Taking Chance
Tags: flashback, home movie

Plot synopsis:
The film opens on a black screen, with white letters describing the date and place, as we hear radio chatter about a "suspicious vehicle" followed by the sound of an explosion and gunfire. We then cut to see two Marines driving, wearing dress blue uniforms, to an unmarked house in the middle of the night and knocking on the door. Finally we cut to Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl (played by Kevin Bacon) searching on his computer the casualty report for the Middle East. After a couple clips of Michael running through the woods, service members' coffins getting put into an airplane, and some driving. We find the Lt. Col. at work giving a presentation to several other Marines. The Lt. Col. makes his way home with his family for a short while, then the camera cuts to five Marines in woodland MarPat camouflage taking US Flag draped coffins off of an airplane in the rain. After a short clip of the Lt. Col. eating dinner with his family, we find him looking at the casualty report yet again but this time he writes down some information. The movie then cuts to him in an interview with a higher ranking Marine and he asks to escort a Marine named PFC (Private First Class) Chance Phelps. He says it is because the PFC is from his hometown, then we see him discuss his choice with his wife. After he explains that he is doing this only because the PFC is from his hometown and has no other meaning, the film cuts to several people doing medical procedures on a dead body which one can assume to be PFC Phelps. After the morticians are shown, the film then cuts to the Lt. Col. leaving and telling his wife goodbye.
He then arrives at Dover Port Mortuary where he gets his instructions along with other Marines on how to go about escorting a fallen Marine. After the instruction, all the service member escorts who are awaiting their turn to depart head outside and render honors as each of them departs. The Lt. Col. is informed that Phelps isn't ready to be transported due to the amount of casualties. He checks into a hotel room and the next day does an inventory, with another Marine, of Phelps' personal items including: a cross on a string, a Saint Christopher necklace, a wristwatch, and Phelps' dog tags. He is told that PFC Phelps's private effects are not to leave his side, under any circumstances. The Lt. Col. then verifies that the body in the van is in fact the PFC and then begins his drive to the airport where he has a talk with Rich Brewer (played by John Magaro) of the Dover Port Mortuary. They talk about the military and how the driver knew two men from his high school who enlisted, one of whom returned after sustaining severe injuries (who is recovering at Walter Reed), and the other who was killed. Lt. Col. Strobl arrives at the airport, where he first renders honors to the PFC as he is offloaded to a cargo area, before saying a curbside goodbye to the driver (telling him, he's "a good man"). Lt. Col. Strobl heads to the check-in counter, where the ticketing agent tells him that he has been upgraded to First Class. As he goes through security, he tells a somewhat annoyed TSA agent that he can't put Phelps' personal items into the x-ray scanner (because they are not allowed to leave his side at any time for any reason). He also says that he won't take off his Marine Dress Uniform Jacket to go through the metal detector because it would degrade the uniform. Eventually he is screened in private, with the TSA agent using a metal-detector wand, while the Lt. Col. holds on to the PFC's personal effects in his hand. He then renders honors to the PFC again as the coffin is loaded onto the airplane. On board, the man next to him in first class orders a Jack Daniels, and he orders a water, after which the man asks him "What, are you on duty?" He replies, "Yes, I am," and they take off. While in the air the flight attendant hands him a crucifix and tells him that she wants him to have it.
A few hours later, the plane touches down and Strobl and the PFC's casket wait to change flights in Minneapolis. After the casket is unloaded, Strobl requests to stay with the casket overnight in the airport's cargo area. Despite reservations from the foreman, his request is granted; one of the workers offers him a sleeping bag from his jeep. During this time, Strobl meets a U.S. Army Sergeant of the 1st Cavalry Division who he recognized from the Dover Port Mortuary. The sergeant tells Strobl that he is escorting his deceased brother home. The following morning, the PFC's casket is loaded onto a Northwest Airlines flight as the baggage handlers and even the flight captain pay their respects. On this flight, Lt. Col. Strobl sits next to a young woman who cheerily offers him a magazine to read, and also texts someone that she is sitting next to a "HOT soldier," which Lt. Col. Strobl happens to catch a glimpse of and corrects her that he is actually a Marine. Upon landing, the airliner captain, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and former A-10 attack jet pilot in the first Persian Gulf War, makes a special announcement, asking for the other passengers to remain seated so that Lt. Col. Strobl has a chance to deplane first and render honors for PFC Phelps as his casket is unloaded. The woman sitting next to the Lt. Col, who had no idea he was on an escort mission for a fallen Marine, is visibly touched, and apologizes for potentially being insensitive with her earlier actions; Lt. Col. Strobl instead warmly thanks her for her company.
After unloading, Lt. Col. Strobl is greeted by the funeral director, and they load PFC Phelp's casket for the final part of his journey. Along the way, an impromptu funeral procession forms along the highway, as people in passing cars see Lt. Col. Strobl and realize what the hearse is carrying. After arriving in the town where PFC Phelps's parents reside, the Lt. Col. is greeted by a younger fellow Marine, who along with a partner had driven up from Salt Lake City a few days earlier to inform PFC Phelps's family of his death. The men proceed into the funeral home, where the younger Marine suggests that this would be a good time to place some personal items that PFC Phelps's family had asked him to place into the casket; Lt. Col. Strobl agrees, and despite it being a closed casket ceremony, insists that he wants to make sure PFC Phelps's uniform is correct and in place. As the men open the casket, both Marines have a strong, emotional reaction to seeing PFC Phelps; Lt. Col. Strobl remarks that even though the staff at Dover Port Mortuary knew it was going to be a closed casket ceremony, they still made every effort to make sure that PFC Phelps was prepared and dressed perfectly.
Later that evening, a memorial event is held at the local VFW, to which Lt. Col. Strobl was invited earlier. The local veterans, along with PFC Phelps's sergeant (who was with him when he was killed) and others, all welcome Lt. Col. Strobl with sincere gratitude for "bringing Chance home." They reminisce about Chance's outgoing personality, and recount some war stories of his, including, eventually later in the evening, the sergeant's story of what happened the day that PFC Phelps was killed (apparently in the firefight following the IED attack on their convoy, heard at the beginning of the film, in which PFC Phelps was the gunner on a machine gun and was able to draw the focus of much of the enemy fire, allowing for his comrades to safely find cover for themselves). As the attendees of the memorial leave at the end of the evening, Lt. Col. Strobl remarks to the U.S. Marine 1.st Division Korean War veteran who first introduced himself at the bar, that he was eligible for a tour of duty in Iraq himself, but instead "got used to the sight of his wife and kids" and put in an application for an office tour instead, which was granted. Even though colonel Strobl is a recipient of the Marine Combat Action Ribbon from his service in the First Gulf War, he feels somewhat ashamed of his actions, to which the Korean War veteran reminds him that there is no shame in loving his family, and that he is not any less of a Marine than PFC Phelps or his sergeant or any of the other men serving in combat in Iraq, because now, he is a witness for PFC Phelps, having served this escort mission, and he is now responsible in no small part for PFC Phelps's legacy.
Prior to the funeral the next day, Lt. Col. Strobl meets PFC Phelps's family for the first time, and makes a point of mentioning that PFC Phelps was treated with great care and dignity across his entire journey. He hands over PFC Phelps's personal effects, as well as a letter from PFC Phelps's platoon leader. He finally leaves them with the cross that was given to him by a flight attendant, saying that eventually he realized it wasn't really given to him, only that he was carrying it for them. With the father's voiceover reading the platoon leader's letter in the background, we see PFC Phelps receive a funeral with full military honors, and his divorced parents are each presented with a flag, "on behalf of the President, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation," honoring their son. As the attendees all pay their respects, Lt. Col. Strobl renders one final salute as the last one left at the ceremony. The film ends as Lt. Col. Strobl reminisces about his experience, saying that despite the fact he didn't know PFC Chance Phelps prior to his death, somehow after escorting him home and laying him to rest, he now misses him. We then see Lt. Col. Strobl returning home and embracing his wife and children, as the final shot of the film reveals that the mailbox of the unknown house depicted at the beginning of the film says "Phelps."
                            In Memory of Lance Corporal Chance Russell Phelps 
                                          An American Hero

Review: Based on a true story, the story follows LtCol Mike Strobl (Kevin Bacon), a military who volunteered to escort the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.
Instead of showing up battle scenes, the movie opted to include a conversation between Bacon's character and a soldier friend of Chance about how he died saving everybody else.
If it had such things in "Taking Chance" it would drag the movie in other direction and anyway that's another story.An incredible tour-de-force performance by Kevin Bacon, who really captured the essence of a Marine devoted to his duties, and also showed a good emotional side not trying to do such.
This film allows any viewer, of any political persuasion, race, color, creed to honor (and grieve) in a respectful and deeply moving way through the journey of a Marine escort.
It's a realistic view of the respect and honor fallen soldiers get when they come home for the last time.I cried for about 3/4 of the movie.
All of us felt this movie was one of the most powerful and moving films we've ever seen.
Michael Strobl, who volunteers to escort the body of a young Marine (Chance Phelps) who was killed in Iraq, and whose remains are being returned to the Marine's family.
As a result of seeing "Taking Chance," the dedication and professionalism of our military is far more tangible, as well as the pain and suffering each family experiences with each death.My only caution is that you should have tissue handy, since the movie made almost everyone in the audience cry.
In addition is shows the outpouring of thanks and respect that LtCol Strobl encountered as he escorted the body Lance Corporal Chance Phelps back to his family.Everyone should see this movie.
Kevin Bacon does a superb job, as does the supporting cast.....My family recently had a son of a friend killed in Iraq while serving in the Marines, and the images seen in this movie parallel the emotions we observed our friends family endure.
In response to a question the Director Katz stated he tried to keep this effort apolitical as a tribute to all who have been killed in Iraq and to focus on the respect and dignity afforded the KIA soldiers on their journey home.
I will watch this film again with my 13, soon to be 14 year old son, who needs (like me ) to be reminded of the stark reality of where we are as a people today - right or wrong, it is what it is...
Kevin Bacon gives a restrained, compelling performance in this film dealing with the meticulous handling of our soldiers killed in Iraq.
It is recommended that the body not be shown for viewing." This line will forever live with me.The film deals with patriotism and how a young man, apparently full of life, died a hero in Iraq while protecting others..
So in concluding if your in the mood for a true gripping drama that will leave you happy , sad , proud then be sure to watch this you wont be sorry , this is actually my first review , thats how much I loved this movie ..
Kevin Bacon being a great actor, and having done very good movies, I figured let's give it a go.
And it is this sense of needing to be a part of the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict that compels him to request an assignment that is becoming more and more frequent -- escort duty for a fallen Marine.PFC Chance Phelps, only 19 years old, is the fallen Marine and Mike Strobl is assigned to get Phelps from the mortuary in Dover, Delaware, to Phelps' final resting place in Dubois, Wyoming.While it is Phelps whose presence is always sensed, Bacon is the film's central figure -- stoic and a bit taken aback at what he encounters at every turn.
The emotional guts of this film come from the supporting players: The woman who cleans Phelps' body, the Marines who prepare Phelps' uniform and ribbons before the man is placed in his casket, the people who move the Marine's remains from warehouse to aircraft to hearse and all the people that Strobl meets in the course of "taking Chance" back home.
At every turn, Strobl is there watching over Chance Phelps...and so, too, are everyday Americans, doing their regular jobs, including this one task -- transporting the remains of a fallen Marine and trying to express, in the best way they can, their grief over this young man and their gratitude to the officer serving as escort.
This movie is as much about them, as it is about the life a young marine who died young.I'm the first person to argue against the propaganda of the Iraq war, or even Americas "Might is right" attitude, but those issues are utterly irrelevant to this movie.This movie is about the respect and honour that everyone, from the lowliest baggage handler to the highest ranking officer should afford those who risk, and sometimes forfeit their lives in service of their country.It doesn't matter whether the politicians are right or wrong - a footsoldier simply serves and trusts that his service is for the greater good, and for the protection of the freedoms that we enjoy.This movie was incredibly moving, and when people call it boring or rant about its agenda, I have to ask if they have hearts of stone.
Anyone with the minutest amount of human empathy can surely respect the tragedy of lives lost so young, even if you believe that they are misguided in their service.What made this film so touching, was not the emotional journey of the escort, but the depiction of the genuine and heartfelt respect that ordinary Americans pay to the fallen.
The average person has the humanity to put politics aside and honour the dead, and this movie was simply about that - the humanity and dignity and gratitude shown to the fallen.I believe all war is wrong, and I despise Bush, but sometimes, unless we are to all roll over and hand our freedom over to those who do not share our values, soldiers such as Chance must go to war, and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice.
America has fallen greatly in global opinion over the past decade, but this movie reminds me that ordinary Americans are compassionate, humane, decent people who, like the rest of us, have no control over those they elect to power, and only limited choices over whom to elect (if the elections are even run fairly in the first place)..
I think this is the best part I have ever seen Kevin Bacon play, and the respect the he and everyone in the film portrayed was fantastic.It may just be me but it seemed as though I could see the respect for the part he was playing in his eyes, it was not like it was just another part in another film to make a living.I just wish and hope that Mr. Bacon can find more roles that offer him the chance to be all that he was in this film.
I wish to thank Kevin Bacon and all those that had a part in creating this film that I believe rates with all the good movies I used to see many, many years ago..
Although we don't generally describe what we're doing and do all we can to maintain a level of solemnity and dignity, people along the way know who we are and what we're doing.Taking Chance is a film that shows America and Americans in such a beautiful way, paying tribute in each's manner to someone who serves to protect our nation and our way of life.
But I believe HBO came as close to capturing those moments as is humanly possible without having experienced it yourself.And although I read a comment concerning Kevin Bacon's scene where he expressed guilt over not having seen combat (that it somehow took away from the film), that too brought home the feeling of helplessness and shame I felt that I couldn't do more to prevent the loss for those families I had to face.Bravo HBO and Thank You America, you do the men and women of the Armed Services proud..
"Taking Chance" was an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of the boys and girls who give their lives for their Country, gain an understanding of the respect given to them by many when they come home, and know that they will never be forgotten.
Taking Chance starring Kevin Bacon is one of the most stirring movies I have seen.
I must say that I love our military men and women and as a Viet Nam veteran this film "Taking Chance" makes me proud and honored to have served.
The "ordinary" every day Americans as seen in this film throughout Chance's Journey home is what I truly believe is the real America.
It was repeated several times during the night and early morning and will have countless showings this week.Most of you are familiar with Col. Strobl's true account of escorting US Marine PFC Chance Phelps' body from Dover Delaware to Wyoming where Chance was buried.
It's not depressing, nor is it anti-war as Chance was killed by a roadside bomb and attack on a road in Iraq.It was an education for me to see the care and painstaking respect each person gave in honor of the fallen soldier...whether it was the military personnel who cleaned the body, pressed the new uniform with new service ribbons or the kid driver who drove Kevin to the airport...the baggage handlers, the airline ticket seller, other marines, vets, friends or strangers to Chance, the amount of military ritual of respect has never been portrayed as convincingly beautiful before.I couldn't help but think of how President Bush, VP Cheney, and Secretary Rumsfeld ordered the press not to take pictures of the returning KIA vets or show their coffins, but rather sneak the fallen into the country during early morning hours to keep the public from seeing or honoring these heroes.
To me that was Bush's team's way of thinking.I hope the four-thousand plus families and friends of our Iraqi fallen soldiers get to see this movie as it will show them how much the military DOES honor its own.IF any of you didn't see it...please make an effort to visit a friend who subscribes to HBO and make it a point to watch, "Taking Chance".Depressing?
The movie was made in my home state of Montana and they do a good job of showing how real people are in small towns.
This movie shows the touching journey of escorting the dead body of Chance Phelps (based on actual events).
Let me start by mentioning that i am not a person who usually gets moved by incidents and used feel why people cry when they see a movie, after all its a movie,but after watching this one even i was in tears and i was very much overwhelmed.The movie doesn't deal with a complex issue or why we have the war.If you are looking for a movie where the politicians are bashed for unnecessarily going to war with some xyz country that is thousands of miles away,i suggest you to watch Fahrenheit 911 or even Kevin Bacon is a Officer in the Marine Corps whose job profile is to determine the staffing requirement in Iraq.He is a compassionate and very much a family person and he is moved by the number of causalities each and every passing day.On one such day when he was going through the list, he comes across the name of a private who was from his native town.Even though he hasn't met the private before, he decides to escort the body of the private to his family.The story mainly focuses on this journey and how people he meets along the way care for the loss and value the loss and also finally how his grieving family takes things.
I would suggest a one time watch for sure and realize the value of the loss of a life,that too trying to fight for the freedom of another nation, far away from home, standing up for your friends and your nation.Saluting the Great Warriors......
This isn't something they are made to do but do it because they want to, they feel the need to do this, I am very proud of every young man and young woman that takes up the job of defending our country.I will admit that I cried through most of this movie.
He decides to escort the body of 19 year old PFC Chance Phelps back home to Clifton, Colorado which is also his hometown.There is a power to this movie.
Semper Fi. I understand how some people completely reject war but this isn't a movie about war but a story about a man, a Marine, who feels guilt for taking an office job rather than go out on another combat tour.
What I have seen at funerals over the past year has been very emotional for me and watching this film, literally just tore me apart knowing what these men go through, I am there for the final end result of their travels and having never served as an escort before I did not know all that they went through.
The portrayal by Kevin Bacon and the rest of the cast during this movie deserve a sharp salute for a job well done.
Not many movies show what's it really like to be in the military and the respect that the members have for their country, their uniform, and for each other.
This is an extraordinary use of film as a second language - the minute detail and the enormous respect shown by all in show a dignity that make this one of the best films ever about the ultimate price of soldiering.At every point the utmost care is taken to detail the process of care of the deceased but, and here the film shines, it shows the human effect: the values and mores that govern the heart in a way that is not maudlin or contrived, but rather authentic and for that reason heartfelt.
People are real, the script is minimal and at no point does it preach.Extremely well shot, and Kevin Bacon gives his most understated performance ever, every gesture carries weight, and the gravitas comes from ordinary people not from contrivance or device.A film full of sincerity and a true tale that deserves to be told and should be seen by all.Taking Chance at its heart holds finds a basic goodness in people - and if a fitting elegy that illustrates with great love the ultimate sacrifice..
I feel the movie manifested the respect and care that I saw in all of those involved in bringing Kevin home.
From the young Captain who made the notification to the Captain who escorted Kevin home my experience was that these soldiers were bringing their brother home.I could watch this movie every week and never be tired of it because of the connection with my son..
I have just finished watching HBO's "Taking Chance" and was deeply moved by the film and how it showed the journey of Pfc. Chance Phelps who was killed in action in Iraq.
And with every salute of Kevin Bacon I was reminded of how irrelevant war is in our times and how we need to apologize to every single soldier out there.
The respect that we as nation hold for our men and women in uniform is reflected in every scene except one, when Chance's dad places his medals on the coffin, this serves as a reminder of how the Vietnam vets were treated and to say "never again".Whatever stance individuals take on Iraq, the respect this nation holds for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines is one that comes from the heart..
Michael Strobl, who escorted the body of a fallen Marine, PFC Chance Phelps, 'Taking Chance' is An Emotional Roller-Coaster, that leaves every patriot proud.
Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.'Taking Chance' leaves you Proud, as a patriot.
This movie gives them that respect and does a superb job.Despite the bad reviews, I think a great many people appreciate those who serve in the military and appreciate when someone sacrifices their life for this country.
I think it's great that they has filmed a movie like that, starting from that simple argument/idea.
Marine LTC Michael Strobl (Bacon) escorts fallen fellow Marine PFC Chance Phelps back to his home for burial.This is a movie everyone should see.
This film shows people at their very best honoring those who have fallen.
It does not take a position on the war, and it doesn't matter whether you are pro-war or anti-war, it is the soldiers, sailors, and marines that make the ultimate sacrifice.Kevin Bacon really shines as the escort who takes his duty seriously.
What really moved my heart was how the very moment Phelps was transported back home from Iraq h was treated with respect and honor all the way from the mortuary to his home town.Have to really appreciate those men and women who help you fight for the freedom that you have.
I feel that Kevin Bacon was at his absolute best in this movie.
my son is doing the job he loves.even thought it was hard seeing the movie, i was proud to see the honor the soldier was given.
The coffin is escorted by Kevin Bacon to the soldiers family back home.
Being from a military family, I was so glad this movie showed how our fallen are cared for with such great respect.
I think "Taking Chance" is better appreciated by soldiers and families who lost their loved ones in a war.