Posted on 05/30/2011 1:30:01 PM PDT by llandres
Based on a true story -
In April, 2004, casualties mount in Iraq. At Quantico, choices focus on increasing troop strength or only replacing casualties. Lt. Col. Mike Strobl crunches numbers. Stung by his superior's rejection of his recommendation because he lacks recent combat experience, Strobl volunteers for escort duty, accompanying the remains Pfc. Chance Phelps, killed at 19. From Dover to Philadelphia by hearse, from there to Minneapolis and on to Billings by plane, and then by car to Phelps' Wyoming home - person after person pays respects. Kind words, small gifts, and gratitude are given Strobl to deliver to the family on this soul-searching journey. What are his own discoveries?
Reviewer Comments:
Emotional, Moving, Apolitical, 22 January 2009 10/10 Author: rtcblc from United States
I saw this movie at a Sundance in the Schools presentation in Ogden,UT. To give you an idea of the power of this film, 600 + high school students were totally silent during this film and erupted in applause at the end. A vivid demonstration of the impact of this tribute to the sacrifice of a 19 years old Marine PFC killed in Iraq. A true story the based on Chance Phelps who was only 1 - 1/2 years out of high school himself. The director, cinematographer, and producer were there to field questions from the students. In response to a question the Director Katz stated he tried to keep this effort apolitical as a tribute to all who have been killed in Iraq and to focus on the respect and dignity afforded the KIA soldiers on their journey home. This is one of the better movies I've seen dealing with the emotional toll of wars on the families and comrades left behind.
Wonderful moving movie, 21 January 2009 10/10 Author: DEHutch from United States
I felt I had to write a comment after seeing this wonderful movie at Sundance yesterday...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. It does not have any political or idealogical agenda. It is just a great story of service and sacrifice as well as respect and honor.
It’s very good. I’ve seen it twice.
I’m not the kind of person who chokes up, but when the truckers and SUV’s create an impromptu cortege for Chance, it happened.
Rewatched it last night.
Like many others, my family does not subscribe to HBO.
My wife and I watched Taking Chance shortly after our son enlisted in the Marines.
It was unsettling, deeply moving, and somehow comforting. Kevin Bacon was the perfect choice to play the lead.
Somehow, it made the unthinkable a little easier to comprehend. My heart, and gratitude, goes out to all of those families who now have a gold star on display.
It’s available through iTunes.
Absolutely amazing movie!!!! Kevin Bacon did Lt.Col. Stobl proud. An absolute tribute to those who wear the uniform.
You can get it from Netflix.
I'm a bit of a computer geek, but have not embraced either of those sources either. One day I'll see it.
Hardest thing I ever watched.
Just received two DVDs of this in the mail. Watched it last night. One copy is going to my parents to view and pass around to their friends. My copy will be passed around to our friends and co-workers. This is a powerful movie and the story needed to be told. Kevin Bacon, Ross Katz and LtCol Michael Strobl did a fantastic job. Well done!
Outstanding movie. Bacon should have won a Golden Globe, if not an Oscar for this performance.
It is available on Netflix for home delivery.
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