Taking Chance backdrop
Taking Chance logo
2009·Drama·1h 17m
7.1
Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort accompanies the body of Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps to his hometown in Wyoming.
Directed by Ross Katz
war crimes
warlord
iraq
based on true story
war victim
respect
military
gratitude
thoughtful
military escort

Cast

Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon
LtCol Mike Strobl
Tom Aldredge
Tom Aldredge
Charlie Fitts
Nicholas Art
Nicholas Art
Nate Strobl
Blanche Baker
Blanche Baker
Chris Phelps
Guy Boyd
Guy Boyd
Gary Hargrove
Gordon Clapp
Gordon Clapp
Tom Garrett
Emily Wickersham
Emily Wickersham
Kelley Phelps
Mike Colter
Mike Colter
MGySgt Demetry
Enver Gjokaj
Enver Gjokaj
Corporal Arenz
Ann Dowd
Ann Dowd
Gretchen
John Magaro
John Magaro
Rich Brewer
Noah Fleiss
Noah Fleiss
Army Sergeant

Crew

Ross Katz
Ross Katz
Director
Ross Katz
Ross Katz
Screenplay
Marcelo Zarvos
Marcelo Zarvos
Original Music Composer
Alar Kivilo
Alar Kivilo
Director of Photography
Brad Krevoy
Brad Krevoy
Executive Producer
Ross Katz
Ross Katz
Executive Producer
Brian A. Kates
Brian A. Kates
Second Film Editor
David Gere
David Gere
Stunts
Fred Berger
Fred Berger
Associate Producer

Popular Reviews

54 reviews
Luca Trumfio
Luca Trumfio
Taking Chance
it felt like this should’ve never been a movie like just bring him to the funeral home stop trying to be the main character
it felt like this should’ve never been a movie like just bring him to the funeral home stop trying to be the main character
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Fran Morales
Fran Morales
Taking Chance
This is a very difficult movie to analyze, mainly because it deals with extremely sensitive themes that need to be treated with care and respect, especially knowing it’s based on real events. Taking Chance tells the story of escorting the body of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps from Dover Air Force Base back to his hometown, and it’s one of those films that quietly stays with you long after it ends.

As someone who isn’t from the US, what struck me the most was the deep respect shown toward the military. From people stopping to pay their respects as the body is transported, to the funeral procession escorting the hearse before it reaches its final destination, it all feels incredibly moving. It’s honestly admirable. This might be the first time I’ve seen a film really focus on what happens after a casualty arrives at the base and how that journey continues all the way home.

Watching the care and tenderness with which they treat Chance’s body, his personal belongings, every small detail, is genuinely powerful. Nothing feels rushed or sensationalized. Learning about this process was surprisingly fascinating, not in a morbid way, but in a very human one. It’s about dignity, respect, and responsibility.

Kevin Bacon delivers a fantastic performance as Lt. Col. Michael Strobl. This is a very restrained role, but that’s exactly why it works so well. The tears right before the coffin is closed are absolutely devastating, and you can feel everything he’s holding back throughout the film. There’s also a quiet character arc here, watching Strobl slowly realize how meaningful this mission is and how much it changes him on a personal level.

This is not a movie about action, plot twists, gunfire, or war spectacle. It’s about the people behind the uniforms, about sacrifice, and about honoring someone who gave their life. It’s slow, reflective, and deeply respectful in the best possible way.

A beautiful film that handles its subject matter with incredible delicacy and attention to detail. It doesn’t try to manipulate your emotions, it simply tells its story honestly, and that’s why it goes straight to the heart.
This is a very difficult movie to analyze, mainly because it deals with extremely sensitive themes that need to be treated with care and respect, especially knowing it’s based on real events. Taking Chance tells the story of escorting the body of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps from Dover Air Force Base back to his hometown, and it’s one of those films that quietly stays with you long after it ends.

As someone who isn’t from the US, what struck me the most was the deep respect shown toward the military. From people stopping to pay their respects as the body is transported, to the funeral procession escorting the hearse before it reaches its final destination, it all feels incredibly moving. It’s honestly admirable. This might be the first time I’ve seen a film really focus on what happens after a casualty arrives at the base and how that journey continues all the way home.

Watching the care and tenderness with which they treat Chance’s body, his personal belongings, every small detail, is genuinely powerful. Nothing feels rushed or sensationalized. Learning about this process was surprisingly fascinating, not in a morbid way, but in a very human one. It’s about dignity, respect, and responsibility.

Kevin Bacon delivers a fantastic performance as Lt. Col. Michael Strobl. This is a very restrained role, but that’s exactly why it works so well. The tears right before the coffin is closed are absolutely devastating, and you can feel everything he’s holding back throughout the film. There’s also a quiet character arc here, watching Strobl slowly realize how meaningful this mission is and how much it changes him on a personal level.

This is not a movie about action, plot twists, gunfire, or war spectacle. It’s about the people behind the uniforms, about sacrifice, and about honoring someone who gave their life. It’s slow, reflective, and deeply respectful in the best possible way.

A beautiful film that handles its subject matter with incredible delicacy and attention to detail. It doesn’t try to manipulate your emotions, it simply tells its story honestly, and that’s why it goes straight to the heart.
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Tobias Froberg
Tobias Froberg
Taking Chance
This movie is best served in Bed under the blanket.

This Movie is the definition of “I have a story to tell, and if people want to listen they will listen”

They told a story that is important to tell, without over running it with fluff to make it more intriguing to the masses, the type of fluff that would have removed from story.
This movie is best served in Bed under the blanket.

This Movie is the definition of “I have a story to tell, and if people want to listen they will listen”

They told a story that is important to tell, without over running it with fluff to make it more intriguing to the masses, the type of fluff that would have removed from story.
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Tobias Froberg
Tobias Froberg
Taking Chance
This movie is best served in Bed under the blanket.

This Movie is the definition of “I have a story to tell, and if people want to listen they will listen”

They told a story that is important to tell, without over running it with fluff to make it more intriguing to the masses, the type of fluff that would have removed from story.
This movie is best served in Bed under the blanket.

This Movie is the definition of “I have a story to tell, and if people want to listen they will listen”

They told a story that is important to tell, without over running it with fluff to make it more intriguing to the masses, the type of fluff that would have removed from story.
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Riley
Riley
Taking Chance
mathew morrison jump scare
mathew morrison jump scare
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