"Behind Enemy Lines" was released at a time when Americans needed a good old fashioned American flag waver.
The story concerns a couple of American pilots (Owen Wilson, Gabriel Macht) who are shot down in enemy territory in Bosnia after photographing evidence of genocide. Back on board an American aircraft carrier, Admiral Reigart (Gene Hackman) makes plans to get his men out of harm's way. Reigart's efforts are frustrated by his NATO commander who doesn't want to upset the politicians. Meanwhile Burnett (Wilson) becomes separated and has to survive by his wits alone. The scene where he stumbles upon a mass grave is particularly chilling and graphically realistic.
Wilson is good as Burnett who is on the run it seems, from the entire Bosnian army. But is Hackman as the crusty old Admiral, who takes the acting honors for this one. His performance as the patriotic hard nosed commander who risks his command to save his men is memorable.
An exciting adventure.
The story concerns a couple of American pilots (Owen Wilson, Gabriel Macht) who are shot down in enemy territory in Bosnia after photographing evidence of genocide. Back on board an American aircraft carrier, Admiral Reigart (Gene Hackman) makes plans to get his men out of harm's way. Reigart's efforts are frustrated by his NATO commander who doesn't want to upset the politicians. Meanwhile Burnett (Wilson) becomes separated and has to survive by his wits alone. The scene where he stumbles upon a mass grave is particularly chilling and graphically realistic.
Wilson is good as Burnett who is on the run it seems, from the entire Bosnian army. But is Hackman as the crusty old Admiral, who takes the acting honors for this one. His performance as the patriotic hard nosed commander who risks his command to save his men is memorable.
An exciting adventure.