Taking Chance

NIN · February 22, 2009, 04:48:53 PM

Quote from: RiverAux on February 22, 2009, 04:26:24 PM
Didn't see the movie, but it is pretty traditional for funeral processions to drive with their headlights on and for other drivers to pull over to the side as they pass.

This was shown as transporting the remains from the airport to the town (a 5 hr drive) and as people passed the vehicle carrying the remains and spotted the flag-draped coffin, they turned on their lights.

Laster, the funeral "procession" followed a horse drawn wagon (not a caisson) from the memorial service to the cemetery, but in a small town as Dubois is depicted, I believe the distance would have been pretty short.

My issue with uniforms was slight (berets, the fit of Bacon's character's fore-and-aft cap, that kind of thing), customs and courtesies only slightly more (salutes, mostly). Overall, it was well done, but geez, folks, if you're gonna have a character in a speaking role and he's going to be wearing an Army beret, at least take a couple hrs and shape the darn thing!

RedFox24 · February 22, 2009, 05:18:50 PM

I watched it with my wife, kids, mother and grandparents. It was excellent. Most of the family cried almost all the way through. Thought it was great at telling the story.

Didn't see any of the uniform or what ever problems, wasn't looking and didn't care. That was not what the movie was about in my opinion.

Quite moving. I give it a 9 out of 10 stars.

bosshawk · February 22, 2009, 05:29:10 PM

I got into it a bit late, but saw the important parts. I thought that it was very well done, given that it was Hollywood. I saw a few tiny details that weren't right, but that is pure Hollywood. They are the ones that several of you guys have chipped your teeth over: they really aren't important and didn't detract from the story.

argentip · February 22, 2009, 08:21:52 PM

I also thought that it was very well done. I thought that Kevin Bacon did an excellent job portraying Lt Col Strobl. I heard that there was a book as well. Anyone know if that is true? The actions of the baggage handlers was very surprising to me. Most of the time when I am waiting for a flight at the airport, you see them scurrying around trying to get things done as quick as possible so that they can get all the planes loaded and unloaded, but when they all stopped to pay their respects, I thought that was very touching.

I didn't really notice the C&C or uniform issues, but I did notice that the Maj who notified the family looked really young. I didn't catch his name in the credits (I must've missed it) but there were 2 Majors listed on IMDB and the actors were both roughly 30yrs old. I thought that seemed a little young.

Overall, I think this is a very good film and a touching tribute to our fallen service members.

NIN · February 23, 2009, 01:49:00 AM

FYI, I've read the original essay, "Taking Chance" written by LtCol Strobel, back when it was first published and also when it was published in "The Blogs Of War." (http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/04/taking_chance.html)

The story, as written, is nearly precisely what appeared on screen, with the usual Hollywood dramatizations, of course. (Ask F-14 jocks about the making of Top Gun.. it happens).

BTW, my beef with some of the details is just one of those weird OCD things I have. Honestly, the *perfect* job for me would be as a member of Capt Dale Dye's Warrior's Inc military advising crew...

I catch silly crap with skydiving in movies, too. Rigs w/o parachutes in them, missing handles, faked hardware, intercutting sport skydiving with military HALO... pretty straightfoward stuff, but again, most of this is "5 minute" stuff: You could have taken 5 minutes to figure this out and do it right..

Overall, however, Taking Chance is a fantastic HBO film. I loved it. Just a real tribute.

Chappie · February 23, 2009, 05:52:49 AM

I'm always wary of how Hollywood would take a story and tweak it to their liking. Having read the original blog and seeing the movie...I was gratified to see that only a couple of minor things were done that differed -- but the story remained true to form. All I can say is that I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. I echo the words of Nin that this movie is a real tribute.

To all those who serve, have served and to those who have given their "full measure of devotion" words cannot convey my heartfelt gratiude.

Maj Daniel Sauerwein · February 24, 2009, 05:46:53 AM

I watched it last night and, like many of you, had to wipe away a few tears. It is something that I have noticed as I have gotten older that when I see things similar to this story, or stories of families of fallen vets, I get a bit choked up. Have any of you noticed this in yourselves, especially if you are a military brat, like myself?

Overall, I found this film to be an excellent and wonderful tribute to PFC Phelps and hope that this movie will make many more understand and remember the sacrifices of our service personnel. To all who served and are serving, thank you for that service.

SarDragon · February 24, 2009, 07:22:06 AM

Quote from: 1st Lt Daniel Sauerwein on February 24, 2009, 05:46:53 AM
I watched it last night and, like many of you, had to wipe away a few tears. It is something that I have noticed as I have gotten older that when I see things similar to this story, or stories of families of fallen vets, I get a bit choked up. Have any of you noticed this in yourselves, especially if you are a military brat, like myself?

Overall, I found this film to be an excellent and wonderful tribute to PFC Phelps and hope that this movie will make many more understand and remember the sacrifices of our service personnel. To all who served and are serving, thank you for that service.

Yes.

bosshawk · February 24, 2009, 07:31:20 AM

I certainly have been known to have shed a tear or three, on occasion. I certainly did during the movie. Over the years, I have been asked to make some public presentations about service in Viet Nam and other places. I seldom make it through the deal without choking up. Some wise person once told me that it was OK for a grown man to cry: I believe in that 100%.

Slim · February 24, 2009, 09:24:42 AM

Quote from: bosshawk on February 24, 2009, 07:31:20 AM
Some wise person once told me that it was OK for a grown man to cry: I believe in that 100%.

+1

I've been known to let go at some pretty inopportune times myself. During encampment graduations, Wreaths Across America presentations, giving a speech during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. And I have absolutely no shame in doing so.

I haven't seen the movie yet. It's on my DVR at home and I'm at the end of my work weekend (12 on/12 off for four days). I'm off tomorrow night, and I'm planning on watching it when I get home from my meeting. Everything I've seen and heard about it tells me it's just like the manuscript (less some essential artistic license).

We'll see.

Stonewall · February 24, 2009, 01:59:22 PM

I got choked up a few times.

I spent 2 1/2 years performing escort duty at the Old Guard. "Escort duty" for us meant marching in a platoon sized element and escorting the casket from the chapel to the grave site in Arlington National Cemetery. Only on 2 occasions did I get choked up.

I love military funerals. Just something about them.

RogueLeader · May 19, 2009, 02:25:05 AM

DVD came out recently, and I saw it when I walked into the shoppette. I knew that I needed to get it, and it was wonderful. I had forgotten all about this thread, until I saw it.

I have already done eight funeraesl in my 11 months Service. I know I cried more than a few times.

This is a must own.

DBlair · May 19, 2009, 03:55:09 AM

Walmart, Target, Amazon, and a few other merchants have this DVD available for purchase. I urge everyone to watch this movie, it really is quite moving.

Capt Rivera · May 19, 2009, 04:53:58 PM

Quote from: DBlair on May 19, 2009, 03:55:09 AM
Walmart, Target, Amazon, and a few other merchants have this DVD available for purchase. I urge everyone to watch this movie, it really is quite moving.

Amazon.com:

www.amazon.com/B001TOD6N4

List Price:    $19.97
Price:    $13.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save:    $5.98 (30%)
   Special Offers Available
In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Want it delivered Wednesday, May 20?
Order it in the next 5 hours and 35 minutes, and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout.

Details: (All offers:
18 new from $12.92 2 used from $11.99 1 collectible from $16.99

dbarbee · May 19, 2009, 07:48:01 PM

I missed this thread the first time around. I'm so glad it came back up or I might have never heard about this movie, got it queued up in Netflix now.

Watching the trailers brought back a flood of memories and emotions from when I escorted a fellow sailor and good friend home to central California from Portland, Oregan in the late 80's.

He was killed in a traffic accident but the Navy still rendered him the honor of an escort and military funeral and the emotions and grief of his family were no less.

The respect and dignity shown by the airport employees, baggage handlers, flight crew, and funeral home were nothing less than humbling.

I'm glad to hear the reports that HBO got this movie right and can't wait to see it. (Even though I know I'm going to be bawling like a baby all the way through it!)

bosshawk · May 19, 2009, 10:56:11 PM

Just remember that bawling is OK.

Smokey · May 21, 2009, 01:31:20 AM

I picked it up yesterday at Target for $15. Watched it last night. Anyone who can watch this and NOT get teary eyed has no soul.

One of the most dignified movies I have seen.

To escort a fallen warrior is truly an honor.

Spike · May 21, 2009, 02:41:37 AM

Quote from: Smokey on May 21, 2009, 01:31:20 AM
I picked it up yesterday at Target for $15. Watched it last night. Anyone who can watch this and NOT get teary eyed has no soul.

I did not think I would become emotional.....but at the end the parents and family were there in the room. Brought back personal memories.

Well made story HBO. Ranks up there with Band of Brothers, Rome, and of course the upcoming HBO miniseries "the Pacific" (read: Band of Brothers but mostly Marines fighting Japanese). Can't wait.