Second only to "Private Ryan."

Rating: Null/10 (31 May 2002)

Almost a documentary in certain aspects, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. As a depiction of war, it ranks with "The Longest Day" and is second only to "Saving Private Ryan." It is timely, being relevant to the War on Terrorism. Even though bin Laden is not mentioned in the movie, we all know that some of the Somalis who downed the two choppers may have had some training in bin Laden's camps in the Sudan.
Here's one reflection: In war movies, things in industry have changed somewhat since WWII. Sixty years ago, the movie industry was part of the propaganda machine, emphasizing the glory of war and inspiring young men to fight for their country. Outright disasters, such as the graphic portrayal of the real-life disaster in Mogadishu, might have been avoided, unless there was some injunction to "get back into the ring and fight for it." Blackhawk Down is a depiction of an American military catastrophe, when the troops were pulled out shortly afterwards. Think about it---the US military, and/or its allies, might be paying another visit to Somalia in the not far distant future.