It’s rare that a movie has a profound effect on me. I love movies and all, but I usually have no trouble taking them for what they are … entertainment.
But late one night last week, I stumbled upon a movie that I’ve been having trouble getting out of my mind. It was that stirring. I have a habit of turning on the TV when I get into bed, and generally go to sleep with either a movie or music playing. Last Sunday night, I decided to check HBO to see if anything good was on. A movie was playing, but it seemed to be a little different from a standard film. I recognized pretty quickly that Kevin Bacon seemed to be the star, and I have to admit that while I initially had no idea what the movie was about, I was pretty captivated to keep watching.
I eventually grabbed the ol’ iPod Touch and did a search. I learned that the movie I was watching was Taking Chance, a film produced by HBO and based on the true story of PFC Chance Phelps (who, I learned, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal) as told by Lt. Col. Michael Strobl.
Here’s the trailer:
Now it’s not like there are plenty of war movies and military based films out there, especially in a time of war. But this one is very, very different. It tells a side of the story that most of us – myself included – are unaware of: The great detail and care that goes into the process of returning a fallen soldier to his or her family. Even beyond that is the story of how these heroes impact the strangers they encounter after their death.
Taking Chance manages to tell this touching story without being over sentimental. And touching it is. Movies have made me cry before. That’s no surprise. (Uh, Old Yeller, anyone?) But what stunned be about this one is how I, too, felt a deep sense of loss for the individuals portrayed in the movie. Rarely has a movie immediately moved me to prayer. ‘Taking Chance’ did that too.
And beyond the impact that the film has, Kevin Bacon does a fantastic job of showcasing oh-so-subtlely the emotions that Strobl is forced to deal with. The officer clearly has regrets about his desk job while other soldiers are in combat zones around the world. And he also appears to be taken aback by the response of those he encounters along his trip, not to mention portraying how Strobl felt both deeply honored and sheepishly uncomfortable.
It goes without saying that I highly recommend watching the film. If nothing else, though, take a few minutes to read “Taking PFC Phelps Home,” written by Strobl. This is the journey entry on which the film is based, and, well, is basically just a written script of the movie.
If you’ve got HBO, check it out! Here’s a schedule of when the film is being shown: HBO.com – Taking Chance
