In wartime, the first casualty is always truth.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, Michael Moriarty, Matt Damon, Scott Glenn, Sean Astin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Don't get in my crosshairs, because I'll have no compunction whatsoever about getting up to my neck in yo' ass. Do you understand me?" – Lt. Col. Nate Serling

Why watch this? A lot happens in war and it's not all heroic.

Plot Summary: A guilt-ridden US Army officer in the aftermath of Desert Storm is tasked with investigating a deceased officer's potential Medal of Honor nomination. As he interviews those who served with her, he uncovers conflicting accounts of the critical mission. The investigation becomes a journey to discover the truth, both about her actions and his own past.

Dad's Preview: This complex film covers a lot of topics: military justice, toxic masculinity, drug abuse, the toll war takes on survivors, friendly fire. It benefits from a nice, tight script, and some top-notch performances by all actors involved. Ryan and Washington never disappoint, but it was Lou Diamond Phillips who surprised me the most. His intense performance, as that one guy who's always riding the edge of sane and insane - right and wrong, stays with you.

Davis Ent., Joseph M. Singer Ent., Friendly Films, Fox 2000 Pictures;
20th Century Fox