Review of Taking Chance (2009) by Ray D — 15 May 2009

Well-made Tribute to a fallen soldier - This is one of those rare cinematic gems that pulls the viewer in through compelling visual images and not much dialogue. Based on a true story, Kevin Bacon [in a fine performance] plays Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl who in April 2004, comes across a casualty list and sees the name of a fallen Marine from his Colorado hometown, Pfc. Chance Phelps. Though he doesn't know Phelps, Strobl requests that he be allowed to accompany the body from Dover, Del. to the Phelps' hometown in Wyoming.

There is no pro-war or anti-war message here - this is purely a poignant and heartfelt retelling of a fallen Marine's journey home, and of the honor and respect accorded to Phelps' as he makes his final journey home, accompanied by Lt Col Strobl who is himself awed and suitably grateful for all the respect accorded to Phelps' as he accompanies the casket back to Wyoming.

This is a subtly done movie and the performance by Bacon as Lt Col Strobl is understated yet effective - this is no dialogue-heavy movie, neither is it action-packed...all through the movie, it is the visual images that stay with the viewer, and of people's reactions to the casket carrying Phelps' body, as well reactions to Strobl as people discover the purpose of his mission.

I cried many times during this movie, and I'm not easily moved by what I see in movies - there is a sense of profound sadness throughout this story, and yet as a viewer, I was also overcome by an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the services of our troops and the risks they face daily. This is a moving testament to the sacrifice of a fallen soldier and a compelling portrait of the dignity accorded to the fallen and I highly recommend it.