When U.S. Rangers and an elite Delta Force team attempt to kidnap two underlings of a Somali warlord, their Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, and the Americans suffer heavy casualties, facing intense fighting from the militia on the ground.
Directed by Ridley Scott
based on novel or book
ambush
chaos
militia
prisoner of war
wound
somalia
warlord
famine
arms dealer
based on true story
delta force
gunfight
combat
us military
1990s
helicopter crash
mogadishu
rescue operation
peacekeeper
soldiers
street shootout
Rank
#54 in 2001·#2860 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Josh Hartnett
SSG Matthew Eversmann
Eric Bana
SFC Norm 'Hoot' Gibson
Ewan McGregor
SPC John Grimes
Tom Sizemore
LTC Danny McKnight
William Fichtner
SFC Jeff Sanderson
Sam Shepard
MG William F. Garrison
Jason Isaacs
CPT Mike Steele
Ewen Bremner
SPC Shawn Nelson
Orlando Bloom
PFC Todd Blackburn
Tom Hardy
SPC Lance Twombly
Charlie Hofheimer
CPL James 'Jamie' Smith
Hugh Dancy
SFC Kurt 'Doc' Schmid
Crew
Ridley Scott
Director
Ken Nolan
Screenplay
Hans Zimmer
Original Music Composer
Pietro Scalia
Editor
Sławomir Idziak
Director of Photography
Jerry Bruckheimer
Producer
Ridley Scott
Producer
Branko Lustig
Executive Producer
Chad Oman
Executive Producer
Mike Stenson
Executive Producer
Simon West
Executive Producer
Bonnie Timmermann
Casting
Popular Reviews
1236 reviews
Marc Adams
7.0★ · 04/13/24
Black Hawk Down" (2001) – 3.5/5 Stars
*** *** "Black Hawk Down," directed by Ridley Scott, is a gripping war film that portrays the harrowing events of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. This intense and gritty depiction of combat is packed with action and tension, and while it excels in presenting the brutality of war, it sometimes falters in character development and emotional depth.
The film revolves around a U.S. military mission gone awry in Somalia, showcasing the courage and chaos faced by American soldiers. The cinematography is striking, capturing the frenetic energy of the battle and immersing the audience in the heat of conflict. The extended battle scenes are well choreographed, making viewers feel the urgency and peril experienced by the soldiers on the ground.
One of the film's strengths is its commitment to portraying the heroism of the real-life soldiers involved. It highlights their bravery and sacrifice while shedding light on the complexities of military operations. The narrative pays homage to the soldiers who risked their lives during the ambush, particularly the significant sacrifices made by the likes of Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart, who gave everything to protect their comrades. Their selflessness underscores the bond between the soldiers and the realities of war; it's both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
However, "Black Hawk Down" struggles with character development. While the ensemble cast includes notable performances from actors like Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, and Ewan McGregor, many characters remain somewhat one-dimensional. The emphasis on action over personal stories leaves viewers wanting more connection to those fighting on screen. As a result, the impact of the soldiers' sacrifices may resonate less than it could have in a more character-driven narrative. *** *** In terms of pacing, the film can feel relentless, making it a thrilling ride but occasionally overwhelming. The constant barrage of action might leave some viewers feeling fatigued. A more balanced approach, interspersing quieter moments of reflection, could have provided a richer emotional landscape.
Overall, "Black Hawk Down" honors the courage of those who served, reflecting on the chaos and valor inherent in battle. It's a visually stunning film that delivers intense action and pays tribute to real-life heroism, even if it falls short in deepening the audience's connection to its characters. For those interested in military history or action films, it remains a compelling watch, earning a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for its portrayals of sacrifice and bravery.
Black Hawk Down" (2001) – 3.5/5 Stars
*** *** "Black Hawk Down," directed by Ridley Scott, is a gripping war film that portrays the harrowing events of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. This intense and gritty depiction of combat is packed with action and tension, and while it excels in presenting the brutality of war, it sometimes falters in character development and emotional depth.
The film revolves around a U.S. military mission gone awry in Somalia, showcasing the courage and chaos faced by American soldiers. The cinematography is striking, capturing the frenetic energy of the battle and immersing the audience in the heat of conflict. The extended battle scenes are well choreographed, making viewers feel the urgency and peril experienced by the soldiers on the ground.
One of the film's strengths is its commitment to portraying the heroism of the real-life soldiers involved. It highlights their bravery and sacrifice while shedding light on the complexities of military operations. The narrative pays homage to the soldiers who risked their lives during the ambush, particularly the significant sacrifices made by the likes of Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart, who gave everything to protect their comrades. Their selflessness underscores the bond between the soldiers and the realities of war; it's both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
However, "Black Hawk Down" struggles with character development. While the ensemble cast includes notable performances from actors like Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, and Ewan McGregor, many characters remain somewhat one-dimensional. The emphasis on action over personal stories leaves viewers wanting more connection to those fighting on screen. As a result, the impact of the soldiers' sacrifices may resonate less than it could have in a more character-driven narrative. *** *** In terms of pacing, the film can feel relentless, making it a thrilling ride but occasionally overwhelming. The constant barrage of action might leave some viewers feeling fatigued. A more balanced approach, interspersing quieter moments of reflection, could have provided a richer emotional landscape.
Overall, "Black Hawk Down" honors the courage of those who served, reflecting on the chaos and valor inherent in battle. It's a visually stunning film that delivers intense action and pays tribute to real-life heroism, even if it falls short in deepening the audience's connection to its characters. For those interested in military history or action films, it remains a compelling watch, earning a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for its portrayals of sacrifice and bravery.
2
Nyle Ali
7.0★ · 08/12/25
yeah, i no longer wanna be a soldier. fuck war.
yeah, i no longer wanna be a soldier. fuck war.
1
Will Perez
7.0★ · 07/13/25
A bit dragged out but overall solid war movie. They seemed to never catch a break and had a satisfying ending. It’s a good watch, but don’t see myself rewatching.
A bit dragged out but overall solid war movie. They seemed to never catch a break and had a satisfying ending. It’s a good watch, but don’t see myself rewatching.
