Black Hawk Down - Movie Review

Black Hawk Down narrates a real life Operation in Somalia in 1993 where 160 top notch riflemen are airborne in Somalia to arrest two recalcitrant warlord lieutenants. This mission culminates to a very crucial and critical battle after two of the Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in the hands of the Somalis. The main topic of the scenes is the combat rescues of the soldiers and all the chaotic conditions that their operation represents, and the strength of the soldiers involved in the most dangerous missions. The theme of the novel is more like a war drama, or rather a never-ending procession of wars and all the victims of these innumerable wars. The film’s scenes are tense and fast-paced which gives viewers a feeling of the tension of the battle field.

Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor and Tom Sizemore give impressive performances, depicting a soldier’s courage and fear in battle. Despite having so many different characters, each actor fully develops a character with their own story, or lack of one, and despite the fact that it is one of many soldier movies, it tells its story with a gritty, powerful intensity that feels very real. It is worthy to note that except for attention to details in the combat sequences, the director places the audience right in the middle of the battle field. The beats always rise and fall to meet the mood of the movie, which enhances the feelings of the characters.

This is further supported by excellent shots taken by Slawomir Idziak, dusty ground of Mogadishu is portrayed in real manner. Following action, the movie masterfully shows the severity of the crises in urban combat, making the viewers go through the shakes, the threats, and the shots, including the blast.

Amazingly, using excellent designs, the film depicts the streets of a Mogadishu that resembles the actual scenario of a war zone. Effective use of conditions of a specific time brings the audience to 1990s Somalia in a state of complete confidence.

The use of special effects is well done, which enlivens the technique of the film and intensifies the battle scenes while not overdoing it. With accuracy, all the attacks and destruction of the helicopters add on the tension thus making the movie intense.

The editing style used by Pietro Scalia is quite coherent and he uses a good mix of action and character development in the film. Despite the fact that the film is more than two hours long, the editing for the most part keeps the audience on edge.

Since the movie provides the audience with intense combat scenarios, the pace of the movie does not lag or become monotonous throughout the duration of the filming. Some might complaint that the film is 2¼ hours long, but the length of the operation is reflected and provides viewers with the feeling of the tiresome situation. Dialogues contain importance of their work, adding reality and significance to the script.

In dealing with the theme of war, Black Hawk Down succeeds to show the confusion of war-oriented activities but sometimes the character’s development is overshadowed by actions. Those parts may be quite appreciated by some because of the thrilling and spectacular battles taking over the film may be seen as over-emphasized. The fast action may also restricts the sympathies to the characters. It captures the confusion and glory of war to the audience in an impacting way for long in the recipients’ minds.