Review of Courage Under Fire (1996) by Cal ( — 17 Sep 2007

Brilliant war drama from the director of 'Glory' is an underrated masterpiece. Slow paced at times, but there is plenty of combat scenes to keep the action junkie pleased, as well as dialogue scenes to add to the drama.

As the Gulf War winds down, Lt. Colone Nathaniell Serling (Washington) is haunted by one fatal mistake he was responsible for during intense combat. Succeeding the war, Serling is given the assignment to investigate a helicopter pilot named Karen Walden (Ryan) who was killed shortly before her helicopter team was rescued.

Serling is investigating Walden's deservance of a Medal of Honor the army have nominated her for. Conflicting accounts of the rescue operation leave Serling struggling to figure out the truth, with every shred of evidence resulting in further uncertainty as to whether Walden deserves the medal.

Denzel delivers one of his best performances to date. Matt Damon does an incredible job here as well. It's a shame it overstays its welcome by a long shot. Some especially terrific direction from Edward Zwick makes 'Courage Under Fire' an experience that you must not miss, and one that will stay with you for a long time.

A very compelling soundtrack by James Horner as well.