While recognizing the profound impact the Iraq War has had on this generation, at the time Taking Chance was first broadcast on HBO, I was in the middle of my “no more war movies” ban.  I was just full up with everything to do with war and needed a respite from reminders on film.  Then Bacon had to go and win a Golden Globe for his work and I knew that eventually I’d have to take in this true story of a Marine Lt. Colonel that volunteers to take the body of a fallen soldier back to his hometown for burial.  What this film does and says about the war in 77  solid minutes is profound and quite moving.

Viewed now, it’s quite right that Bacon should be honored for the truthful and restrained work he does here.  We’ve all seen the movies where the past demons within are exorcised by some experience in the present.  Not here.  The motivations of Bacon’s character are in line with his wanting to participate in an important part of the war…to accompany a soldier’s remains home.  Without hitting us over the head with the information, we see that Bacon is a devoted family man and soldier trying to do the right thing.

The movie showcases a process many Americans aren’t privy to – we see from the inside the respect and honor these deceased men and women are treated with from the moment they fall until they return home to their final resting place.  Care is taken every step of the way to ensure dignity and honor are maintained and the scenes that depict the preparation of the body are sensitive but all the same quite hard to watch without developing a lump in your throat.