Some military bloggers, including myself, have received emails asking us to review the upcoming DVD release of Rescue Dawn, and then write about it on our blogs. Those bloggers who participate are sent a copy of the DVD to review.

First, I think this is an excellent way to promote a movie. If your target group consists of military members and military supporters, there's no better way to get their attention then by asking MilBloggers to help promote their movie.

Of course, I cannot accept a free product or promote a product through my MilBlog because I'm deployed. I sometimes use my work computer to post, so I've always been very careful about towing the line.

Instead, I'm going to recommend the movie before I see it, without receiving a free DVD, for two reasons. First, it's obviously a military friendly company promoting the movie. Since the current gaggle of anti-war, anti-military movies have failed miserably at the box office, I would personally like to see the DVD sales take off. Even if the movie itself contains an anti-war theme, the fact that it focuses on the courage and strength of a pilot during his escape in Vietnam draws me to want to see it. *According to the always beautiful and charming wife of my good friend Sinclair, the movie has zero anti-war slant. Perfect.

Second, any movie that depicts the true story of a soldier who suffered through so much pain to survive is almost certainly going to have a solid message and lesson about personal courage and sacrifice for all of us.

Here is the movie synopsis from Gibralter Films.

Synapsis: Christian Bale and Steve Zahn will star in Rescue Dawn, an action drama by Werner Herzog and based on the director's acclaimed 1997 documentary, Little Dieter Needs to Fly. The project, which has been coming together in fits and starts during the past year, begins shooting in Thailand in mid-August. The film recounts the true story of German-born Dieter Dengler, who dreamed of being a pilot and eventually made his way to the United States, where he joined the military during the Vietnam War era. He was shot down over Vietnam and captured. Eventually he organized an escape with a small band of captives. Bale will play Dengler, and Zahn will play an ill-looking and bent POW.

The critics on the Rotten Tomatoes give it 90 out of 100, which is outstanding.
Apollo Movie Guide review gives it 85 out of 100, very good.

"Herzog has done well, but it’s Christian Bale’s performance in Rescue Dawn that will take your breath away. Bale often seems not to be acting at all – a good sign that his acting skill has reached a high level."

The company promoting Rescue Dawn through the MilBlogs is still sending me the DVD, but I’ve asked them to send it as a morale gift to the troops to enjoy rather then for me to review.

Of course, I'll still be reviewing it. I always review movies. I'll just be doing it for free, using my laptop.

Please go rent/buy the DVD and tell me about it. It's release date is tomorrow, 20 November.

Also, I have a challenge for anyone reading this. After we watch the movie out here, I’ll send the one copy of the DVD to person who writes the best review on the movie. No cheaters! You actually need to see the movie to review it. I'll post your review here, so email it soon.

Any takers? Who's got the guts?