A Cinematic Memorial From Hollywood

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2002)

The movie is an honest depiction of events that occurred 3-4 Oct 1993 as recounted in the must-read book of the same name by author Mark Bowden. Any feelings of emptiness, shallowness or dissatisfaction with the movie are probably feelings generated from the actual historical incident. The movie itself is a testament to the bravery of our military's service members. Do memorials entertain you or do they provoke thoughts about the events and personalities involved? Where were you on 3 October 1993? I live in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the home of Ft Bragg and many of the soldiers sent to Somalia for Operation Just Cause. When I went to the theater to see this movie, an old lady sat next to me, by herself with no other friends or family accompanying her. I couldn't help but wonder if she was watching the movie to understand the experience of someone she knew that had gone and perhaps had not returned. Unfortunately, I did not ask, but her presence at a violent Hollywood movie demographically targeting young males speaks volumes about the underlying interest and respect America has for its soldiers who answer the call to defend our freedoms on foreign shores. I for one, but hopefully not alone, am grateful Hollywood has chosen to truthfully memorialize the events of that fateful day for our nation to genuflect upon.