Denzel Washington’s intense 1996 military drama, “Courage Under Fire,” is now available for free streaming, offering audiences a chance to revisit a film that garnered significant critical praise, including from the late Roger Ebert who deemed it “unique.” The movie, clocking in at a lean 116 minutes, features Washington as Lt. Colonel Nat Serling, tasked with investigating the posthumous Medal of Honor recommendation for Captain Karen Emma Walden (Meg Ryan), the first female pilot to be nominated for the prestigious award. As Serling delves into the fragmented accounts of Walden’s final mission in the Gulf War, he uncovers disturbing truths that challenge the official narrative and force him to confront his own moral compass. The film masterfully blends intense combat sequences with a gripping psychological mystery, exploring themes of duty, deception, and the devastating impact of war on the human psyche. Washington’s commanding presence anchors the narrative, while Ryan delivers a powerful, nuanced performance in a role that defied traditional gender archetypes in action cinema. “Courage Under Fire” stands out as a compelling, thought-provoking thriller that showcases Washington’s ability to elevate even complex, morally ambiguous characters, making it a must-watch for fans of his action-thriller catalog and intelligent wartime dramas.
Adapted from: MovieWeb
