[dukeman]

I need some advice. We have a 13-year old daughter whom we normally do not take to R-rated movies on account of the violence or the language. Yet, I want her to see what sacrifice and American comradere are so she can appreciate what's presently going on in the world. How does the depiction of violence compare with Saving Pvt. Ryan or Braveheart? And is the language just a constant spew of expletives or does it actually make sense in the context of the action. If you're familiar with the recent "Band of Brothers" series on HBO it had swearing, but it seemed to be suited to context (as in a GI blurting out while diving into a foxhole for cover from enemy fire).

How would you rate Blackhawk Down on the violence and language scale?

[ChuckHam]

dukeman, I hope you don't mind me jumping in here since race hasn't chimed in yet

No, the movie isn't a constant spew of expletives. Those uttered definitely fit the context of the action. As for the violence........it's exactly as the book depicted it. It's bloody, graphic and realistic. Bodies are blow apart, blood squirts, RPG's impale without exploding. Considering the true violence of the actual situation, I think they curbed themselves rather remarkably. I don't know if I'd take a 13 year old to see it or not.

[RaceBannon]

Saving Private Ryan went over the top in language. There is some bad language here, too, but it is instance specific. Some of the jokes during the beginning are over the top.

Chances are, tha language I heard during the combat scenes are what I would say in that situation. That doesnt mean it is appropiate for a child under 18.

[noone]

Black Hawk Down was the most graphically violent movie I've ever seen. I'm not criticizing the movie, but it was definately much more graphic than the D-Day scene in Saving Private Ryan. An usher at the theater said a lot of people were getting nauseous and walking out for fresh air, especially after the attempt to save the Ranger whose femoral artery was severed. Could the heroism of those involved have been portrayed and honored accurately without the camera lingering over gore? I don't know. In any case, the R rating is completely appropriate, and I'd say see it yourself before you take your child.