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Review: Behind Enemy Lines

By Travis Hayes
Contributing Writer

The new, multi-genre, must-see movie is John Moore's "Behind Enemy Lines." This emotional action film gives a new look into the tragedies of war.

The basic plot revolves around the events that transpired during the Bosnian conflict.

The film addresses the complexities of modern-day warfare, specifically how politics often dictates what a solider or airman is entitled to do. Questions about military involvement and the morale of the fighting men are also raised. The film succeeds because it is not just an action-based war story, it takes on a highly emotional level.

-Special

The principal character is airman Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson). Burnett is disappointed with his career as a Navy pilot and considers quitting. He does not understand modern warfare tactics and dislikes the restrictions placed upon him. Burnett realizes that war is not like it was in the '40s, where one side is distinctly good and the other bad.

Admiral Reigart (Gene Hackman) is the old-fashioned military leader who drills his men for the events of war.

Reigart is a father figure to his troops. He sternly disciplines them, but always lends a guiding hand in their times of trouble.

But Hackman's character will only play by the rules for so long. He eventually decides to break ranks to do what he thinks is right.

The story is a combination of a manhunt and a search and rescue.

Burnett and his pilot Stackhouse are shot down behind enemy lines forcing them to fight for their lives to get out.

Reigart attempts to muster a rescue party but is halted by Admiral Piquet (Joaquim De Almeida) of NATO forces. Piquet does not want to break the uneasy peace formed in Bosnia.

Burnett is forced to work his way through hostile territory to safety. To complicate things, a ruthless thug and Serbian forces relentlessly purse him. It is here that Burnett witnesses the actual horrors of war and the truth about the Bosnian conflict.

The film shows that while there was a cease-fire, fighting and genocide continued in Bosnia. It is on this note that the emotional element becomes its strongest.

Although a traditional funnyman, the part suits Wilson quite well.

He represents the everyday person and not the Hollywood hero caught in a deadly conflict. Wilson's acting is natural and easy for the audience to read.

Hackman also fits well into his role. His age and experience serve him well in his part as the father-figure/commander who cares about his troops and will go above and beyond normal protocol for them.
BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Quality: 4 out of 4 stars
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language and genocide scenes
Starring: Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, Joaquim De Almeida, David Keith, Olek Krupa, Gabriel Macht, Charles Whitfield, Vladimir Maskov

The film's cinematography emphasizes the action and drama of war.

The dark, bleak scenery conveys the film's overall mood.

Moore also uses the tactics of Steven Spielberg in adding to the realism of the film by shooting a good portion of the film on foot. Though it may add to the realism at times, it can become annoying to the viewer trying to determine what is happening.

The movie is designed to involve its audience in the story and the plight of its lone character on the run. The Bosnian landscape, war-torn and beautiful, only adds to the isolation effect that Wilson's character is feeling.

The rocky hillsides and the shelled forest drive the audience from their safe cities into the wild unknown.

The cold wind that constantly whips Wilson's body should send chills through most viewers.

"Behind Enemy Lines" hits on a personal level, as it shows what occurred during the Bosnian conflict. The film allows viewers to go behind the mindset of modern military conflicts.

The adrenaline high one gets in the closing scene is unmatched by any movie showing.

"Behind Enemy Lines" is well worth any wait, cost or drive.








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