ARidley Scottmilitary action movie receives a high accuracy score from a weapons expert.Alienwas his breakout hitand is often considered to be one ofRidley Scott’s best movies. He followed upAlienwithBlade Runner, another movie that would become a science-fiction classic. Scott made his mark on other genres in the ensuing years with a variety of hits, including the crime dramaThelma & Louiseand the historical epicGladiator.
In 2012, he directed his firstAlienmovie since the original with the divisive prequelPrometheus, along with directing its 2017 sequelAlien: Covenant.His 2015 movieThe Martianwas well-receivedand offered a more hopeful story within the science-fiction genre. Scott’s enthusiasm for historical movies remained as strong as his enthusiasm for science-fiction with his direction ofThe Kingdom of Heaven,The Last Duel,Napoleon, andGladiator II.
Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down Is Assessed For Accuracy
The Movie Is Based On The Black Hawk Down Incident
Scott’s 2001 movieBlack Hawk Downis evaluated for its realism. Instead of being rooted in the science-fiction genre or in history from centuries ago, the story is based on the 1993 Black Hawk Down Incident, wherethe crew of a Black Hawk helicopter had to fight to survive after getting shot down in Mogadishu, Somalia.Black Hawk Down’s castincluded Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Eric Bana, William Fichtner, Tom Hardy, Jason Isaacs, and Orlando Bloom. The movie has a 76% Tomatometer score and 88% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Black Hawk Downwon Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
In a video withInsider,retired Green Beret David Harris breaks down a mostly realistic scene inBlack Hawk Down. He focuses on the scene where the Black Hawk helicopter is shot down, both from the perspective of the shooters on the ground and from the perspective of the soldiers in the helicopter. Harris explains what backblast is and how the backblast depicted in the movie is accurate, as is the way the helicopter explosion is visually portrayed. He also addresses how the movie relied on military individuals present at the Battle of Mogadishu. Check out Harris' comments below:
He wasn’t at a super-high elevation, so his backblast was fine. He didn’t have anyone behind him, so no one was going to be messed up by the rocket actually taking off. For this scenario, most of the rockets everyone is shooting is going to have backblast, which is just the fire or the explosion of the round taking off. So the more elevation you put, the more fire that is going to come out and burn your legs. Or if someone’s right behind you, they’re going to eat all that blast of the rocket going off. you’re able to stand directly on the sides and shoot rockets like that.
So the explosion shown in the scene hitting a helicopter is actually what it would look like. It wouldn’t be like some big overwhelming fireball. Probably the reason that RPG was able to hit that is because it’s pointfire, which means it doesn’t have something that it’s actually locking onto. It’s just basically like a bullet. I point it in this direction and I fire at it, so it was harder to maneuver from.
I would rate Black Hawk Down on a scale of one to 10 for realism, a nine. They pulled in a lot of resources from military guys that were there. I know they use rangers who actually do the fast rope.
Our Take On David Harris' Comments
He Highlights One Of Black Hawk Down’s Greatest Strengths
Not all theevents ofBlack Hawk Downare accurate with what really happened during the Battle of Mogadishu, butHarris' expert analysis highlights how the 2001 movie is a powerful commentary on war. Scott’s direction is an unflinching portrayal of war’s horrific, brutal realities. The realism in how firearms are used, along with explosions, adds to how these terrifying realities are shown. While many movies glorify war, Scott is intent on showing how war is appalling to all involved parties.
How Does Black Up Down Fare Against Ridley Scott’s Other Movies?
It’s Underrated, But Doesn’t Live Up To His Best Movies
Black Hawk Downdoes not have as strong of a legacy as some of the director’s other movies, especially whereAlien,Blade Runner, andGladiatorare concerned.Alienis a defining science-fiction horror movie, spawning a long-running and highly successful franchise.Blade Runneris just as important to science-fiction movies, with its visual aesthetic setting a precedent that has inspired countless movies since.Gladiatoris similarly influential in the evolution of historical epics, and Maximus Decimus Meridius remains the most iconic role in Russell Crowe’s impressive career.
The imagery is haunting and, from start to finish, the movie displays Scott’s technical skills and the strength of visceral, unforgettable cinematography.
WhileBlack Hawk Downcannot reach the heights ofAlien,Blade Runner, orGladiator, it is arguably one of Scott’s best movies after these three. Many of Scott’s movies feature violent spectacle, but while some romanticize it,Black Hawk Downis committed to fully showcasing the horrors of war. The imagery is haunting and, from start to finish, the movie displays Scott’s technical skills and the strength of visceral, unforgettable cinematography.
9 Actors You Forgot Were In Black Hawk Down
Black Hawk Down features a stacked ensemble cast, and there are some actors who blend into their roles so well, it’s easy to forget they were there.
Black Hawk Downhas a strong, star-studded ensemble cast, but one area where it does falter is that it is light on meaningful character development. In addition toAlien,Blade Runner, andGladiator,many other Scott movies, includingThelma & LouiseandThe Martian, have far more compelling arcs for their characters. Nevertheless,Black Hawk Downis often underrated during discussion ofRidley Scott’s impressive filmography.
Black Hawk Down
Cast
Black Hawk Down recounts the harrowing true story of a U.S. military mission gone awry in Somalia. Tasked with capturing a warlord, elite soldiers find themselves in a fierce battle against Somali militia forces.
