I'm not a war movie kind of girl, but I am a patriot. I saw "BLACK HAWK DOWN" because I knew it was based on a tragic and shameful real life incident. When I watched the preview of "ACT OF VALOR" and learned the history behind the making of the film, I knew I had to see it. Friday was the day.
Most of you probably know that real Navy SEALs play the "roles" of Navy SEALs. There was some criticism from the Hollowood - er - Hollywood leftwingers that the "acting" and dialogue was stilted on their parts and supposedly based on that opinion some of them gave the film one star. The reason actors and stunt men weren't used is because there weren't qualified people who could do what these men do. "Damn few." The significance of that phrase is made clear in the film. Live ammo was often used throughout filming, and some of you might know the entire movie was filmed with a $3000 camera.
The story is about what this nation faces on a daily basis: Islamic terrorism with players from all over the world. A female CIA operative/doctor is captured by a Russian arms smuggler who provides weapons and a unique bombing device for his childhood friend who has become a jihadist planning multiple attacks within the United States. The operative is brutally beaten and tortured for information. It is up to the SEAL Team 7 to extract her. In the process they discover just how big this specific terror network is and how the plan is supposed to go down. Their mission is expanded to stop the attacks on US soil.
If in watching this movie you are not moved to admiration, respect, appreciation, gratitude, and sorrow, something is seriously wrong with your heart. These amazing individuals, these warriors, who put country first, risk it all, and truly sacrifice, deserve the honors that performing acts of valor inspire. Soldiers fight to protect this country. Special Forces go all over the earth to keep evil people from taking down this blessed nation and perpetuating evil wherever they can.
The gut-wrenching final scene hurts to the core but emphasizes exactly what the film's title means. Go see it if you haven't because it's worth every penny of the price of admission. A must-see movie. Edge of your seat, heart-stressing, adrenaline pumping film. Rated R for violence and some language. I say it's rated R for REAL.
*Poster: http://www.movieweb.com/news/act-of-valor-poster
God, you are everywhere always. You know the hearts of men. I pray these brave and gifted mighty-men would know you above all others and that you would give them your insights and divine protection. Please bless them with the knowledge of your Son and the peace of your eternity. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.