"Taking Chance"

You may be wondering why I have a picture of Kevin Bacon on the blog. Well, I took this picture just last night. Ok, not really, I've never met Kevin Bacon but I'm sure I am only separated from him by six degrees. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, google six degrees of separation - Kevin Bacon.)

Conrad had me Tivo a film last night that played on HBO. It's called Taking Chance. We watched it before going to bed. This is one of the most informative, moving, beautiful, simple and never-swaying-from-its-purpose movies I've seen in a long time.

I believe the purpose of the film was to show us what happens when one of our own falls in combat. It is non-political, doesn't say if the war is right or wrong, just shows us the respect our fallen service men and women are given on their way home. I am telling you now, you won't be able to watch it without a tissue. Well, you can watch it without one, but you'll wish you had one.

I am impressed the more I think about this film because of it's simplicity. Simply one man escorting another man to the simple town of his final resting place. Sound boring? IT. IS. NOT.

It is beautifully filmed, scenery, simple shots of people paying respect, grief, people dealing with it realistically. The way the officer deals with the unexpectedness of respect for someone he doesn't, nor anyone he comes in contact with on the way to the soldier's home, knows. It really is a wonderful tribute.

I encourage anyone, no matter their political view, view on war, religious preference or any other persuasion to view this film.

Taking Chance is worth the hour - hour and a half you will spend watching it. It's the least we can do for our fallen soldiers.

For more information, go to http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/