Men In Battle (With No Frills)

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2004)

Someone previously wrote that this film focuses on "as much action as possible" at the expense of story and character development...I think it's obvious the filmmakers made a conscious decision to take this path...The action IS the story...character development is relegated to supporting the ACTION. It's important to note that the action in this film makes us stop, think, and consider...it's anything but gratuitous.
There is a moment in the film when an unknown soldier, just prior to leaving the U.S. base for Mogadishu and the epic battle to follow, makes a last-ditch call to his wife. The film cuts to the soldier's residence stateside, where the silhouette of a woman moves to answer the phone as the answering machine clicks on. The brief shot of the home reveals comfort and the presence of children. The soldier leaves a brief message and he's off...just as the wife picks up the phone. We all know what will happen to this soldier... A simple yet memorable scene that tells us in broad strokes who these men are and what they are risking for Country. In another scene, Tom Sizemore (a U.S. Colonel) and his men are being cut to pieces. An RPG rips through one of the Colonel's convoy trucks, blowing a man in half. The Colonel unflinchingly walks over and takes the man's hand and looks into his eyes as he breathes his last amidst gunfire and explosions...A chilling moment, masterfully shot and anything but gratuitous! The whole film takes this path...
The action sequences in this film are incredible and match the standard set by "Private Ryan" and Spielberg. Ridley Scott has been considered part of the elite for many years and this film cements that reputation. Difficult to watch yet hard to look away from, Black Hawk Down proves timeless in its message and in its method...As we slowly lose control of the Middle East in the 21st Century, there will undoubtedly be new films that try to convey the same message...Men caught up in hells not of their choosing doing the best they can; "It's all about the man next to you"
9 out of 10!