impending doom and futility. Yet BHD also reminds me very much of another Ridley Scott film, "Gladiator" especially in regards to the nobility and perserverence of the human spirit.
  
  
• Overlong, focusing on details without overall clarity
  By A2MZ433E9LE90O on 2002-05-11
  In typical Ridley Scott fashion, this film micro-focuses on details to an almost excruciating degree, while the big picture pales in a mirky background. Its length makes it overlong for what it is, lacking clear focus on plot, overall message, or taut action. I hoped to see clear indication of morale or lack thereof on the part of the soldiers. I hoped to see a sense of mission or lack thereof in the Somali war. I hoped to see a clear sense of whether these soldiers knew what they were fighting for, or whether the war for them was an exercise in confusion and/or futility. But none of those things came out clearly. Instead it just seemed like a disjointed sequence of often vivid clips with no clear whole emerging. The result would better befit a documentary of maximum length around 90 minutes. Some more successful war movies, like PLATOON, are clearly focused on an unrelenting sense of the horror of it all. Others, like SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, are equally unrelenting in maintaining a sense of mission amidst the carnage. But this movie is caught in a no-person's land between those two poles. And for me at least, that was far less effective.
  
  
• The EPITOME of "NEW and IMPROVED!"
  By A1880YK43FZTIX on 2006-06-11
  If you have the original version of Black Hawk Down, go ahead and give it away, sell it, use it as a coaster, etc. This version is exactly how a redux is done.
  
  I can go on and on analyzing this movie and giving legitimate reasons why you should go get this movie now -- I should know because I have literally watched the original version about 50 times, give or take a few dozen (I am NOT exaggerating!) -- however, I will save you the time of reading and assure you that this version is BETTER!! Do not let the seemingly mere 8 minutes of extra footage fool you... it is practically a completely new movie. The visuals and audio are superbly remastered. Hands down, hands down [on this one!]!
  
  
• If you are wondering - The movie is realistic!
  By on 2002-01-23
  I was there, and the movie shows exactly what the fighting was like. If you want to know what it's like to risk your life for all of those who stay at home, watch cable TV, and eat at Denny's - watch this movie! I just wish the movie would have given some more credit to the Malaysians who, together with the 10th Mountain Division, deserve credit for getting us out. They took casualties too, and the convoy did not exist exclusively of armored personnel carriers, neither did it just appear out of nowhere in the morning, they had driven through this city, and taken fire all night long. Also, no one had to sprint after the convoy, and no one cheered for us.
  All in all a good movie though, it brought back memories I had long tried to forget.
  Brothers forever!
  
  
• Ausome stuff
  By on 2002-05-15
  Josh Hartnett has been critisized by his girl loving fans all over the world. They need to shut up. If there his real fans they should think he should do whats best for him. Black Hawk Down is clearly is in the top 5 all time war movies. It is also the best movie Josh Hartnett has been in. Most of his fans havn't even seen the movie to say it was a dumb decsision or not.
  Let's get down to it. Black Hawk Down is a masterpiece. Although it has been critisized. These people dont know what the frik there talking about. This movie was nominted for only three oscars (won film editing and best sound). Honestly I think the movie should of been nominated for best picture over Gosford Park or Moulin Rouge. And it probably would of won. All i'm saying us buy this DVD. You will be blown away.

  Sound- 10

  Film editing- 10

  Acting- 9.5

  Directing- 9.4

  Special Effects- 10

  Lasting Appeal- 10
  
  

• The worst sort of war porn...
  By A3GW2SJYYP45JE on 2002-01-19
  I had high hopes for this film and even thought that Jerry Bruckheimer might reform his ways, but I was sadly mistaken. "Black Hawk Down" is the most vile sort of exploitive pornography - taking real men's suffering and putting it gratuitously on display for all to see. What those men went through was horrific enough without having to be put on display for the world to see for their entertainment. While standing in line for tickets, I heard a young military age man (boy?) talking to the people in line behind me, and he said that the movie was "Cool". After seeing the movie, I asked myself, what was so cool about it? The guy with the live RPG sticking out of his back? The man who duct taped his severed finger back on his hand? The god-awful pornographic (I know I keep on using the word, there is no other ward to use) field surgury scene to clamp an artery? Or the murdurous air support that slaughtered hundreds? I fear for a country that looks on filth like this as entertainment. Rather than properly honor the men that held up the ideals of honor courage and commitment, the film brings deep and everlasting shame to the people who were involved in bringing this to the sceen in order to turn a profit. Just a note before you dismiss me as a peacenik crank. I love a good war movie. "Apocalypse Now", "Patton", "Full Metal Jacket" and even, lord help me, "Saving Private Ryan" are among my favorites. But BHD is just trash with really good authentic looking sets.
  Addendum - As for the hate mail I've received for this review....Lay off why don't ya, and accept the fact that maybe war is too savage and intimate to depict properly on screen. And to exploit war in order to turn a profit is immoral. And that is what this movie is exploitation. As I waited in line and lift the theater, people were not commenting on how noble the soldiers were, they were fixated on the blood and gore. Its unfortunate that the term "pornography" has indelibly become associated with "gratuitous sexuality", because this movie is a textbook example of pornography in a non-sexual way. And by the way, for all of you "patriots" who seem to think that patriotism is as simple as putting a little flag you bought at the seven eleven to stick on your Expedition, dissent does not equal treason. And even a person who has served, and continues to serve, in the active duty US Military for 13 years can find depictions of war such as this for profit outrageous and people who look at it for entertainment as simple disgusting voyerists to a scene to which they will never experience and really dont want to experience. The guys I knew who were in the 10th Mountain didnt even want to read the book "Black Hawk Down", which I read when it first came out and several times since because I think it is one of the finest examples of contemporary history written. The movie is just plain exploitative. Exploitation for money is morally wrong. And dissent does not equal treason.
  
  
• BHD
  By A39LICZP27GMEJ on 2002-01-23
  First, see this movie. I personally was amazed at how many young girls (15 - 81) were in attendance when I saw it. A very good effort by this crew. I am disappointed in the comments of some "international" raters about the event this film relates. They are child-like, xenophobic and generally anti-USA. No, I'm not a simpleton. I myself am a naturalized US citizen. I also graduated from the US Army's Ranger School in the mid-70's and have served in a variety infanty and special operations assignments. I have 2 friends...one was in the 75th Regiment (Ranger) and one is still in SFOD-D...and both were involved in the operation this film relates. This movie gives the general public a mere glimpse of what special operations put on the line every day. This movie tried to explain the American fighting man and why we fight. There were subtle points, too. Little points made included the discipline in how we fight. The film shows the only automatic firing done by the US fighters was (and still is) with machine guns or SMGs (3 round bursts). One target, one bullet. The amazing, genuine bravery of Sergeants Shugart and Gordon in their repeated requests to be able to go to ground at the second crash site for whoever might be there, was THE capstone of the movie for me personally. That type of knowing sacrifice is what has made the US the incredible nation it is today. Not limp-wristed Britons (and others) writing comments about the depiction of American bravery and idealism.
  
  
• Haunting, realistic, and truly unforgettable.
  By A2198FZZMTJ38H on 2002-01-26
  From its heartwrenching beginning to its heartbreaking end, "Black Hawk Down" is a thing of sheer beauty, a wondrous spectacle of the physical brutalities of combat and, by extension, the emotional stress and trauma that each individual in battle must confront when placed in the most hostile of situations. Based on the actual events that took place in Somalia at a time of unrest and fighting, the movie so brilliantly captures history in equal parts style and substance, all the while tugging at the heartstrings with overwhelming emotion and an authentic sense of American patriotism long absent from much of today's modern war films.

  Somalia, 1993. The country is a desolate wasteland, ravished by widespread famine as a result of power-hungry leader Muhammad Farrah Aidid, who uses poverty as his weapon. Determined to put an end to Aidid's reign of terror, American forces devise a plan to capture his key conspirators in a mission they conclude will take little more than an hour. Everything goes off without a hitch, but as the American troops search for a way out of Mogadishu, the threat of the enemy begins to grow, and soon, they are surrounded by gunfire, bombs, grenades, and bloodshed that carry on into the next morning, 16 hours after their mission was under way.

  The movie is the latest in a resurfacing genre of war epics and thrillers, which began with Steven Speilberg's "Saving Private Ryan" and has continued through to the new millennium's brand of flat blockbusters like the melodramatic "Enemy at the Gates" and the jingoistic "Behind Enemy Lines." It's a bit of a surprise that a movie such as this should come from the makers of last year's two most disappointing films, "Pearl Harbor" and "Hannibal." At the hands of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Ridley Scott, "Black Hawk Down" could have easily been just another war film; thankfully, it's much more than that.

  This teaming of pyromaniac Bruckheimer and the visionary Scott results in an impeccable depiction of combat and a war-torn Mogadishu. The wind-blown terrain of Somalia is filmed in dull hues, with a gradual descent into darkness that elevates the tension. Sequences of battle are filmed in a manner that places us right in the middle of the action, revealing the gritty, unflinching reality of war only a soldier knows.

  Never once does this stylistic approach overstep its boundaries: whereas a movie like "Pearl Harbor" blatantly showcases its special effects while shying away from the brutal reality of battle, this film doesn't concern itself with a PG-13 rating by keeping mum about the harsh conditions of death and bloodshed in times of hostility. Instead, it settles for an uncompromisingly blunt approach that not only keeps the action at a fever pitch, but also conveys the brutality of such a situation.

  The movie also chooses to portray its characters not as mere pawns in a game of chess, but as humans who feel love, humor, and above all else, fear. In their fear they press on, returning to the base after hours of ongoing battle only to willingly return to save those trapped within the city limits, evoking a grand feeling of patriotism that, for the first time in a long time, feels real. The all-star cast, perhaps the best ensemble cast of the year, conveys this combination of emotional stress and sense of duty with solid performances.

  There are images in "Black Hawk Down" that will haunt me for years to come, those of mangled bodies, innocent civilians caught in the middle of crossfire, people that we come to care about instantly losing their lives. But what elevates it from a mere physical exercise is its human approach to its characters, instilling them with emotions that quickly become our own as we begin to comprehend the trauma such an event as this unleashes. How to describe the experience? In a word: unforgettable.
  
  

• Shocking
  By on 2002-04-16
  This is quite possibly the best war film I have seen since Saving Private Ryan. I just read a review by someone who said that the plot was "unbelievable" and that the characters were "unrealistic". Well, that person should realize that these events REALLY HAPPENED and that the movie is based on Mark Bowden's book of the same name. The actions taken by such men as Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon (the Delta Force operators who single handedly went in on a suicide mission to defend downed chopper pilot Mike Durand) were real events, but some people fail to recognize this and dismiss their heroic actions as the stupid macho crap that you get from any run of the mill Stallone movie. If you truly want to appreciate what a brilliant job Ridley Scott did, than I would highly suggest reading the book first. Ignorant people, like that reviewer, make me sick because they don't know that this story really took place on October 3, 1993, and that a lot of our guys actually fought and died over there. The fact that they had some of the men who actually fought in the battle as consultants on the movie shows their true intention to keep the movie as "real" as possible. The graphic combat depictions are terrifying and the plot exposition gives you just enough to know what is going on. The ensemble cast did a brilliant job showing the fear and helplessness that some of the men felt, while at the same time showing the brave and selfelss acts that the men realized that they needed to do to survive. The movie could have easily taken over three hours to show everything that happened, but Scott keeps it down to just over two hours. The point that I really want to make is that everyone should see this movie to truly appreciate the sacrifice that our Special Forces (the Army Rangers and the Delta Force) made in Somalia.
  
  

• Tears of the Sun [Blu-ray]
• The Patriot (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray]
• Pearl Harbor [Blu-ray]
• We Were Soldiers [Blu-ray]
• The Rock [Blu-ray]