Black Hawk Down battles realities
Hartnett scores big as Somalian war hero

by Nick Nance reporter

    War movies have always been a favorite, but, more than ever, we seem to crave seeing American soldiers fight to the death and show American resolve.

   Black Hawk Down is the heroic account of a group of elite U.S. soldiers sent into Mogadishu, Somalia, in October 1993 as part of a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

   This group of U.S. troops entered Somalia with good intentions, hoping to save lives and not take them.

   In a performance that by far topped what he did in Pearl Harbor, Josh Hartnett plays Ranger Staff Sgt. Matt Eversmann, who feels sorry for the Somalian people and their situation. Eversmann wants to help the Somalians the best he can and ease their suffering.

   As tensions increase where different factions have engaged in a civil war for a millennium, these soldiers are placed in a situation where there are no winners and no way to help.

   With U.S. commanders looking to find a quick way to take control of Somalia, they send these brave men to carry out operation “Irene.” When the carefully planned mission takes an unexpected turn, the men become engaged in the U.S. military’s single biggest firefight since the Vietnam War.

   They must abduct the two top lieutenants of the Somalian warlord, Mohammed Farrah Aidid, as part of a strategy to quell the civil war and famine ravaging the country.

   The operation starts to go bad when the assault begins, with four Ranger chalks fast-roping in from four hovering Black Hawk helicopters. One Ranger, Pvt. Todd Blackburn, misses the rope and falls approximately 60 feet to the street.

   Almost immediately, the Somalian militia begins to swarm the soldiers as they are loading prisoners. Because of the intense firefights, loading of the prisoners is delayed.

   Black Hawk Super Six One, piloted by Chief Warrant Officer Cliff “ Elvis” Wolcott, is hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and crashes.

   Then as rescue teams attempt to rescue the crew, they encounter the swarming Somalian mob that has converged on the downed helicopter.

   The disorganization leaves other crews racing around the Mogadishu streets like rats in a maze. Black Hawk Super Six Four is hit by another rocket-propelled grenade and crashes.

   The soldiers are then faced with endless crowds of Somalian civilians who have taken up arms against the U.S soldiers who are now trying to save their friends.

   The cinematography in Black Hawk Down resembles that of Pearl Harbor and Saving Private Ryan. During the battle scenes, the attempt at realism leaves audience members feeling as though they are on a tilt-a-whirl.

   However, the authenticity and attention to detail is amazing. The battle these soldiers faced just to escape almost seemed unending.
With every move they would make, they would encounter another devastating blow to their morale and their unit.

   This movie is a roller coaster ride through the hardships and tragedies of battle. It shows the best and worst in man as well as brings history to the movie screen.

   This is definitely a must-see movie this year. Ridley Scott lives up to his reputation and delivers a thrilling fact-based war drama that will leave audiences breathless.