Not Rated.
Directed by Ross Katz
Starring Kevin Bacon
A small film with a big pay-off.
Inspired by the true story of Lt. Col. Mike Strobl (Kevin Bacon), the United States Marine, who volunteered to escort the remains of a nineteen year old Pfc. Chance Phelps back to his small hometown in Wyoming. Chance was just nineteen years old when he was killed during active duty in Iraq. Now, as Chance is prepared for his final journey back home, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl makes it his personal mission to ensure that his fallen brother is laid to rest with the proper respect. Along the way, person after person pays their respects with kind words, small gifts, and genuine gratitude. The journey also proves to be very therapeutic for Strobl who gains a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made in war.
This film was both moving and educational. Admittedly, I never really thought about the process of returning the remains of soldiers who were killed in action to their families. I didn’t understand it or even appreciate it. After watching this film, I will never forget it. In fact on a recent trip I found myself looking for soldiers in uniform and paying close attention to the baggage handlers loading the planes.
I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “Life's a journey, not a destination” and the same can be true for this film. It may be on the slow side, but as long as you are not in a hurry, you will love it. One more thing…you will also need to overlook all the other “movie rules.” The plot barely exists, there is almost no dialogue and there is almost a complete absence of any conflict. Not to mention the fact that the story’s main hero never speaks and is in only a handful of scenes. But the film’s biggest accomplishment is communicating it’s theme of honoring our fallen soldiers.
It is the visual images that make this film so memorable. It’s as if we see exactly what Strobl (the writer) saw, as if we were there on that long journey with him. We see every detail from the workers carrying bags of ice like they are valuable artifacts and them packing the temporary coffin to the cleaning of Phelps’ fingers and toes (his face and most battle scars are avoided).
And they don’t end there, every time the coffin is transferred from one vehicle to another, Strobl salutes — a strong but slow salute, held until the box passes by. Each and every time I experienced a wide range of emotions, but when onlookers, other passengers or airport workers felt compelled to pay their respect, I found myself really getting choked up. One of my favorite scenes was when the remains are being transported in a black limousine on a narrow highway; the cars behind it form an impromptu funeral procession, headlights on as another sign of respect.
Taking Chance reminds us to render honor to all of our service men and women.
I loved this movie…its “Theater Worthy.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive in the film and I think students should see it.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
