Rating: 
Summary: Amazing movie, but be sure to check out the book
Review: I'd first like to say I'm a big military buff myself and am joining in a few years, and this movie is the best I've seen since Saving Private Ryan. This movie fairly accurately portrays what actually happened that fatefull Sundy afternoon October 3, 1993. It's missing a few parts of the actual happenings, but if they were to make it like it was exactly what happened, it could of lasted probably 4 hours if not more. After reading the book, the movie was a let down for me, but still a great movie none the less. I suggest you see the movie first, and read the book after, because if you like the movie, you'll love the book. The book also has more action then the movie (hard to believe, I know), so it'll keep you reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Doesn't live up to the hype
Review: Very disappointed, after hearing how great this movie was, it was a real let down. If something is supposed to be a true story, it would be nice to get the real story of what went on in Mogadishu, not the poitically correct version. There were key elements of the story missing. "We Were Soldiers" was a much better movie.
Rating: 
Summary: A riveting look at present day warfare
Review: To start off with, before or after seeing the movie, reading the book would be a huge plus because the book is incredibly good. It may well fill in any gaps or questions that were not addressed in the movie. Seeing the movie after reading the book, It was very apparent that the movie followed the book very closely and was excellently done.The movie does not delve into the politics of the U.S. in Somalia but it does give an introductory, although short, explanation why we were there and what we were trying to accomplish. Some reviewers have stated that we shouldn't have been there in the first place. Let's take a look - it was reported that 300,000 Somalian citizens had starved to death because their emergency food supplies (flown in by the U.S.) were taken away by Somalian warlords. The Somalian militias then attacked U.N. peacekeeping forces and rendered them just about useless. The United States was about the only nation left to go and render aid and assistance because no one else was going to do it. We had honest and just reasons to try to shut down the warlords and help a country that was harboring genocidal killers that were perpetrating vicious crimes against humanity. Being in the military myself for 14 years now, I can relate to what goes through a soldiers mind and why we in the military are asked to do certain things that the average citizens of our country cannot always relate to. It's not easy to explain, but we in the military are very proud and rely on honor, integrity, teamwork, and pride. We work very hard to protect our country, other countries, and those in the world who cannot protect themselves and who need our help. This is just one of the reasons that makes America great. In October of 1993, some 100 or so U.S. Military Forces comprised of the Army Rangers, Delta Force, and the Special Operations Aviation Regiment (S.O.A.R.) were tasked to extricate two key individuals in the warlord clan led by Mohammed Aidid to help stop the crimes against the Somalian people. This extrication was to take place in an extremely hostile area in the middle of the city of Mogadishu in broad daylight. According to initial planning, it was to be a 30 to 35 minute operation which ended up playing out to be a horrifying 16 to 18 hour ordeal. The reality at the onset was looking to be successful until two Blackhawk type helicopters were shot down using rocket propelled grenades (RPG's). The U.S. soldiers were immediately thrown into an environment of total chaos being that the Somalian militias were very heavily armed and attacked from every section of the city. Adding to the misery was that hundreds, if not thousands of Somalian citizens had weapons also and relentlessly attacked our soldiers for hours on end without hesitation. The U.S. soldiers, taking many disastrous casualties and injuries of their own, secured both helicopter crash scenes, fought all the way through with almost unheard of courage and determination, brought all of their wounded and dead out that they could, and showed more bravery and resolve than could ever be asked of anyone. Ridley Scott and Jerry Bruckheimer have long been involved in movies of non-stop action and heart pounding excitement. I don't see this movie as so much an action movie but compare it more to a documentary and an entirely realistic vision of what actually happened on that fateful day. I believe that the movie was exceptionally well made and showed exactly what needed to be showed. This was not a movie to be a forum for the politics of why we were there. The movie states why we were there and how the military was intimately involved. If there is anyone who questions our military or how good they really are or what sacrifices we have made in history for our country and other countries, this movie is indicative of why our country is the greatest with the greatest military. This is probably one of the 10 best war films ever made and I think it is important for U.S. citizens to really know what happened that day in Somalia to get a clear picture. I couldn't give this review 5 stars because of the poor content of the DVD release. There are trailers for 2 movies but neither are for Black Hawk Down. Not good. There is no directors commentary and no worthwhile featurettes. Why? In the age of digital sound and video, we are seeing much more of DTS sound on large amounts of DVD releases. The 5.1 Dolby surround on this movie was excellent but DTS would have been sensational and they should have considered this when making the DVD. I have a reasonably good suspicion that they will re-release this DVD with a load of extra's in the future and possibly DTS sound. It may be worth the wait. If you like war movies, especially those that are based on true events and very accurate, you will probably find Black Hawk Down to your liking. A small word of warning though. This movie depicts very graphic scenes of injuries and carnage and death. But, that is precisely how it should have been done so that the viewer can relate to what actually happened. I hope most of you will be able to appreciate this movie as much as I did.
Rating: 
Summary: It was a good movie, just not for me...
Review: Well, I will start off by saying, this wasn't all that bad of a movie. The acting was first rate. You actually seemed like you were there. The story is great (since it is a true story). However, after 2 hours of non-stop shooting, the movie starts to get boring. I mean, if there was something happening (like a plot development) during those two hours, it would've been different, but that's what bores the hell out of me. Nothing, just shoot, reload, and shoot some more. If you like these type of war movies (drawn-out and boring) give it a shot. If you like a movie with real characters and plot development past the first 20 minutes, check out Behind Enemy Lines.
Rating:
Summary: BLACK HAWK DOWN ROCKS!
Review: This is one of the best war movies I have ever seen. It pulls no punches and doesn't waste any time getting to the action. I like the way it ACCURATELY portrays the ACTUAL EVENTS that took place. It pays tribute to the men who fought and died there and reflects credit on the cast and crew who made the movie. I highly reccomend this film to anyone who is interested in a gritty and graphic film about the "fog of war".
Rating: 
Summary: NO TRAILER & NO COMMENTARY
Review: The DVD contains 2 trailers: "Spiderman" and "the One."
There is no trailer of Black hawk Down. The makers of the DVD decided to use it as a comercial to advertise their other films.
I happen to like trailers and I happen to like commentaries from the director. This DVD contains neither. I expected more from Jerry Bruckheimer& Co. especially since this is an important movie. The picture quality is good. The audio could be better. A Good Movie. A Poor DVD.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: this movie was incredible! it was a rough movie to watch. with my brother being in Somolia at the time, i was finally able to see what he went through. this movie is a hard-hitting, holds-nothing back kinda film. be prepared for hard to watch scenes, particularlly one where surgery is preformed using bare hands (read: blood everywhere!!). all in all, this movie is awesome. totally worth the timw and money!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, but where are the DVD special features?
Review: I loved the movie (and the book), but if you're buying the DVD expecting any special features, think again. They didn't even bother to include the trailer! Sure the box says "theatrical trailer(s)", but those are two trailers for other movies! There's a 10 minute behind-the-scenes bit, but it's really just a quick character introduction by the actors -- pretty useless if you've already seen the movie and paid any attention to the characters. Audio options, etc. are minimal. Some work went into the menu screens, but they suffer from what many DVD menus suffer from: slow menu navigation due to animations during transitions from one screen to the next. It was nice to watch the first time but has just been infuriatingly slow ever since. I'm glad to own the movie, but the DVD is disappointing. I'm wondering if I should have waited for a "Special Edition". Maybe they're withholding the features for a later release to cash in a second time...
Rating:
Summary: Real Events More Entertaining than Hollywood
Review: Black Hawk Down will go down as one of the must see war films on a short list of movies. Platoon and Saving Private Ryan are the other two. Black Hawk Down has no stupid cheesey, macho Hollywood lines or unrealistic, stylish fight sequences or unnecessary, out of place love stories (please take note the directors of Episode II and Pearl Harbor) which destroy the credibility of the movie. It's about an ugly, ill-fated war that the US raged. What separates this movie is it truly captures the chaotic, terryfing nature of war. The combatants look genuinely scared and confused in this movie. The movie shows the terrible toll it takes on our young men. There are body parts littered all over as well as brocken hearts of young men who know of their demise. Bullets and bombs don't distinguish between Night Stalkers, Rangers, or Delta operatives. Yet amidst this savagery we see the very best in human nature. One example among many being the actions of the two Delta Snipers who single handedly fought off the Solmalis is a true illustration of heroism. After watching the sacrifice of those two warriors, I have had a hard time listening to the media cheapening the value of the word hero on some undeserving individuals. After watching this movie, I have more respect than ever before for the members of our special forces. I learned that equipment should never be withheld from soldiers due to political reasons. I wonder how many lives could have been spared had APCs and AC-130s been supplied. Politicians should stick to politics and soldiers should do the fighting. Isn't it ironic that these real event are more riveting than anything that Hollywood could have written?
Rating:
Summary: truthful movie.
Review: I've read through alot of good reviews here. so mine will be short. I admire the movie for being truthful about war, how the soldiers show fear, (as in life) there aren't any cheap attempts at patriotism here either. no one liners. In a sense I felt I was watching a documentary of the events that took place in 1993. the movie showed our soldiers unbelievable bravery without sugarcoating the facts. I felt a lump in my throat when the two soldiers dropped down out of the helicopter to try and save their fallen brothers, against hundreds of enemy militia. I have never seen bravery displayed on cinema in any manner like the bravery shown in this movie.
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