Following the 1991 Gulf War, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling (Denzel Washington) is assigned to review the background of the late Captain Karen Walden (Meg Ryan), who has been posthumously nominated for a medal of honor. While investigating Walden's candidacy, Serling is forced to face his own disillusionment and guilt .. Read more
| Starring | Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, Michael Moriarty |
|---|---|
| Director | Edward Zwick |
| Genres | Drama |
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In this rather self important Gulf War drama, Meg Ryan plays a pilot due to get a posthumous medal for bravery, but has there been a cover-up of the real events? Were those brave American soldiers in the Iraqi desert killed by friendly fire? This is a Rashomon for the 1990s, with Gulf War hero Denzel Washington searching for the truth and, naturally, a Washington Post reporter sniffing around as well. The subject matter, the strong performances from Washington and Scott Glenn, and stylish direction from Edward Zwick — who directed Washington in Glory — combine to make this seem more incisive than it really is. Ultimately, it looks good, sounds noble but rings a bit hollow.
A film that begins as a complex investigation into behaviour in wartime but ends as a straightforward flag-waving exercise.
The Gulf War. In a night engagement, Lt Col Nathaniel Serling (Washington) gives the order to fire on one of his own... read more on Time Out
excellent acting, excellent story, top class movie, good twists keeps you guessing .worth getting this one.
Quite amazing really that Hollywood showed the real intelligence of the US armed forces. In the opening sequence we see Denzel Washington giving the order to fire on a tank which later turns out to be one of his own. In real life this would most likely have been a british tank as the yanks have had a habit of killing us in recent conflicts.
This aside, quite an enjoyable film really.
This is a good idea movie with a great cast. It's kind of slow and rather too long - or maybe I wasn't in the right mood. Half of the audience at home left before the end. Other movies by Edward Zwick are better.
Quite amazing really that Hollywood showed the real intelligence of the US armed forces. In the opening sequence we see Denzel Washington giving the order to fire on a tank which later turns out to be one of his own. In real life this would most likely have been a british tank as the yanks have had a habit of killing us in recent conflicts.
This aside, quite an enjoyable film really.
most enjoyable plenty of action not too violent
excellent acting, excellent story, top class movie, good twists keeps you guessing .worth getting this one.
Quite amazing really that Hollywood showed the real intelligence of the US armed forces. In the opening sequence we see Denzel Washington giving the order to fire on a tank which later turns out to be one of his own. In real life this would most likely have been a british tank as the yanks have had a habit of killing us in recent conflicts.
This aside, quite an enjoyable film really.
This is a good idea movie with a great cast. It's kind of slow and rather too long - or maybe I wasn't in the right mood. Half of the audience at home left before the end. Other movies by Edward Zwick are better.
I'm not sure if this is an anti-war or pro-war film! Either way it is great entertainment with powerful performances from Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan. Supporting cast all contibute towards a film with real 'punch'. Well worth a watch.
I enjoyed watching this film it was a bit slow in places, but a good story with a twist at the end
Give it a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Worth watching. Good acting and very interesting plot.
The film is about what happened when a helicopter was shot down. I found it excellent and, surprisingly, quite emotionally stirring. Not a war film like Hamburger Hill or Full Metal Jacket but one where the courage of the participants is carefully considered. Surprising and involving.
Courage Under Fire - A US Army officer, despondent about a deadly mistake he made not relating to the current investigation is on an inquiry in to a female chopper commander's worthiness for the Medal of Honour. Excellent action war movie with a hint of something didnt quite go right on the battlefield. I was engrossed in the story throughout and I was very impressed on how the story fit together and came across. There were some feelings of sadness especially for the Ryans Character daughter. Fantastic.
Too tipical. No worth watching
In this rather self important Gulf War drama, Meg Ryan plays a pilot due to get a posthumous medal for bravery, but has there been a cover-up of the real events? Were those brave American soldiers in the Iraqi desert killed by friendly fire? This is a Rashomon for the 1990s, with Gulf War hero Denzel Washington searching for the truth and, naturally, a Washington Post reporter sniffing around as well. The subject matter, the strong performances from Washington and Scott Glenn, and stylish direction from Edward Zwick — who directed Washington in Glory — combine to make this seem more incisive than it really is. Ultimately, it looks good, sounds noble but rings a bit hollow.
A film that begins as a complex investigation into behaviour in wartime but ends as a straightforward flag-waving exercise.
The Gulf War. In a night engagement, Lt Col Nathaniel Serling (Washington) gives the order to fire on one of his own... read more on Time Out
"...A carefully conceived, dramatically honorable picture that treats its subject with clarity and intelligence..."
"...Denzel Washington is a potent actor in peak form....COURAGE UNDER FIRE honors its subject and its audience..."
"...[Washington gives a] haunted, nearly implosive performance." -- Rating: B+