TAKING CHANCE
I finally watched this masterpiece of a story again tonight. It's a true story about PFC (made posthumously a Lance Corporal) Chance Phelps, USMC, and written by his official escort to his final resting place, Lieutenant Colonel Strobl. As this story unfolds, you are drawn into it, rapidly falling heart first. The multi-dimensional reach of this story will truly make you see everything and everyone in a whole new light.
It will touch you in so many ways and yet stab you in the heart, while it soothes your heart. It will envelop all of your raw human emotions and have a vise grip on your guts, but it is a real story being retold.
It isn't so much about the war in Iraq as it is about the intricately detailed process a soldier goes through once he or she has fallen and the tender, respectful care they receive from everyone on the long journey to their final resting place. It's also about the journey of an escort and the profound effect Chance's going home had on everyone along the way.
Before Kevin Bacon agreed to take on this role, he admits that he was reluctant because he wasn't sure he could give the part the depth it called for or the realness it deserved. I now understand why he felt that way. Mr. Bacon portrayed the Colonel almost to a T and the HBO production company stood true to their word by protecting the integrity of the original story. Beyond all doubt, HBO made the right decision in going with Mr. Bacon. Of all the great and memorable roles he has played, this was the story he was born to tell. The family of Chance Phelps has praised the movie and the acting of Kevin Bacon. I cannot begin to imagine the kind of inner strength it must have taken for any member of Chance's family to watch this film.
I applaud the family of Gibson Chance Phelps. I applaud HBO and I praise Kevin Bacon for giving this role the strength of character that it truly deserved.
Lieutenant Colonel Strobl said that if there were more men in the world like Chance, there wouldn't be a need for the Marines. Well said.
I finally watched this masterpiece of a story again tonight. It's a true story about PFC (made posthumously a Lance Corporal) Chance Phelps, USMC, and written by his official escort to his final resting place, Lieutenant Colonel Strobl. As this story unfolds, you are drawn into it, rapidly falling heart first. The multi-dimensional reach of this story will truly make you see everything and everyone in a whole new light.
It will touch you in so many ways and yet stab you in the heart, while it soothes your heart. It will envelop all of your raw human emotions and have a vise grip on your guts, but it is a real story being retold.
It isn't so much about the war in Iraq as it is about the intricately detailed process a soldier goes through once he or she has fallen and the tender, respectful care they receive from everyone on the long journey to their final resting place. It's also about the journey of an escort and the profound effect Chance's going home had on everyone along the way.
Before Kevin Bacon agreed to take on this role, he admits that he was reluctant because he wasn't sure he could give the part the depth it called for or the realness it deserved. I now understand why he felt that way. Mr. Bacon portrayed the Colonel almost to a T and the HBO production company stood true to their word by protecting the integrity of the original story. Beyond all doubt, HBO made the right decision in going with Mr. Bacon. Of all the great and memorable roles he has played, this was the story he was born to tell. The family of Chance Phelps has praised the movie and the acting of Kevin Bacon. I cannot begin to imagine the kind of inner strength it must have taken for any member of Chance's family to watch this film.
I applaud the family of Gibson Chance Phelps. I applaud HBO and I praise Kevin Bacon for giving this role the strength of character that it truly deserved.
Lieutenant Colonel Strobl said that if there were more men in the world like Chance, there wouldn't be a need for the Marines. Well said.
Posts
21 comments:
So well put, as always.
I was watching this last Sunday afternoon and TBO wandered in about halfway through and was hooked. We then had a fight over the tissue box! He said to me, "Why did you make me watch this?" There are a few things that touch him like this story did, I guess being a vet himself it was something.
For me, it was witnessing the care that was taken with this precious one who gave the utmost for ME. Also, the fact that my dad was a Marine might have affected me, too!
Thank you Phelps family, HBO, Lt. Col. Strobl, and Kevin Bacon for an amazing look into this touching time.
Lovely post, it got me faklempt so I can only imagine how the film will make me feel. The timing of this movie and the reappearance of the flag draped coffins arriving from overseas coinciding makes it even more important for everyone to see ... those are not just numbers, those are our sons and daughters .. respect is being paid.
Thank you, Snooty.
I totally watched this last week after someone else had posted on it. It is truly an amazing film. I had no idea that our fallen heroes were treated like that and I love that it showed how regular everyday Americans also showed their respect in so many different ways.
I need to watch this. Does anyone know when it is on again?
I have never even heard of this. Can I rent it? Or do I have to watch it on HBO?
It's on HBO for now, but I think they will eventually put it out on DVD. It's something everyone should see. I still can't watch it without bawling my eyes out.
MPM: This is the HBO schedule for this movie:
http://www.hbo.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?CHANNEL=All+Channels&ACTION_SEARCH=SEARCH&KEY=TITLE&VALUE=taking+chance
Thanks for posting about this...I can't wait to watch it. You always have the best movie reviews!!!
I's Luvs me some Keven Bacon!!!!!
Can't wait to see it.
I'm telling you that this is his best role ever. But, make sure you have tissues! You'll probably, like me, learn things you never knew.
I'm not a fan of movies that make me cry, but I'd watch this. If I had HBO. I'll wait til it comes out.
WE L O V E D this movie!
It was written so well and Kevin Bacon did an amazing performance!
Funny you should write about this today. My son is working till 8 tonight and he actually said "Let's watch this tonight", wait for me.So we have a date and I can't wait to see this.
#1
Good God! I just watched it again thinking I could make it through without crying.... Didn't happen. I bawled again. Chance Phelps was the same age as my son, so I guess it hits me deeper than I thought. I think my tender heart will cry every time, no matter how many times.
Okay, I admit that I'm a major weeper and it sucks!
After you posted about this movie the first time I knew I had to watch it. Well a week later I found it on HBO and made a night to myself with this movie. It was wonderful. As you said I got hooked from the start. There are no words to say how Kevin Bacon made this story. Well you said it best actually. He was born for this one.
It opened my eyes to many things while watching. The respect a fallen soldier is shown totally wowed me with love.
Ok, Snoots doll, just finished watching this movie. I'm a blubbering mess. I need more tissues.
#1
I know! You softies are all just as bad as I am... Thank you for watching it. It just meant so much to me that I wanted everyone to see & experience it.
I have never heard/seen this..thanks for the heads up Snoots!
O don't like Kevin Bacon.
Should I still see it?
Yes, you should! You'll like him after you see it, I swear!
I love the name of your blog. I was at dinner last night. As I was having a major hot flash, my sister in law asked me if I was having my own personal summer:) I thought that was pretty funny. I hadn't heard that home before.
Anita
Thank you for your kinds words and prayers. I failed in the stiff upper lip department!!
Post a Comment