Rating of
4/4
A Beautiful, Touching Movie
Amoeba Johnny - wrote on 04/12/11
Sometimes a movie comes along that amazes you not with what it does, but with what it doesn't. Taking Chance is one such movie. The movie's premise is simple enough: it tells the story of Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl experience as a voluntary escort for recently deceased soldier Chance Phelps. But rather than it being a story about Strobl, the movie focuses on the journey to escort Phelps' body back to his hometown in Wyoming.
The movie pays tribute to fallen soldiers by beautifully illustrating the journey. The movie doesn't overdo things and it doesn't attempt to wring out drama with over the top situations. The respect shown for Phelps' body are genuinely heartfelt and realistic. It's like a fellow escort Strobl encounters at an airport says, "It's like they know sir. They see the uniform and they just know." Personally I've never been involved in escorting a body or seen such a situation unfold, but I could see it playing out like this.
I cannot recommend this movie enough. It's a beautiful, touching story that isn't preachy or overbearing in its subject matter. I will caution though: you might want to grab a box of tissues, you'll probably need them.
