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Courage Under Fire (1996)

Courage Under Fire (1996)
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A soldier discovers how elusive the truth can be in this first major film about America's role in the Gulf War. Lt. Col. Nathaniel Serling (Denzel Washington) was the commander of a unit during Operation Desert Storm who mistakenly ordered the destruction of what he believed to be an enemy tank, only to discover that it actually held U.S. soldiers, including a close friend. Since then, Serling has been an emotional wreck, drinking heavily and allowing his marriage to teeter on the brink of collapse. As a means of redeeming himself, Serling is given a new assignment by his superior, Gen. Hershberg (Michael Moriarty). Capt. Karen Walden (Meg Ryan) was a helicopter pilot who died in battle during the Iraqi conflict, and the White House has proposed that Walden be posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Serling is asked to investigate Walden's actions on the field of battle, but he quickly discovers that no two stories about her are quite the same; Ilario (Matt Damon) says Walden acted heroically and sacrificed herself to save the others in her company, while Monfriez (Lou Diamond Phillps) claims she was a coward who was attempting to surrender to enemy troops. Meanwhile, reporter Tony Gartner (Scott Glenn) is hounding Serling, trying to get the inside story on Walden and on Serling's own difficulties. Matt Damon lost 40 pounds to prepare for his role in Courage Under Fire, which resulted in a potentially life-threatening illness for the young actor. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, (more)
Director(s):
Edward Zwick
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of Courage Under Fire

A soldier discovers how elusive the truth can be in this first major film about America's role in the Gulf War. Lt. Col. Nathaniel Serling (Denzel Washington) was the commander of a unit during Operation Desert Storm who mistakenly ordered the destruction of what he believed to be an enemy tank, only to discover that it actually held U.S. soldiers, including a close friend. Since then, Serling has been an emotional wreck, drinking heavily and allowing his marriage to teeter on the brink of collapse. As a means of redeeming himself, Serling is given a new assignment by his superior, Gen. Hershberg (Michael Moriarty). Capt. Karen Walden (Meg Ryan) was a helicopter pilot who died in battle during the Iraqi conflict, and the White House has proposed that Walden be posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Serling is asked to investigate Walden's actions on the field of battle, but he quickly discovers that no two stories about her are quite the same; Ilario (Matt Damon) says Walden acted heroically and sacrificed herself to save the others in her company, while Monfriez (Lou Diamond Phillps) claims she was a coward who was attempting to surrender to enemy troops. Meanwhile, reporter Tony Gartner (Scott Glenn) is hounding Serling, trying to get the inside story on Walden and on Serling's own difficulties. Matt Damon lost 40 pounds to prepare for his role in Courage Under Fire, which resulted in a potentially life-threatening illness for the young actor. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
117 mins

Complete Cast of Courage Under Fire


Director(s):
Edward Zwick
Writer(s):
Patrick Sheane Duncan
Producer(s):
Joseph M. Singer, John Davis, David T. Friendly
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(War Violence, Profanity, Violence, Adult Situations)
Categories:
War
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Cathy H.

    Sometimes a soap opera can produce greatness. In the early 80's Meg Ryan was in one of my favorite soap opera's, and then disappeared. Then she started turning out brilliant performances on the silver screen, and "Courage Under Fire" is another example of brilliance. Even if you do not know much about the horrors of war such performances bring home the seriousness of war. This movie does not glamorize war, but underscores the difference between heroism and cowardice. Meg Ryan gives a wonderful performance as a female officer from West Point who leads a team of would-be heroes. The fact that this team (with the exception of Meg) falls short of the goal of being heroic is what this movie is all about. Denzel Washington turns in a brilliant quiet performance in this movie as an officer fighting his own ghosts. Through the investigation into (Ryan's) team, Washington's character finds reconciliation, peace, and finally closure to his own troubled issues.

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    Daniel P.

    Absolutely worth watching. Denzel Washington provides a stellar performance as a Commander of his own tank unit. During the chaos of a night time battle, a horrible error occurs, which He has to try to come to terms with as well as continuing with his duties as an officer back here in the states afterwards. Performances by the supporting cast are powerful as well. Meg Ryan's performance is one that differs from other roles I've seen Her in previously. Viewed this movie before years ago, but wanted to see it again. forgot how powerful it was.

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    Brian K.

    Meg Ryan is pretty good in this, although at times, she overacts a tad. Denzel is his usual calm, quiet, exceptionally competent self. i don't think either of them went too far with this one, but all in all, it's a decent flick.

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