Tears of the Sun

As civil war grips Nigeria, a US Navy S.E.A.L. team commanded by Lt. Waters (Willis) is sent into the jungle to rescue American doctor Lena Kendricks (Bellucci). She refuses to leave unless the team agree to take the refuges she is caring for with them. Reluctantly straying from his orders. Water's agrees guide the people to the safety of the Cameroon border but he doesn't expect a battalion of rebel troops to be on his tale.

Opening when America's role of World peacemaker is making them a target of controversy and resentment in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tears of the Sun is another US take on how everyone else on the planet should see the US military and its fight for democracy.

Directed by Training Day helmer Antoine Fuqua, the movie isn't all gung-ho, relying on a more realistic "Saving Private Ryan", "Black Hawk Down" approach to movie military violence. The fighting is quick, calculated and precise in the early confrontations, as you'd expect modern Special Forces troops to be but a quite exciting and brutal all out battle in the run up to the finale is the highlight of the film.

The performances are decent. Willis and the rest of his team play career S.E.A.L.'s as you'd expect them to be, there to do a job. Willis himself doesn't really have much do say in this role but gives a better performance here than most of his last few efforts. Monica Bellucci proves again that she is more than just one of the most beautiful women in the world but also a great actress. This is another chance for her to showcase that talent for English speaking audiences. Cole Hauser is also good as Red Atkins and shows again that he has a talent for action.

What lets the movie down is its underlying pro-democracy and Christianity stance. Again the enemy is the Muslim faith with the finale offering hope for the Nigerian's to embrace the American way of life. This makes the movie more of a political statement than a piece of information cinema, as it never offers an alternative point of view from a faceless and relentless enemy.

Tears of the Sun is not a bad film. The performances are very watchable, the set pieces are well shot and the final battle is exciting and dramatic but the message does tend to be shoved down your throat a little too far.

Audio commentary from director Antoine Fuqua, Deleted scenes, 'Journey To Safety: The Making Of Tears Of The Sun' documentary, Filmographies, Trailers, Interactive menu & Scene access

The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

2003