Taking Chance

 You will rarely see a movie review from me.  However, on the off chance that I see a movie that moves me so much that it chokes me up the following day or affects me in some deep way, I will tell you about it.  Last night I watched Taking Chance.  I told a coworker that I was planning on watching it and she said she cried through the whole movie.  I cry at movies anyway (well, not at Star Wars like the hubs), so if *she* cried through the whole movie, I knew I was going to be a wreck.  By the third scene, I had tears rolling down my face.  By the middle of the film, I was crying.  By the end, I was sobbing.  The thoughts of it today still bring tears to my eyes. 

Taking Chance is an HBO movie based off the events of Lt. Col. Strobl escorting a fallen Marine, Cpl Chance Phelps, to his resting place.  The movie (1 hour, 18 minutes) follows both Strobl and Phelps' journey "home", the policy and procedure each goes through and the reaction of people around them.  I respect our military.  I respect the fallen.  I never knew with how much respect the fallen soldiers were treated.  These people made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our way of life.  Whether or not you agree with this war we're in, you will never look at another service person the same - especially the ones who have served over in Iraq - after seeing this movie.  And you'll definitely listen with a heavy heart when you hear that somebody in your town has become a casualty in the war.  I *almost* turned off the movie about 1/3 of the way in because I was having a hard time watching, not that it was bloody or gory or anything like that.  This movie was mentally draining.  Even though I'm telling you how hard it was to watch it, this is definitely one of the best movies I've ever seen.  It's not a movie that you'd want to watch over and over again - it will stay with you for a long time.  I appreciate each and every person involved in preparing/escorting/finalizing a fallen soldier's body.  I never realized how one solider could affect so many people - known and unknown to them.  The thing that got to me the most is how dedicated Strobl was to helping Chance make it home.  He rarely left his side and was on-duty the entire trip (which lasted a couple days).  I don't know if every escort is as strict as he was, but if they are, I have a huge amount of respect for them as well. While you're waiting for Netflix to deliver your disc, take a look at this interview by Kevin Bacon about the film.  Watching this today after watching the movie last night, I get a lump in my throat.  There are so many gripping scenes.  "Colonel. Whenever you're ready."

Interview with Kevin Bacon

I've rambled enough about this.  I highly recommend this movie - just have a box of tissue with you while you watch it.  Last night, I almost (not quite, but almost) wanted to track down my ex to tell him I appreciate his service in the Air Force.  Please, if you know a member of our Armed Forces, thank them.  They are the reason we enjoy such freedoms in the United States.