Some Tough Survivors

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2014)

This film was not a disappointment. It's not quite the same caliber as "Black Hawk Down" or Berg's "The Kingdom", but not a disappointment. The tragic scenario doesn't lend itself to much more than is here. There is some comradeship and chemistry very briefly in the beginning when the Navy soldiers first wake up and talk about wives, family, etc. They are then told their mission will commence later in the day. Due to some mistakes, poor planning, poor technology, and bad luck the group of four elite soldiers never really get a chance to be successful. There are not really any phases of the mission that go well and some quick reconnaissance and surveying quickly turns to unfortunate turn of events.
When the going gets tough, these soldiers don't quickly get going anywhere. Though they are quickly outnumbered ad faced with dire circumstances, they don't ever abandon their brothers and they don't surrender, even after falling down 1/2 mile of mountains, breaking multiple bones, acquiring numerous lacerations, and many bullet holes. The resiliency is quite impressive and the heart of the story. Watching the complications unfold, it made me angry at the mistakes made during this mission and the seemingly small things that if would've been slightly adjusted may have led to a totally different result. The end of the story is not a surprise, based on the title, but the unfolding of how this happens does add some more plot and suspense at the end of the film. As the credits roll, photos of the soldiers involved in the mission, many who gave their lives. I felt nothing but gratitude for the country we live in and the soldiers who sacrifice their freedoms and lives for us every day throughout the entire film. Very humbling.