Best War Movie Ever

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2002)

I saw BHD last night and it was everything I expected. I had read the book once and was halfway through a second reading prior to seeing the movie. What makes BHD so unique is that 1)the movie followed the book closer than any movie I've seen and 2)the book was based on facts. Mark Bowden has commented/written that he did not put anything in the book that was not only reported by those who were there but corroborated by others who were there.
This movie is not for everyone. There is no love story, no slo-mo flag waving set to a swelling score. It is 30 minutes of background information followed by 2 hours of modern combat - the most hellish place on earth. I went with my brother-in-law and walking out he said he could not believe only 19 Americans were killed.
I realize not everyone will like this movie but I would like to address two criticisms that are being made. As for what some would call "sappy dialogue", try to think about what you would say if you were about to die in the worst place on earth you've ever been. As for the claims of racism re: no blacks in the Delta Force/Ranger task force, it is my understanding that most blacks cannot swim at all and/or very well. There are stringent swimming requirements to get in Special Ops which most blacks cannot pass. This is not meant to be a racist comment, just a statement of fact. If this is incorrect, someone please feel free to correct me.
This should get Best Picture/Best Director. A must see.