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A small, almost perfectly realized gem of a movie, Taking Chance is also precisely the kind of movie that TV should be making. – USA Today

Taking Chance is an HBO film that gives us a first-hand view of how fallen US military servicemen in Iraq are brought back to their families. It’s not a documentary but a beautifully executed film with a very simple and focused plot.

Lt. Col. Mike Strobl (played by Kevin Bacon) is an analyst has been sitting behind a desk for too long that his military operation recommendations have been turned down due to his lack of recent combat experience.

He decided to volunteer as a military escort for the body of Pfc. Chance Phelps, a young marine who was killed in action in Iraq, from the military base in Dover to his family in Wyoming.

Every scene in this film is riveting and Kevin Bacon did an absolutely fantastic job with his role. You will see how painstakingly careful the people are in preparing the body for transport. How the body was treated with respect and honor all throughout Lt. Col. Strobl’s journey.

It is an exceptionally great tribute to all those soldiers who were killed while in service to America. A deeply moving film with no political bias whatsoever that is perfect for Independence Day.

Verdict: 5 out 5 stars. I highly recommend that every American should watch this film and be filled with pride afterwards. I’m not a US citizen but I wonder if my country treats our fallen soldiers the same way.

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