HBO: "Taking Chance" starring Kevin Bacon...

[BamaLuver]

Has anyone seen this movie? I watched it last night, and thought it was very moving. Kevin Bacon portrays a Marine Corp. officer (Lt. Col. Michael Strobl) who volunteers to "escort" Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps remains back home. The care he & the Marine Corps showed Phelps was incredible ... and I must admit to shedding a few tears as I watched.

Lt. Col. Michael Strobl journals his experience and the gratitude shown to him and Phelps' service by the people he encountered along the way.


Video -- Taking Chance

Lieutenant Colonel Strobl's Journal

Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn’t know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.

Over a year ago, I volunteered to escort the remains of Marines killed in Iraq should the need arise. The military provides a uniformed escort for all casualties to ensure they are delivered safely to the next of kin and are treated with dignity and respect along the way.

 

[DiamondDust]

I caught the tail end of it tonight (Basically starting at the point where Kevin Bacon's character meets with the family), but I definitely want to watch the whole thing.

Edit: I ended up catching this later in the night, and I must say... it was a very touching story. Kevin Bacon did a great job in portraying Lt. Col Strobl, and the inner conflict that he felt while serving as the escort.

 

[dayhiker]

I read a writeup that was emailed to me. It was probably the journal linked above. It was very difficult to even finish reading it, but I'm glad I did. It was very moving. I'll have to catch this when it comes out on video I guess.

 

[Displaced Bama Fan]

I cried like a baby at the end. I could see anyone of my three boys in the same pictures as he was. It was a very touching movie.

 

[BamaLuver]

I was surprised to see that it was only 77 minutes long.

 

[DiamondDust]

I was surprised to see that it was only 77 minutes long.

After reading the journal in which the film was based, I don't think they could have drug it out any more. It was tight and to the point... no real extra fluff or anything like that.

 

[LCN]

I enjoyed the movie . As DBF pointed out , the ending was pretty special . Several home video clips from Corporal Phelp's childhood were shown .

 

[pc2bama]

I would recommend it to anyone. It doesn't matter your political ideology or views of the current and past conflicts. You realize how much love and sacrifice these men and women have for their country and for their fellow Marines and soldiers. I am in awe of all who put on the uniform. My son and I pray for them and their families each night as we go to bed and say thank you for all they do. They are the best this country has to offer.

 

[swoop10]

Loved the movie. I was in the USMC in the 80's so it really affected me alot. I agree that this movie will affect everyone no matter which side of the isle you sit, but I got a little mad when I realized that this country is turning into something that is totally different from the one they are fighting and dying for.

 

[CrimsonNan]

I've heard about it. Would love to see it. Maybe I can rent a DVD and watch it.