Black Hawk Down

Rating: 7/10 (18 July 2006)

Based on actual events, Oscar nominated director Sir Ridley Scott portrays the battle mission that took place in Somalia, 1993. It was the tiniest bit slow for the first 20 minutes or so, but if you stick with it, after that it does not stop for a breath as the U.S. soldiers battle. Starring Josh Hartnett as SSgt. Matt Eversmann, Ewan McGregor as Spec. John Grimes, Jason Isaacs as Capt. Mike Steele, Tom Sizemore as Lt. Col. Danny McKnight, William Fichtner as Sfc. Jeff Sanderson, Eric Bana as Sfc. Norm 'Hoot' Hooten, Orlando Bloom as Todd Blackburn and Ioan Gruffudd as Lt. John Beales. A gripping film that will stop after those 20 minutes. By the way, the title relates to a helicopter crash. It won the Oscars for Best Sound and Best Editing (beating Memento), and it was nominated for Best Cinematography, and it was nominated the BAFTAs for Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound. It was number 9 on The 100 Greatest War Films. Very good!