Probably the grittiest depiction of modern war ever made

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2003)

While it certainly isn't perfectly accurate (what war movie is?), "Black Hawk Down" does what few war movies ever do - it portrays a battle without endless prattle about how horrible and futile war is.
Confused? Basically, it boils down to this: every acclaimed war movie has implicitly been anti-war. BHD is neither jingoistic or pacifist; the American soldiers and Somali militia being portrayed on screen are neither heroes nor villains. Rather, Ridley Scott lets the viewer interpret the actions of the people involved and make up their own mind.
That being said, I have to confess I especially loved the part of the movie where Shughart and Gordon selflessly drop in to save that second helicopter crew. I'm certain their families and their comrades are proud of the bravery they displayed in the face of overwhelming, hopeless odds.