Surviving Black Hawk Down On Netflix Is A Gripping Watch That Provides A Raw Look At War

Anyone who knows me knows that I love military literature and movies. Especially when it is non-fiction or a movie is based on real life events. So when I saw this documentary on Netflix, I set a reminder immediately to watch it on Monday and it delivered. 

By now, I think most people know or have at least heard of the Black Hawk Down story. It's crazy to think the movie is almost 25 years old and obviously the book is older having been published in 1999. I'd say I know the story slightly more than the average fella - I've read the book, watched the movie countless times, met some of the men profiled, and even had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Eversmann (Josh Hartnett's character) way back during the early days of Zero Blog Thirty (episode 10!). 

I say all that to say even I came away from this 3 part miniseries hearing new vantage points and being filled with emotion. A few takeaways...

First of all, I had never heard first hand interviews with the Somalis who were there that day. Some who were involved in the fighting and others who were simply trying to live their lives. It's incredibly gut wrenching when you consider the casualties of war include innocent civilians. Anyone who has worn the uniform in combat will tell you that interacting with civilians is almost always pleasant so when you sit in thought about them dying, it's hard to stomach. 

New interviews from new people. I'd never heard from any of the guys profiled in this series. The part that was eye opening during the interview with Eversmann was when he said in real life, he wasn't even in parts of the battle that were depicted in a movie. He explained that Hollywood has to take liberties and combined people's accounts for the sake of storytelling. It's not dishonest in my opinion so much as it's done for ease of following a story. Hearing from Mike Durant was especially gripping given what he went through being captured. I'd actually never seen the tape of his interrogation after he was captured and I'll tell you it was hard to watch. 

This series was a stark reminder of who makes up our military. These guys interviewed all were relatively young (late 40s early 50s). The vast majority of our military is 18-22 years old and that's what they were in 1993. Think back to what you were doing at that age and now picture yourself fighting in a warzone. The gentlemen demonstrated immense poise and bravery but it is wild to think a 19 year old is faced with taking another person's life. It's hard to swallow but it's the harsh reality. 

It was so damn raw. I commend everyone in the series for sitting in these interviews and reliving such a horrible time in their lives. I respect the hell out of each and every one of them recounting the events in harrowing detail. 

Make no mistake, it's immensely emotional and I don't recommend watching it alone. Especially how I've described it above. Maybe I am wired differently but it was certainly worth the watch.

P.S. The ZBT relaunch is COMING! I've already confirmed with Larry Perino from this documentary to come on as a guest.