User reviews

I'm not Pro-USA or Pro-Marines. That is not the point of this movie. 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. Very good acting from Mr.Bacon. And the other cast are very good also.

I gave it a 8 out of 10 because of the way this movie is made. Let's us show how soldiers are treated after death and get this much personal respect and honor.

(sorry for my bad English, i'm from the Netherlands)

Greetings

To analyse this for its acting or deconstruct its camera angle and technique is to utterly miss the point. The undeniable truth of Taking Chance is that millions of people feel respect and gratitude to those brave enough to risk their lives for us. 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. This was not contrived or made up. 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. What is wrong with acknowledging and honouring that in a movie? 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 it's one of the best drama i have seen.Actually i didn't seen such emotional movie before. i think its a sample true & the way the treat with a martyr was amazing & full of respect. I really liked the play of Kevin Bacon.

I was really amazed by this film - there is no actual action in it but is so emotionally strong! At first sight it looks like documentary but it's actually not. The topic - bringing home dead soldier - is really heart-breaking, involving all of us, thou not everyone of us has direct ties with the military. I was pleased that there was no propaganda, no politics, no religion - just simple truth and reality. And Kevin Bacon played his part so well - to catch and express that thin line between grief, sympathy, doubt and strict military training. No surprise he won golden globe for it.

This film has to be seen by everyone, no matter where they live, what religion or political view they have.

On 28 December 2010, I began escort duty for PFC Conrado Javierdiaz, Jr. Private First Class Javierdiaz was laid to rest in Marina, California on 6 January 2011. This movie is a fairly accurate portrayal of what it is to be an escort. Much has changed between 2004 and 2010. Remains do not travel by commercial air anymore, but by contracted carriers, usually from Dover directly to the nearest airport to the final resting place. There are a few flaws; sloppy salutes, misplaced uniform items, and an airman wouldn't be walking around outdoors with no headgear and no blouse. But, overall, the movie was fairly accurate. And, although they didn't actually film at the Casualty Affairs building at Dover, there is a curved wall with the names of fallen servicemembers carved in it, very similar to the film. Along the way, in life as in the movie, there are many, many small and random acts of kindness and grace. 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. Sure, people dump on the film for its flag waving and for its rampant patriotism. But, me... I rather favor patriots. I don't have much patience for ingrates. It's nice to watch a film that makes me feel good about America.

Back in 2003, I read Steven Brill's account of the aftermath of 9/11 in the United States. One of the many stories in the account dealt with rumors among the families of the victims, that the human remains intermingled with the debris. Feelings ran so strong that the City of New York finally arranged for a review of the site by a committee of family representatives. What they found were that the workers at the site were sifting through the wreckage with a far higher degree of care and sensitivity than they could possibly have guessed. People, at the end of the day, care about people.

I viewed 'Taking Chance' in that context. The political heat that infuses some of the other comments, is surprising to me. I didn't see the movie as making any political statement at all. In fact, to the extent that one can be inferred, it is mildly negative on the Iraqi war, raising the question of whether all this grief was worth it.

What it is about, is the respect that ordinary people have for grief and sacrifice. To that extent, it is profoundly moving,

Taking Chance is based on a a real life story of a 30 year old soldier from Wyoming. But it doesn't matter if it was a 30 year old or a 20 year old or a veteran, what is important is to note how every single being in our universe has to be treated with the same dignity and respect, irrespective of creed and color. The movie is thought provoking and provides a deeper insight into the complete process of a marine after he/she dies in combat. The film was very touching and Kevin Bacon fits the role perfectly. 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. 7/10.

The 2000's decade redefined the war movie genre much because of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. And many times viewers tend to classified a movie as political or not, accurate or not, blood and guts versus contextualized and serious movies. In times when "Jarhead" or "The Hurt Locker" were so heavily criticized for having political statements (or not) on war, in "Taking Chance" you see something different. Here comes a movie that says more about bravery and honor to a duty than many war action movies. And its message sounds and appear better than movies made of Second World War, Vietnam War, any other war.

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. While on journey he realizes his importance on this function and how people get touched by his gesture.

The main plot is very original, it's something rarely showed in movies. It was interesting to see all the procedures taken before the corpse be transferred by car and airplanes, all the service made by the military who washes the body, collects the personal objects and similar things. And there's also the views of the main character on what he's doing and the way he deals with the matter and the people he sees on his journey. One of the most memorable scenes is when all the cars made a straight line escorting Mike's car and the funeral car carrying Chance's body. All the cars lined up, slowly. A very good homage.

It's a good portrayal about the people who stood up for something sacrificing their lives for its country. 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. It's a very touching scene (and the best also). After that Mike has a brief conversation with a war veteran (played by Tom Aldredge) where he thinks he could be a better person or he could do more if he was fighting in Iraq. The old man replies that what Mike's saying is nonsense. And we must agree with that. He's doing a noble thing, a great thing for his country even outside of enemy lines.

It's a great movie and there's no political message, or military propaganda on the surface and not even behind it. And even if it had a political context it still would be a great movie. I don't know why people get so touchy and bothered about such statements and such views. After all, politics is one the basis of mankind, basis of a society and when it's included in a film it can make a film more interesting. 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. He's powerful here. But I still think that Golden Globes and SAG Awards should award Brendan Gleeson for "Into the Storm" (different story but both contain war as subject). Gleeson playing Churchill was more difficult, he had a tough and heavy text to portray and the aged makeup to make him similar to the British leader. But that doesn't make Bacon's acting less visible or inferior. Watch it and you'll enjoy it.

One of the rare films of today that lacks of criticism, and it's great because of that. It certainly honors all the brave people on battles, risking their lives whatever the cause, whatever the cost. 9/10

A must see underrated movie. Incredibly moving! Powerful acting and drama. Based on real-life events makes it even more introspective. If you want to know what happens after someone pays the ultimate sacrifice, this is the movie to watch. I know it won a Golden Globe, but this is a story that deserves more!

Taking Chance begins simply but powerfully: with a boom that resonates throughout the theater. We enter a confusing and dark situation--much like the soldiers in combat, I imagine. And then...we go beyond the veil. Ross Katz and HBO takes us behind the scenes. After a soldier has fallen, after he is flown back to U.S. soil, after (it seems) his life is over, how does he touch so many people? With Katz's beauty, grace, and humility, we take the journey with Lt. Colonel Mike Strobl and PFC Chance Phelps. We encounter a "great cloud of witnesses" who honor this one life and help give it dignity and meaning. We are witness to the kindness of strangers--from a twenty-something teenage driver, to an airline ticket agent, to the airport baggage crew. We are witness to a tradition and a legacy that has been passed from soldier to soldier, from father to son. On each leg of the journey our minds and hearts are penetrated as Colonel Strobl allows himself to be opened up to this one life and to grieve the loss of it. After a person is gone, after they are placed in the ground, how does their life live on? Taking Chance is a poignant and powerful reminder of the beauty of human life, the courage of sacrifice, and the echo of eternal life.

I saw the premiere of this movie at Sundance, and had a chance to talk to several others in the audience. All of us felt this movie was one of the most powerful and moving films we've ever seen. Although there is a tie to the war in Iraq, this is not yet another political statement on the issues around the war.

The movie is based on the actual experience of Lt. Col. 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. Scene after scene in this movie are pitch perfect, and it made me appreciate the professionalism and sacrifice of those in the military. While I was personally opposed to the war in Iraq, I feel this movie is something every US citizen should see, as well as every government official. 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. But as our Sundance group talked about the film afterwards, we were all deeply appreciative to have had the opportunity to see this movie, and gain new empathy with the rank-and-file in the military who are so heroic.

The title of this movie, beyond being gimmicky (he was _bringing_ Chance home, not taking him anywhere) is a misnomer: this movie takes no risks whatsoever. Quite the opposite, in fact.

One thing this movie _does_ deliver is solid acting. Kevin brings home the Bacon with a solid, yet understated performance of a man at odds with the choices he's made (i.e. he wishes he was overseas killing people rather than enjoying life with his family). While his character can't be said to really "develop" beyond a facial tic or two, the experience was apparently revelatory enough for him to write the book. The pacing, while molasses slow, also manages to maintain the viewer's interest.

However, the weepy, manipulative music, total lack of plot, and (let's face it) flat-out propaganda for religion and the military all but kill any redeeming qualities the movie might have originally possessed. Further, the fetishistic focus on pomp & circumstance (endless scenes of Bacon saluting the coffin on a conveyor belt, minions polishing badges, flag placement, etc.) clearly mark the movie for what it is: a recruitment film.

Shouldn't the film question - at least once - _why_ this person (as well as others) died - were their deaths worth the results? Should respect for the dead automatically equal respect for their actions? Ah, but these are questions left for other films. This one takes time, money, and lives, but no chances.

This film was a respectful tribute to our servicemen and women who have fallen in combat in Iraq, and a lesson to Hollywood. 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. This was not a travelogue, this was America at its best. The people in this film are people I recognize, although I am not from Wyoming. They represent the many families and friends I know who have lost young, vital men and women in combat. I am from a small rural state and I haven't seen anything from Hollywood to match this in a long time.

I saw this riveting film tonight when it premiered on HBO. Both my wife and I were totally into the film from the beginning to the end. We saw it nonstop although with a DVR we could have paused. There was not a single point in the film where we wanted to pause.

Like others, we were thankful there was no political bias. It was simply the true story of the respect that has been paid to everyone who died in defense of our freedom.

I served in the military on an aircraft carrier on station in the Mediteranean Sea in 1957. We lost 14 people in crashes and an on board fire during our 7 month cruise. About half of them were given burial at sea services. In addition, I have attended the military services of a number of others and even participated in the military service of one of our church members who died at Paris Island in a training accident.

In spite of all that exposure, I was totally unaware that KIAs were given the kind of personal respect and treatment depicted in the film. I was very impressed and moved, as I am sure most will be. Many have died, including one of my cousins, to preserve our freedom that has allowed me to live for 75 years so far. I relate more to Kevin Bacon's character as I was a supply officer. Had I the chance, I too would have volunteered for escort duty.

A must see movie. If you don't get HBO, look for the DVD sure to follow.

I felt I had to write a comment after seeing this wonderful movie at Sundance yesterday and then noticing that there were some poor reviews which are somewhat puzzling to me. As the earlier commenter noted EVERYONE that we spoke with after the premier was moved and loved the movie regardless of age or political affiliation. Further it is the only movie I have ever seen at Sundance in five years of attendance that received four standing ovations. It is a wonderful story of respect, service, sacrifice and the dignity of life. LtCol Mike Strobl did a great job of sharing with us through his book, and now this movie. A true story of a serviceman's journey home who has been Killed In Action (KIA). It is a moving account of the respect that the Marines give their fallen. 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. Itdoes not have any political or idealogical agenda. It is just a great story of service and sacrifice as well as respect and honor.

The best way to sum up this movie in a few words would be : a perfect representation of an Americanised version of Okuribito. All the features that made Okuribito stood out during the Academy can be found in this film. The beauty within all the small movements and facial emotions from every characters paying their respects to one who died for the country, the art of the mortuary from the cleaning process to the burial, the self-realisation journey of the main character while escorting a comrade back home etc.

Regardless of the fact that this movie is decently made but still has room for improvement, there were several powerful moments in this film that made me ponder if it is really under rated

I hardly give out tens but I couldn't even think of a reason to keep it a nine (I originally gave it a 9 because I thought some scenes were kind of cheesy but I realized I was wrong). I'm not sure what else to say about this except that it really gets to the heart. Kevin Bacon did a great job portraying the emotions of LtCol Strobl. It may be because I'm a Marine that I felt a little emotional at the end of the film but I couldn't help it. As another poster mentioned, it may not reach a broad audience (possibly why it was released on HBO and not in theaters) but I think that's what is so great about it. It felt special to me since I am a Marine and I'm sure anyone else who has lost a family member or friend to a war effort would feel the same. There's nothing else to say except it was a very emotionally strong film and was very affective at reaching it's goal of touching the hearts of the target audience.

This movie is basically a documentary with actors.........and very well thought out........it is not for the feint of heart or for people that demand "happy-endings". It is thought-provoking and will not leave a dry-eye in the house. The casting is first-rate, as is the attention to detail..... so many of these type of movies lose a lot due to poor continuity. 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. It is a fine rendition to honor all those from our country all who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Briana and Domonique: Heartfelt film, deals with a part of life in the Marine people don't know about. Sierra: Got to the point, but boring. Main characters didn't show much emotion. Ya'vasia: Boring and dry, no action, no conflict or solution like other movies. Taimira: Didn't get my attention. I thought it was very dry. Tytiana: I liked the movie. It was interesting. People don't realize what all is involved when a soldier dies. You had to be paying attention to get the concept and intent of the movie.

Submitted by CPT L. Channer, JROTC, SAI at Strawberry Mansion HS, Philadelphia PA (Second period class - JROTC).

Whilst sad and touching with people giving their lives for their country, there was scene after scene of cringe, when you watch you will see, especially the scene when the casket leaves the airport to go to his home town and the people turning their lights on, ruined the movie and the good work the real life people would do, worth a watch if bored or raining. A documentary or real life account of what is done would be more fitting, its almost like Kevin is bringing his own mother back from a war zone and whilst I am sure full respect is given in real life I really don't think that these people after bringing thousands of people back would be treating each event like they do in this movie.

This is one of the worst I have ever seen. I have never seen anything more patriotic, pathetic pro US stuff in my life. If you like violin music in minor chords with the American flag going by in slow motion, and feel the need to stand up and salute, this is the movie for you.

I felt sick at the end of it, how many freking times should you see the box of the dead solider being saluted by everyone?

It got to the point where it was just as amazing to see the coffins endless journey through the US as a runaway Mexican dog.

How could Kevin Bacon degrade himself to this star-sprangled "stuff"? Unless you specifically in to this kind, avoid this movie !