This post isn’t being written from the perspective of someone who has relocated to India (but it may be swayed a bit by a new found appreciation for my home country).
It’s also not a post being written from the perspective of someone who married a Marine, had a grandfather who served in the Korean War, a father-in-law was served in the Marine Corp, or who has a son who will likely join the military when he’s old enough (but it may be swayed a bit by someone who has always had a crazy amount of respect for all branches of the military).
It is a blog post with a simple review about a film that has made my top ten list of must-see movies.
Movies that are on my top ten aren’t action packed, they aren’t fantasy filled, and they don’t always have top Hollywood actors. I'll share the other nine with you at some point in the future.
My favorite movies are the ones that leave me with an ache in my chest, with tears rolling down my face and something to think about long after the credits roll.
Taking Chance with Kevin Bacon
It is the true story of Chance Phelps, a 19 year old Marine, who was killed in the line of duty in 2004, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl who volunteered to accompany him home for services and the burial.
The movie quietly shares the process of the official transport of a body of a fallen Marine, back to his family for services and burial. The Defense Department had previously banned nearly all media coverage of deceased vets returning home since the 1991 Gulf War. For the filming of Taking Chance, the military offered advice and assistance, providing the film crew with a rarely viewed but painstakingly accurate account of the care and protocol bestowed upon the nation's fallen warriors.
The procedures, the respect, the honor, the detail, the reverance given by the American citizens along Chance's journey home, the requirements, the seriousness of this subject is one that tears me up each time I watch it.
It doesn’t matter if you “believe” in war, if you support our military, or whether you voted for Bush, Clinton or Obama. The movie is powerful, raw ... and important.
At the core of our country, is a military that has given their lives to protect. Sworn themselves to serve the United States of America. I highly suggest that you choose this as your next film choice.
Netflix has it … I checked already for you.
Netflix has it … I checked already for you.
While it carries a NR symbol (not yet rated), the content and scenes of the movie are appropriate for family viewing, although the subject matter may be too deep for kiddos under the age of 10-12.
Get a box of Kleenex.
If you want to read more about the journal entry written by Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, read it at the Chicago Tribune here.
