Taking Chance

On 28 December 2010, I began escort duty for PFC Conrado Javierdiaz, Jr. Private First Class Javierdiaz was laid to rest in Marina, California on 6 January 2011. This movie is a fairly accurate portrayal of what it is to be an escort. Much has changed between 2004 and 2010. Remains do not travel by commercial air anymore, but by contracted carriers, usually from Dover directly to the nearest airport to the final resting place. There are a few flaws; sloppy salutes, misplaced uniform items, and an airman wouldn't be walking around outdoors with no headgear and no blouse. But, overall, the movie was fairly accurate. And, although they didn't actually film at the Casualty Affairs building at Dover, there is a curved wall with the names of fallen servicemembers carved in it, very similar to the film. Along the way, in life as in the movie, there are many, many small and random acts of kindness and grace. Although we don't generally describe what we're doing and do all we can to maintain a level of solemnity and dignity, people along the way know who we are and what we're doing.

Taking Chance is a film that shows America and Americans in such a beautiful way, paying tribute in each's manner to someone who serves to protect our nation and our way of life. Sure, people dump on the film for its flag waving and for its rampant patriotism. But, me... I rather favor patriots. I don't have much patience for ingrates. It's nice to watch a film that makes me feel good about America.

A must see underrated movie. Incredibly moving! Powerful acting and drama. Based on real-life events makes it even more introspective. If you want to know what happens after someone pays the ultimate sacrifice, this is the movie to watch. I know it won a Golden Globe, but this is a story that deserves more!

This movie represents what people from all over the world admire about Americans. This excellent film is so moving. They honor the sacrifice of a warrior who died fighting for his country. Thanks to guys like Chance Phelps the United States of America exist and freedom exist. Thanks to America there's freedom in the world.

This film is a lesson to every country that should learn how to respect a fallen hero. In the most advanced civilizations all along history, from the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Persians, the Chinese, etc. warriors have been honored by the civilian people and this will never change. America, keep reminding all of us how a brave nation should be like!!

Kudos to the American people. Thankyou.

Back in 2003, I read Steven Brill's account of the aftermath of 9/11 in the United States. One of the many stories in the account dealt with rumors among the families of the victims, that the human remains intermingled with the debris. Feelings ran so strong that the City of New York finally arranged for a review of the site by a committee of family representatives. What they found were that the workers at the site were sifting through the wreckage with a far higher degree of care and sensitivity than they could possibly have guessed. People, at the end of the day, care about people.

I viewed 'Taking Chance' in that context. The political heat that infuses some of the other comments, is surprising to me. I didn't see the movie as making any political statement at all. In fact, to the extent that one can be inferred, it is mildly negative on the Iraqi war, raising the question of whether all this grief was worth it.

What it is about, is the respect that ordinary people have for grief and sacrifice. To that extent, it is profoundly moving,

I'm not Pro-USA or Pro-Marines. That is not the point of this movie. It's a realistic view of the respect and honor fallen soldiers get when they come home for the last time.

I cried for about 3/4 of the movie. Very good acting from Mr.Bacon. And the other cast are very good also.

I gave it a 8 out of 10 because of the way this movie is made. Let's us show how soldiers are treated after death and get this much personal respect and honor.

(sorry for my bad English, i'm from the Netherlands)

Greetings