Rating: 
Summary: Patriotic Action Film
Review: That millions of people around the world suffer from hunger, tyranny, suppression, discrimination and worse is apparent to anyone who even only occasionally turns on the 6:00 news. Heinous crimes and atrocities are committed daily in third world countries, and even in the most highly developed and civilized countries, as we all know only too well in the wake of September 11. And the frustration, guilt and despair evoked by the accounts of such things can induce a sense of helplessness that is immeasurable. Filmmakers here have chosen one especially significant incident from among the many on which to elaborate, and which puts the plight of those less fortunate into succinct perspective. Probably because this was the largest land battle since Vietnam, the battle of Mogadishu on October 3, 1993 was selected to bring the turmoil in Somalia to light, and in so doing bring attention to the ongoing distress of our global community, as well. A dramatization of the events of that day are depicted in "Black Hawk Down," directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Ken Nolan, adapted from the book by Mark Bowden. Civil War in raging in Somalia, and thousands upon thousands are starving to death under the relentless rule of warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. U.N. food drops have been ineffective in relieving the situation, as Aidid's troops confiscate the food in his name. Hunger and fear are Aidid's weapons of choice. When information comes their way that two of Aidid's most influential advisors will be in conference in the city, the commanders of the American troops stationed nearby determine to launch a raid to capture them, which they feel will greatly undermine Aidid's hold on Mogadishu. As planned, the operation will take less than an hour; but as with all sure things, the mission quickly goes bad, American troops become trapped in the city and are summarily engaged in hostilities by the enemy. During the melee, one of the aircraft, an American Black Hawk, is shot down. From his command post, General William Garrison (Sam Shepard) assesses the situation, and determines that no matter what, "No man will be left behind." Afterward, the whole affair briefly became a blip on the evening news and a headline in the papers; but to those who lived it, it became a day they would never forget. And this is their story. With his 1998 film, "Saving Private Ryan," Steven Spielberg set the bench mark for depicting combat on the screen in decidedly realistic terms. That film gave the viewer a sense of being in combat that was unprecedented, and with it, Spielberg raised the bar for all who followed. Now, it's expected that any major motion picture dealing with such subject matter will deliver that same kind of realism. And this film certainly does. But Spielberg did something else, too, that was very effective: He presented all of his major players on a very personal level, which gave "Ryan" a significant impact emotionally as well as viscerally. Ridley Scott did not do that with this film, and it makes all the difference in the world. Toward the end of the film, one of the characters, Hoot (Eric Bana), makes the comment that in battle, it's all about "The guy next to you." And that's very true; the problem here is, we don't really know who that guy is. Beyond enabling the audience to feel the sting of combat, to be entirely effective and really make that necessary connection with the viewer, Scott should have made sure we knew enough about these men out there fighting for their lives to really feel something when one of them went down. With few exceptions, it is difficult to put a name to a face during it all. Quite frankly, for the most part you can't tell the players without a scorecard. What he basically gives you is glimpses into a number of lives, and leaves it up to you to fill in the blanks. And it's just not enough to make this the gut wrenching drama that it should have been. As far as performances, only a couple actually stand out: Sam Shepard as General Garrison, and Tom Sizemore as Lt. Colonel Danny McKnight. Shepard is outstanding, turning in a fairly understated portrayal that is entirely believable, while Sizemore shows much more reserve than usual, and gives one of the more affecting performances of the film. Also worth noting is the work of Ron Eldard as Mike Durant, one of the pilots of the Black Hawks. But Josh Hartnett, as Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann, while creating a character that is believable, and definitely endowed with a '90s sensitivity, is less than a commanding presence, and for the most part is nothing more than just another face in the crowd. The same fate befalls Ewan McGregor as John Grimes, a company clerk/typist who finally gets his chance for duty in the field on this ill-fated mission. The supporting cast includes William Fichtner (Master Sergeant Howe), Ewen Bremner (Nelson), Jason Isaacs (Captain Steele), Jeremy Piven (Wolcott), Orlando Bloom (Blackburn) Danny Hoch (Pilla) and Gregory Sporleder (Galentine). Without question, the highlight of this film is the patriotism it inspires; in that regard, it's through the roof. But as a cinematic endeavor, "Black Hawk Down," is average at best. It could have-- and should have-- been a film as emotionally gripping as they come, but Scott and Nolan dropped the ball by concentrating too much on the technical aspects of the project and apparently assuming that the human element would emerge of it's own accord. The result is an intensely patriotic action film-- albeit a darn good one-- which accurately (by all accounts) depicts an incident that, while extremely disconcerting, is presented in a less than satisfying manner. Scott and his team put together a good package with this film, but they just didn't fill it up-- or deliver the goods as well as they could have.
Rating:
Summary: The Hawk May Be Down, But, The Spirit Soars!
Review: I've never seen a war movie that has been more about emotion than "Black Hawk Down". When thinking back to some of the great war movies of our time, I think of "Patton", a truly great film, but, it doesn't seem to have the heart this one has. "Platoon", another top notch war film, one of my all time favorite war movies, but, it doesn't seem to tug at the heart the way this one does. "Apocalypse Now", one of Coppola's masterpieces, just doesn't seem to have the same effect on us. One of the main reasons I feel all of this is, is because, "Black Hawk Down" lacks in story-line, lets all be honest. But, because 2 hours of this film is nothing but battle scenes, the viewer goes on an emotional roller coster. I'm not saying this film is preachy, it isn't! It doesn't take sides either. It merely trys to state the facts. But, there are moments that appear on screen that are so strong and effective, we (the audience) are just completely drawn in.
I saw "Black Hawk Down" about two weeks ago, and within all that time there are moments even now, when I still think about the film now and then. I couldn't figure out what I honestly and truly thought of the film. I can see certain faults with the film, but, I can also see the film's strong points as well. First I'll start off with the faults.
"Black Hawk Down" lacks a plot, it's as clear and simple as that. The film is 30 minutes of set-up and two hours of pay-off. Secondly, the film has no character development whatsoever. We know little if anything about these people. Which mind me think. Isn't that the way it is in real life? Many of us don't even know those brave men and women who defend our country. At one point in time, I felt the film had no narrative POV to it. As I thought about I was wrong. It is told from someone's POV, the solider's! Ridley Scott, as tried to make us become part of the experince. I'm not saying the film completely does this, after all it is only a movie and NOTHING can compare to the real thing.
Now the strong points. Ridley Scott does an amazing job directing this film. He deserves every bit of attention he's getting for this film. He should get an Oscar nomination for best director. The cinematography by Slavomir Idziak is remarkable as well. And, even though we don't get the know any of the characters in the film, the ensemble is impressive; Sam Shepard, Tom Sizemore, Ewan McGregor & Josh Hartnett, none of them stand out, and I think it was suppose to be that way, because the very message of this film is "never leave a man behind" well, as with the cast, they work as a team! And last but not least those battle scenes. Most viwers have stated we feel many emotions while watching this film and we do, because of those battle scenes.
In the end "Black Hawk Down" is a film that all Americans will enjoy. As you walk out of the theatre a feeling of pround will flow throughout you. You'll be happy to be an American. You may even find a whole new respect for the brave men and women who defend this country. Now, are these things a bad film can do? I think not. The end result for "Black Hawk Down" is, it's a powerful, effective war film that entertains and informs it's audience, and ONLY the truly great ones do that! *** 1\2 out of *****
Rating: 
Summary: One of the most powerful war films ever made!!
Review: I think that "Black Hawk Down" is a movie that is nothing short of astonishing or powerful. As far as Ridley Scott's ("Alien", "Blade Runner") direction goes, it was just as thrilling and exciting as ever! And now, on to producer Jerry Bruckheimer ("Pearl Harbor", "Armageddon"). Bruckheimer did a superb job in bringing this real-life story to the big screen! "Black Hawk Down" focuses on the Battle of Mogadishu in October, 1993. An elite force of Delta and Ranger units attempt what should be a short mission (in other words, a quick in-and-out), but when their helicopters are unexpectedly shot down, they are forced into the longest sustaining ground battle since the Vietnam War. "Black Hawk Down", indeed, has a top-notch cast including Josh Hartnett ("Pearl Harbor"), Ewan McGregor ("Moulin Rouge"), Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan"), Eric Bana (upcoming "Incredible Hulk" movie), William Fichtner ("Armageddon"), and Sam Shepard ("Swordfish"). In conclusion, "Black Hawk Down" is among one of the greatest war epics ever filmed since Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" and Coppola's "Apocalypse Now". Also, to me, "Black Hawk Down" is way, way better than that boring "Thin Red Line"! And I have to agree with the critics, "Black Hawk Down" IS one of the best films of the year!
Rating: 
Summary: a glorified Rambo sequel.
Review: This film has the cinematic style and potential for a patriotic and moving portrayal of combat. However, they opted to generalize the entire battle into one confusing and objective story, rather than tell the stories of the soldiers. I can easily have my emotions stirred up by the brutal killing of a character, but not if I have no clue who he is or what he is doing. The film throws so many characters at you in such brief periods that you can't remember any of their names, let alone what kind of a people they are. Aside from the uniforms we can't tell the difference between the rebel Somolians and the U.S. military. We're not even sure if we're fighting for the right side. The filmmakers do nothing more than beat excessive violence and plight into our faces with no explanation, no distinctions, and no emotion. This film is an insult to the soldiers who actually fought that battle.
Rating:
Summary: Bullets Over Mogu!!!!!
Review: This is the most realistic war movie ever portrayed. I am a Ranger that fought in this battle, and I tell you that I left tne movie theatre in tears. It brought up memories that I have not thought about in years and that I try to forget. Even though the movie is not 100% acurate it is damn close. Bravo to the directors and bravo to those who portrayed this horrible time in history. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie I've Ever SEEN!
Review: Hey Movie Watchers! Black Hawk Down is the best movie ever. It is very touching and emotional. It shows exactly what goes on in warzone that none can even tell. You have to see this movie to understand what all soldiers go through. I gave this movie a 10. I think everyone should see it atleast once to get a glimpse of how ugly war is. But to also see the good that comes out of it also. this movie is awesome.
Rating:
Summary: A haunting story about young men in battle
Review: This moving was absolutely riveting. It tells two stories. The first story is about how we wasted some of our best-trained and best-motivated young men on a mission that was not properly supported by their chain of command. The Rangers and Delta Force operators were sent in without the proper backing - no armor and insufficient air support - in what turned into one gigantic goat molestation. It shows what happens what happens when mission parameters are controlled by a collection of REMFs who do not have the character to lead from the front. Our magnificent young men died trying to make a difference in a country controlled by thugs and brigands, but they were sent into harm's way by a president who was a photo-op leader at best and a complete sell-out to politics and expediency. The second story is about the triumph of soldiers fighting for their buddies and esprit-de corp. Thank God almighty that we still have brave young men who can say, "Follow me!" If this movie does not leave you with a big lump in your throat, an aching heart and swelling pride that these young men come from the heart of America, you missed the point. Last, it must be pointed out that the Somalis killed in the protracted battle shown in this film WERE NOT DEFENDING THEIR HOMELAND. They were criminal thugs who were trying to protect their turf, their control of the food distribution and their criminal enterprise. They were trying to protect their homeland in the same way that drug-dealing, merchant-extorting, murderous street gangs in LA are protecting their homeland. To suggest otherwise is simply silly political correctness.
Rating:
Summary: Best War Movie Ever.
Review: This and Saving Private Ryan are the best war movies ever made. Combat scenes are intense. The American Rangers and Delta Force were heroic. Movie raises the question of whether America should get involved in the wars of other countries. And then, if we do get involved, why not follow the policy of the Gulf War by amassing overwhelming force and crushing the bad guys.The Rangers and Delta force were denied the opportunity to have tank support and other heavy firepower. Also, if America is going to fight we should fight to win. This is reminiscent of Vietnam where many brave Americans lost their lives because the politicians were too busy trying to be politically correct rather than being morally correct and supporting their country's troops. Then if America has decided to fight, why did Clinton immediately pull the USA out of Somalia. This sent the wrong message as did the Kosovo conflict that the USA is unwilling to accept casualties. This emboldens our enemies. Also, on the home front, the Rangers were further betrayed by Clinton who had their badge of honor the black beret contracted out to be made for all army troops by the Chinese who are likely the most dangerous enemy of the USA. For more information on this topic please see the book Betrayal by Gertz, Seeds of Fire by Gordon Thomas or Hedgemony by Steven Mosher. Their should be an amendment that draft dodgers like Clinton should not be allowed to run for president.
Rating:
Summary: Gets Better Every Time I Watch It...
Review: I saw this movie in theaters twice, the more I watch it the more I understand the movies complexities. I like the cinematography of the movie, the breath-taking action sequences, and the way that the Battle of Mogadishu was portrayed. Critics have blasted the movie for not showing the Somali p.o.v. well, I agree that there was not much shown about why the Somali civilian soldiers were picking up arms against the US-led U.N. humanitarian campaign. Critics have said this movie is uncomfortably graphic, yes this movie is very graphic at times - for those of you with weak stomachs for gore you may desire to close your eyes at times. Regardless of the short-commings I love this movie:)
Rating:
Summary: One humble opinion
Review: This is definitely one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen. You are pulled directly into the mind, heart and soul of the brave Rangers that were mired in this 18 hour 'war'. I wanted to jump from my seat and run to the aid of the wounded, get beside the courageous and pray for the dead. How can I ever repay what these young men have done and continue to do for me as a citizen of this great nation? What will my contribution be?
I left the theater feeling unworthy of the men that fought so bravely. I know what happened in Mogadishu. I felt what happened in Mogadishu. Thank you Ridley Scott.
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