IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users77%
Director: Edward Zwick•Genres: Drama, War, Action, Mystery
A Gulf War investigating officer is tasked with determining if a female helicopter pilot should be posthumously awarded the Silver Star for her actions during a rescue mission. As he delves deeper into the events of that night, he uncovers conflicting accounts and disturbing truths about the pilot's final moments and the mission's tragic outcome. The investigation forces him to confront his own past traumas and the complexities of heroism in the chaos of war.
Courage Under Fire received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its strong performances, particularly from Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan, and its handling of the complexities of war and heroism. Some critics noted the film's suspenseful narrative and its thought-provoking exploration of moral ambiguity.
Praised for compelling performances by its lead actors.
Commended for its thoughtful exploration of wartime moral dilemmas.
The narrative structure, which alternates between the investigation and flashbacks, was seen as effective.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's engaging story and the powerful performances, especially Denzel Washington's portrayal of a conflicted officer and Meg Ryan's challenging role. Some viewers found the plot intricate and appreciated its exploration of the psychological toll of war.
Meg Ryan received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
Meg Ryan lost 25 pounds for her role as Captain Karen Walden, and her character's intense physical and emotional transformation was a significant aspect of her performance.
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