Ridley Scott has had one hell of a career. Directing Alien and Thelma & Louise would be enough for most directors to take it easy, but even into his eighties the man is helming epics like 2023's Napoleon. Well, it was right after another blockbuster, Gladiator, that he was in the director's chair again for the stunning Black Hawk Down. Talk about having the golden touch.
Black Hawk Down is set to leave Netflix (one of the best streaming services) on the 1st of February, and before then you need to make time to watch it. Now after Napoleon, we all know Ridley loves a long movie (and this is another at 144 minutes) but please clear out an evening in your diary and give this film the attention it deserves. It's not one for a light-hearted night, but it is a sobering take on the bleakness of war.
Set in 1992 in civil-war Somalia, we follow an astonishingly stacked cast of US soldiers including Ewan McGregor, Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, Jason Isaacs, Orlando Bloom and even a baby-faced Tom Hardy. The titular Black Hawk is (sorry to disappoint any ornithologists) not a bird but a helicopter, shot down by an RPG, leaving the surviving crew in an incredibly difficult situation.
Given the sheer number of characters we are introduced to, it's a little bit trick to develop all of them but as a filmmaking spectacle, it's hard to argue with this movie. It won Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound and deservedly so, plus boasts an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Even over twenty years later, it more than holds up to more modern war films.
And what gives its harrowing depiction of events even more gravitas, is that it's all based on a true story, documented in Mark Bowden's 1999 book of the same name. If you're after another brilliant war movie, then your best bet is The Hurt Locker which is streaming on Sky in the UK and on Prime Video in the US.
US viewers can watch Black Hawk Down on Paramount Plus.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
Netflix's new sci-fi with Stranger Things star has something for all the family
The Electric State, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, is coming to Netflix in March 2025
By Mike Lowe Published
-
I review electric toothbrushes for a living and these are the 3 best deals on Amazon this week
If you're looking for a new electric toothbrush, you've come to the right place
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Netflix's must-watch political drama returns this month – watch the full trailer
The Diplomat is almost back, and its new trailer is explosive
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix gets one of 2024's biggest action movies for free
Will Smith returns to the streaming service with his latest film
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Netflix hit show's S3 trailer has fans asking if another cancellation is coming
The Lincoln Lawyer is nearly back, but its fans are anxious
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Move over Attenborough, new Netflix doc has Barack Obama on narration duties
That's quite the big name to attach
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix in October: the 5 best new shows and movies to add to your watchlist
Netflix is planning another big month – here are 5 movie and show highlights to add to your watchlist
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
You won't believe how long this movie's been in the Netflix chart
Mario keeps doing the business for Netflix
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's new no.1 is dark drama that has viewers hooked – despite bad reviews
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has rocketed up the charts – but it's causing controversy
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Huge Netflix series gets final trailer before new season drops next month
Heartstopper's third season looks emotional
By Max Freeman-Mills Published