Tears of the Sun (B or 3/4 stars)
Navy SEAL Lieutenant A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis) is a Special-Ops commander who single-handedly leads his brave team into a Nigerian jungle to rescue Dr. Lena Kendricks (Monica Belucci). Problem is: she'll only cooperate and go with them if they agree to rescue 70 or so refugees, as well. Despite some plot contrivances, 'Tears in the Sun' (directed by Antoine Fuqua) is a good action flick, told with a decent humanitarian message.
The democratic government of Nigeria has fallen. And not unlike Uganda's Idi Amin, a ruthless military dictator has taken over completely. Dr. Kendricks is in the dense jungle to help the victims of the ongoing civil war. Waters and his squadron of specialists are forced into a sticky situation. Do they stick to their duties and take Dr. Kendricks by force, or do they stray from Capt. Rhodes' (Tom Skeritt) orders and comply with her. Because Waters and his men have front row seats to the heinous racial brutality that is going on around them, it's their humanity which naturally makes them escort the villagers along.
A perilous journey commences. And as they quietly, but swiftly skirt through the countryside, they wonder why the rebels are so diligent & hot on their trail. It is discovered that the sole survivor of Nigeria's previous ruling family is in their midst; the rebels are out to extinguish this person! Can they possibly ignore the conflict that surrounds them in the jungle? Aids, war, rebel killings ... can't the Americans help? Will they stand for what is right and oblige the innocent refugees by delivering them to political asylum at the border?
Interestingly enough, this movie benefits from not having much dialogue. The script 'can' appear impartial and generic, at best. But this film's strengths lie in its action, an African-influenced musical score, its camerawork, it's suspense, & it's moral message. Call me a sucker for moral messages. Most critics seem to loathe this type of a movie simply because it tries to exploit a political message. I say, who cares!?! Did I still like the movie despite the fact that it may be trying to brow-beat me into an opinion? Yes, I did. Does that mean I'm shallow, uninterested, or incompetent in political sentiments? Absolutely not.
Politics aside, 'Tears of the Sun' is an engaging, effective movie. In one scene near the end, a battle unfolds, tragedy gives way to glory, & a well of emotions gushed over me. It's nearly impossible 'not' to react to this film. 'Tears ...' won't win any awards. Because it's old-fashioned in nature, it's not groundbreaking in its storytelling technique. There are also some plot holes. But where it failed to stimulate my mind, it succeeded in getting my heart pumping & my blood flowing; it satisfied me for the afternoon. It also helps to have a sturdy, self-assured hero at the helm. How could we ever doubt Bruce Willis in a lead action role?
The democratic government of Nigeria has fallen. And not unlike Uganda's Idi Amin, a ruthless military dictator has taken over completely. Dr. Kendricks is in the dense jungle to help the victims of the ongoing civil war. Waters and his squadron of specialists are forced into a sticky situation. Do they stick to their duties and take Dr. Kendricks by force, or do they stray from Capt. Rhodes' (Tom Skeritt) orders and comply with her. Because Waters and his men have front row seats to the heinous racial brutality that is going on around them, it's their humanity which naturally makes them escort the villagers along.
A perilous journey commences. And as they quietly, but swiftly skirt through the countryside, they wonder why the rebels are so diligent & hot on their trail. It is discovered that the sole survivor of Nigeria's previous ruling family is in their midst; the rebels are out to extinguish this person! Can they possibly ignore the conflict that surrounds them in the jungle? Aids, war, rebel killings ... can't the Americans help? Will they stand for what is right and oblige the innocent refugees by delivering them to political asylum at the border?
Interestingly enough, this movie benefits from not having much dialogue. The script 'can' appear impartial and generic, at best. But this film's strengths lie in its action, an African-influenced musical score, its camerawork, it's suspense, & it's moral message. Call me a sucker for moral messages. Most critics seem to loathe this type of a movie simply because it tries to exploit a political message. I say, who cares!?! Did I still like the movie despite the fact that it may be trying to brow-beat me into an opinion? Yes, I did. Does that mean I'm shallow, uninterested, or incompetent in political sentiments? Absolutely not.
Politics aside, 'Tears of the Sun' is an engaging, effective movie. In one scene near the end, a battle unfolds, tragedy gives way to glory, & a well of emotions gushed over me. It's nearly impossible 'not' to react to this film. 'Tears ...' won't win any awards. Because it's old-fashioned in nature, it's not groundbreaking in its storytelling technique. There are also some plot holes. But where it failed to stimulate my mind, it succeeded in getting my heart pumping & my blood flowing; it satisfied me for the afternoon. It also helps to have a sturdy, self-assured hero at the helm. How could we ever doubt Bruce Willis in a lead action role?