Reviews

I spent ten years living in Alabama. Consequently, I came to understand the southern mindset. Tom Sizemore did an excellent job portraying a southerner in the midst of a moral dilemma. Not only does Sizemore's character reach out to a member of the American-African race, he reaches into his memories and beliefs. Many people are still under the impression that all southerners do not befriend anyone not of their race. That is not the case. They embrace people of all races and religions...and do not idly stand by to watch them suffer needlessly. Yes, the Klan still exists, but its power is greatly diminished in this enlightened age. Mr. Sizemore's performance made the average modern southern man come to life. Kudos to Tom on an excellent performance!

BLACK HAWK DOWN shows the realism facing the American military during this modern age. I am not going to go into any detail about the politics of "why" the US military was there. But I will say this film gives voice to the realism of modern war-fare. Our military faces fast-moving technology and radical militant national leaders [each with their own agenda].

This film gives a believable performance of military life--the never-ending boredom with spurts of heart wrenching terror. Josh Hartnett's performance as a first-time leader is first-rate. We can almost see the wheels moving as he makes life-or-death decisions. Tom Sizemore's McKnight moves nonchalantly through the flying artillery. He knows he cannot show fear and needs to get his job done--his men are counting on him and he is determined to do just that.

As a whole, we see "why" each individual goes into combat. They believe in freedom. They believe in their country. They believe in the greater good. They believe in being there for one another. They are a band of brothers fighting and doing for what they believe. This is "why" we should all see BLACK HAWK DOWN. Modern heroism and beliefs for our modern age.

Character development is set-up in the beginning of this film and brings understanding of both the good and bad sides of the essential characters. I viewed this film during its original airdate and have ever since considered it among my favorite mini-series. Jayne Seymour is fantastic! Bruce Boxleitner and Timothy Bottoms are perfectly cast as brotherly rivals.