Smallscreen Features
Kevin Bacon and Lt. Col. Mike Strobl talk 'Taking Chance' for HBO
By April MacIntyre Feb 15, 2009, 18:54 GMT
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Kevin Bacon - View Kevin Bacon Pictures - Kevin Bacon News
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Older Talkback
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Just finished watching 'Taking Chance', one of the best films I've seen in I don't know when. Kevin Bacon did a very fine job representing the Marine Corp. and in his portrayal of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl. Thank you.
May all military families know that you are in our prayers, for I am a daughter of a fallen soldier. God Bless.
As a former Marine I was previously aware of military honors, but this film puts it in a context that I had never experienced before. There were several times during the story that I had to get up and leave the room. Terrific job by the writer, great performance by Kevin Bacon and congratulations to HBO for having the wavos to present this for us to view. Easily the best film I have seen in quite a while. Powerful message about honor, also shows the loss each American experiences when one of these Patriots dies.
This movie depicts the well deserved respect that this not shown too often. It should be seen by all. It is an EXCELLENT movie.
It represents the respect, honor, and valor for all of our military, past and present.
I have been out since I was medically bumped from Desert Storm. But the film was one of the best I have ever seen. And as a former active duty Marine, I will admit to bawling through parts of it. OOH Rah, to the writers and producers. And a Serious Thank You to Lt Col Strobl and to Mr Bacon. I think Chesty is thanking you as well.
I am married to a second generation United States Marine. I have two uncles that served in Vietnam and a brother in law who fought in Desert Storm (he has a bronze star, but he won't tell us how he got it)He just says he did something stupid and survived. When my uncles came home from Vietnam they were treated with hatred by the civilian population and when one of thier brothers in arms came home to be buried many times the families were not treated with the respect they deserved. When I was three one of our neighbors lost thier son. He was in the Army with my Uncle Larry. Someone actually said that they got what they deserved because they raised a war monger. He was drafted. He didn't run away to Canada like some others. He knew what the back lash would be from some if he fought for his country. His father was in World War II and so was my grandfather.
I am glad that people finally realized that even if they don't agree with the war there is a difference between how civilians view the government and the way we should treat our military, heros. Each time I see any soldier, marine, sailor or airmen I remember that because they serve we are safe. Because they sacrafice we are safe. Because they were willing to lay down their lives we are safe. This movie not only showed the process of bring PFC Chance Phelps, USMC is also showed how our country's attitude has changed. Thank you for sharing the story with us.
Today I watched the movie 'Taking Chance'. It was so deeply moving I cried all the way through. As a young girl I wanted to join the military but at that time there was a height requirement. I was to short. I have always loved the military and when my grandson joined the Marine Corps just a few months ago although I was extremely proud I was also afraid of what might happen to him. During the whole movie I thought about my grandson and there is a small peace in the corner of my heart to know that if the worst happened he would be treated with gentle care, respect and dignity, as befitting a fallen American son.
Suscribing to HBO for this movie is worth the money! Don't miss it...don't let anyone you know miss it! Even if you have to impose on friends who have HBO...DO IT! I couldn't let myself cry watching it. I did however have to remind myself to breath during a number of scenes. Perhaps the prospect of experiencing the subject matter on a personal level is more than I could really allow myself to contemplate.
The subtle acting, a raised eyebrow, a silent nod, a difficult swallow or even the tension in the jaw of Kevin Bacon all contribute to the success of this wonderful story which is told with a delicate touch and extreme respect. Well written, well acted and hopefully well Recieved by people everywhere.
Dear Mr Bacon
As a former Marine and a present day All Veterans Honor Guard member giving honors to our Veterans at Ft Logan National Cemetary in Colorado. I was extremely moved by the story and by your great performance.
You are a man of honor sir, and I just wanted to say thank you.
Semper Fi
Michael G Benowitz
Dear Kevin Bacon,
I am a GOLD STAR Dad.My son US Army Spc.Thomas J Wilwerth was killed in action on Feb 23,2006. Samarra,Iraq.
I just want to thank you for making this movie,it is important to let people know what we go through.
I also want to thank you for such great acting.
And to Lt.Col.Michael Strobl many thanks to you too.
Terry Wilwerth- twilwerth@optonline.net
i just watched taking chance. what a powerful movie. everyone in america needs to watch this movie. i have a son over in iraq now, and not ever knowing how they bring the remains back, watching that movie was very powerful. actually seeing the respect and the care they receive, was very moving. this is something everybody needs to know. kevin bacon did a wonderful job of portraying mike strobl. what a wonderful man he is. chance phelps is loved and respected all over the world, as is all the other ones who have died from this conflict. my prayers for all of the men and women over there, as well as my son. god bless you all.
This was the best movie I think I have ever seen. As a 20 year medic, I see a lot of things, but this movie made me cry like a baby. God bless Lt Strobl, all the men and women in our services, and Kevin Bacon for doing such a GREAT job in this. He was perfect with all his actions and his attitudes. I have seen it three times now and cried each time. A grown man crying at a movie you say? Yes. Yes. Yes. Wonderful job; this SHOULD be given an acadamy award.
My husband and I watched 'Taking Chance' and we both agreed Kevin Bacon did a superlative job on acting as Lt.Col. Stobel. We are a Marine Family and we appreciated the care, dedication and respect that was shown to Chance Phelps and his family. Kudos to HBO for producing this film. This film should give some comfort to all families who have lost a loved in war--to see the respect and care that is shown throughout the process of bringing 'someone' home for the final time. Again KUDOS to both Kevin Bacon and HBO!!!!
My neighbor was nice enough to do a DVD copy for me. My first time watching it, within the first 5 minutes or so I had a tear in my right eye. As I continued to watch I developed one in the other eye. I think I had tears for at least 95% of the movie. I have just watched it a third time with tears again. You can't help but have tears.
Whether you agree or disagree with this war doesn't matter when you see this movie, you don't think of the war but of the respect that is given to our fallen men and women from so many people: people on the tarmack in airports, cars driving down the road and so on.
Thank you Lt. Col. Strobl for taking the time to document your experience for the world to view. Lt. Col. you've done justice for Chance Phelps and all our returning fallen heroes. Mr. Bacon thank you for accepting the part, you've done justice to this story.
I worked on Camp Pendleton during Desert Storm and would wonder how many Marines had been there as they walked around base, what where their stories.
I thought of Vietnam as I watched this movie and the way our troops were treated then and how their being treated still to this day--many homeless and who really cares about the life they have lead upon returning home. I don't know if anyone I was in high school with went to Vietnam but I've often wondered.
If this movie was at the Oscars last Sunday it would have won every category as far as I'm concerned. It should be at next years. Absolutely riveting!!
As a veteran I have never been so proud of our military.Well done Lt.Col.Strobl and all personnel whose profound duty it is to bring our loved ones home.As a Philadelphian the Bacon family has made us proud once again.
I am personally blessed for the opportunity to see this sensitive treatment of something visited upon many American families. My mother received such horrific news as did Chance Phelp's mom when my father was killed during the Korean war. Fast forward more than twenty years later when my family was again visited by the CACO (The Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) acts on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps in assisting survivors of active duty Marines from the death notification to assistance with coordinating funeral arrangements to applying for benefits and entitlements), notifying us of the death of my favorite uncle during Viet Nam.
It was so helpful to see how others were touched personally by the passage of Chance and Colonel Strobl through their lives. The grace and reverence they showed at such a moment were a fitting tribute to the sacrifice offered up to our nation by so many of our fellow citizens as they serve in all the branches of our armed forces. They have given us yet another reason to be proud to be Americans.
Semper Fidelis means 'Always Faithful', and our Marine Corps daily embodies all that is at once proud, honorable, and the best of America...
Jim McLane
(United States Navy Hospital Corps- Viet Nam 1972-76).
Mr. Bacon you represented the Corps and LtCol Strobl in a fine manner and as a former Marine I want to thank you. It was a very emotional movie and if you didn't get emotional then you never will. I have a question you may be able to answer: Why wasn't taps played at the cemetary?
Semper Fi
Kenneth E Phillips
We are so involved in our everyday activities, we become accustomed to hearing the numbers of men and women who have died in the service of our country. This film really made these numbers real. I will remember this film and think of it from now on when I hear of another person who has died (or been wounded) for our freedoms. It will haunt me.
I wrote the following five years ago with the last verse added Friday. I generally keep up with stories and news such as the heartbreaking and wonderfully portrayed film, 'Taking Chance'. Somehow, I had never heard the story until a lady who read the following, (which I'd posted Saturday on AARP)asking if I had seen the movie. Her Daughter is an HBO VP behind the film. I finally saw it last night and it is a must see film to help the public learn how our War Casualties are really treated with great care and dignity by the Military. My poem was never meant to downplay this fact. I only wanted to draw attention to the 'out of sight, out of mind' policies of the past, which have finally been reversed by the Obama administration.
A DVD is also available from HBO. Please make it a point to see this true story.
Del 'Abe' Jones
Without Ceremony
We send them out to risk their lives
And then, when they give their all
We hear their names on the news
Without Ceremony, and that's all.
Each should have an Honor Guard
That's shown, for the World to see
That we pay homage to all those
Who died for us and Liberty.
Each, should have their own caisson
To slowly, carry them along
To their final resting place
Where they play, that mournful song.
But, nowadays it seems
That all the Powers that be
Want them to return unnoticed
And, Without Ceremony.
'It's too hard for the Loved Ones.'
If, we Honor, their Remains
They say, 'Out of sight and mind.'
Will help ease all the pains.
But our Government, (and us)
Are doing something that's not right
Sometimes, Without Ceremony
Under the cover, of night.
We have Celebrations
When the rest of them return
But, it's those Brave Fallen
Who could teach us, if, we'd learn.
02-22-2004
They have finally changed the rules
And now, the Families will decide
With whom, and how they'll share
Their Hero's final, solemn, ride.
Del 'Abe' Jones
02.27.2009
(a search of my name will lead to more of my work)
Extremely moving documentary, I hate to call it drama since it is based on a true story (albeit with dramatic license). Solemn performance by Kevin Bacon, tastefully done to focus on Lance Phelps rather than Kevin Bacon or LTCol Strobl. Good, not great, flick, worth watching.
Quite by accident last week I watched the HBO movie, Taking Chance'. I have seen it three times now. How wonderful to know that our country heros are so carefully cared for from the day they leave us until they return home.
The movie also has a personal connection for me. I met my husband in Dubois in the summer of 1959 while I was staying with family. Also, the funeral home name, Raferty, is one my name is often confused with.
Thank you Col. Strobl for your service, your obviously deep caring and most of all for giving us a truly remarkable account of that special journey you took with your 'friend' Chance.
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