a wonderful film

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2002)

Black Hawk Down is like Saving Private Ryan without all the trite garbage in the middle. It is a harrowing, gritty look at the realities of combat that doesn't let up until the credits role. The performances are all very strong, with no one big name trying to steal the show. Ridley Scott does a good job in capturing the youth, vigor and determination of our soldiers overseas. He also does a good job portraying the way our government cripples our military before it can act, which leads to debacles like the one depicted in this film. Though perhaps not a film for everybody, it is a must see for those that are interested in the misguided American foreign policy since WWII. It is also a must see for those who want to understand the spectacular young men that are risking their lives as we speak in order to defend our freedom.