Black Hawk Down (2001)

Ridley Scott's visceral war epic recounts the catastrophic 1993 U.S. military raid in Mogadishu, Somalia, with relentless intensity and an all-star ensemble cast.

Black Hawk Down - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Black Hawk Down
  • Release Year: 2001
  • Directed by: Ridley Scott
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Action, War, History
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 2h 25m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, Somali
  • Release Date (Theatrical): January 17, 2002 (Hong Kong), January 18, 2002 (United States - R), January 18, 2002 (Canada - 18A), January 18, 2002 (United Kingdom - 15), October 10, 2002 (Germany - 16), February 13, 2002 (France - 12), March 29, 2002 (India), February 14, 2002 (New Zealand - R16), February 21, 2002 (Australia - MA 15+), March 8, 2002 (Brazil - 14), February 22, 2002 (Mexico - C), February 8, 2002 (Italy - T), February 22, 2002 (Spain - 12), January 31, 2002 (South Korea - 15)
  • Alternative Titles: Helikopter w Ogniu (PL), ブラックホーク・ダウン:2001 (JP), 黑鹰坠落 (CN), Blek Khouk (BG), La caída del halcón negro (AR), Падение черного ястреба (RU), 黑鷹15小時 (HK), Falcão Negro em Perigo (BR)
  • Production Companies: Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Revolution Studios, Scott Free Productions
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America

Black Hawk Down - Plot

When U.S. Rangers and an elite Delta Force team attempt to kidnap two underlings of a Somali warlord, their Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, and the Americans suffer heavy casualties, facing intense fighting from the militia on the ground.

Black Hawk Down - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the chaos of Mogadishu unfold:

Leave no man behind.

Where to Watch Black Hawk Down

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Black Hawk Down - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Ridley Scott

Main Cast

  • Josh Hartnett
  • Eric Bana
  • Ewan McGregor
  • Tom Sizemore
  • William Fichtner
  • Sam Shepard
  • Jason Isaacs
  • Ewen Bremner
  • Orlando Bloom
  • Tom Hardy

Writers

  • Ken Nolan

Producers

  • Ridley Scott
  • Jerry Bruckheimer

Black Hawk Down - FAQs

Is Black Hawk Down based on a true story?

Yes. Black Hawk Down is based on the real Battle of Mogadishu, which took place on October 3–4, 1993, in Somalia. The film adapts Mark Bowden's 1999 book of the same name, which documented the U.S. military operation that resulted in the deaths of 18 American soldiers and hundreds of Somali fighters.

Where can you stream Black Hawk Down?

Black Hawk Down is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be streamed for free on Kanopy and Hoopla, which are available through many public library systems. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability.

Who are the main actors in Black Hawk Down?

The film features Josh Hartnett as SSG Matthew Eversmann, Eric Bana as SFC Norm 'Hoot' Gibson, and Ewan McGregor as SPC John Grimes. The ensemble cast also includes Tom Sizemore, William Fichtner, Sam Shepard, Jason Isaacs, Orlando Bloom, Ewen Bremner, and Tom Hardy.

Did Black Hawk Down win any Academy Awards?

Yes. Black Hawk Down won two Academy Awards at the 2002 ceremony: Best Film Editing for Pietro Scalia and Best Sound Mixing. It was also nominated for Best Director (Ridley Scott) and Best Cinematography (Slawomir Idziak), earning wide recognition for its technical achievements.

What is Black Hawk Down about?

Black Hawk Down depicts a 1993 U.S. military mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, that spiraled into an 18-hour urban battle. When two Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, Rangers and Delta Force operators must fight through intense militia resistance to rescue their comrades, suffering devastating casualties along the way.

How long is Black Hawk Down?

Black Hawk Down has a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes (145 minutes). The film's extended length allows Ridley Scott to immerse viewers in the relentless, chaotic pace of the real battle, which lasted approximately 18 hours on the streets of Mogadishu.

What is the age rating for Black Hawk Down?

Black Hawk Down is rated R in the United States for intense, sustained sequences of war violence and some language. International ratings vary: 15 in the United Kingdom, 12 in France and Spain, MA 15+ in Australia, and 16 in Germany. It is not recommended for younger audiences.

Who directed and wrote Black Hawk Down?

Black Hawk Down was directed by Ridley Scott and written by Ken Nolan, who adapted Mark Bowden's acclaimed nonfiction book. The film was produced by Ridley Scott and Jerry Bruckheimer, with Hans Zimmer composing the haunting score and Slawomir Idziak serving as cinematographer.

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