IMDb 6.6 1996 HD

Courage Under Fire

Courage Under Fire

1996
Drama Mystery Thriller War
116 min R USA
6.53 / 10
6.6 IMDB

A US Army officer, who made a "friendly fire" mistake that was covered up, has been reassigned to a desk job. He is tasked to investigate a female…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Edward Zwick / Jane Goldsmith / Skip Cosper
Starring
Denzel Washington / Meg Ryan / Lou Diamond Phillips / Michael Moriarty / Matt Damon / Bronson Pinchot / Seth Gilliam / Regina Taylor

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

compelling tense thought-provoking solid intelligent uneven respectable dramatic complex intriguing nuanced powerful

Reviews

I
Isabelle Dubois
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

The power of 'Courage Under Fire' lies in its meticulous deconstruction of heroism and truth. Denzel Washington is captivating as the officer uncovering a web of conflicting accounts, his internal struggle palpable. Meg Ryan delivers a standout performance,…

L
Liam O'Connell
May 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

A respectable entry in the military drama genre, 'Courage Under Fire' offers a decent mystery at its core. Denzel Washington is reliable as ever, providing a steady hand at the helm of the investigation. Meg Ryan gives a…

S
Sophia Chang
May 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is intelligent filmmaking at its finest. 'Courage Under Fire' is a masterclass in suspense, driven by Denzel Washington’s compelling performance as an investigator wrestling with uncomfortable truths. Meg Ryan is superb, offering a layered portrayal that is…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

While the premise of 'Courage Under Fire' promises a gripping examination of military ethics, the execution is somewhat uneven. Denzel Washington brings his usual gravitas to the lead, but the narrative occasionally falters in its pacing. Meg Ryan’s…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Denzel Washington anchors this taut military procedural with a performance of quiet intensity. As an officer tasked with scrutinising a Medal of Honor nomination, he unearths layers of deception that elevate the film beyond a standard war drama.…

FAQs

The film critically examines the nature of heroism. It questions whether true courage lies solely in battlefield bravery or also in the integrity and resilience shown when facing difficult truths and personal consequences. The investigation into the Medal of Honor recipient forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes valor and the sacrifices made, both in combat and in the aftermath.