Proof of Life after Gladiator
 Mar 10th, 2001
Advantages:
Original
Disadvantages:
Too long
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to similar films?
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  PjR
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I like giving my opinions on things, so Ciao is a great place for me! I also enjoy going through all...
Member since:18.08.2000
Reviews:14
Members who trust:7
Review rated by 13 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Russell Crowe has followed up his multi-award winning role in Gladiator with this film about hostage negotiation. Meg Ryan continues her role as the estranged love interest in familiar style. The result is a reasonable action/thriller movie that is certainly original. I went to see Proof of Life as soon as it came out at the cinema, not because I was especially drawn to it in any way, but because my friend was too scared to see Hannibal. My judgement of the film may also be influenced by the fact that I went to the late showing that didn't get started until 10.30, and was still showing no signs of an ending through midnight.
So, the story? An American engineer in South America has been kidnapped by a rebel group who make their money out of such activities. Cue Russell Crowe, a trained hostage negotiator assigned to secure the release of Peter (the engineer). Along the way Crowe meets up with Peter's wife, played by the fabulous Meg Ryan. Unfortunately, it's later realised that Peter's engineering company have since ceased to take out insurance for kidnapping, and therefore Crowe's company can no longer assist in the negotiation. Crowe leaves the country and a pleading, bawling Ryan. In my opinion, this part of the film is unnecessarily long and too much time is spent on explaining what's going on. For the action junkies out there, the only real action in the first part of the film is the opening title sequence, which basically shows what Russell Crowe/Terry gets up to. It is, however, very interesting to see how exactly the "kidnap and ransom business" works.
Back to the story? Crowe/Terry has a sudden change of heart and cannot bear to leave Ryan alone with amatuer negotiators. This is where we begin to see the chemistry take hold as they work together to talk with the kidnappers. The film is divided between the growing relationship of Crowe and Ryan, and the plight of Peter under the kidnappers. If I can remember correctly, the film covers a period of 124 days. I won't give away any more of the storyline, suffice to say that there is a twist near the end that results in a big battle situation, reminiscent of war films (Crowe's character is, after all, an ex-SAS soldier!)
It's hard to generalise about what kind of people would go to see Proof of Life. There is action for those that like it. There is suspense. There is a love story - this is especially impressive because we get to see Terry gradually falling for Meg Ryan's character, who herself is beginning to warm to him more than her unloving husband. Terry knows that if he rescues Peter he will pass away any opportunity to be with Ryan, and yet... well, I'm going to have to let you guess or see the film yourselves. I do think this is a good film, but don't go and see it expecting a particular type of film, just go and enjoy it. Perhaps the length of it is the only thing counting against it.
Memorable line;
Speaking to a concussed man,
"Do you know who I am?"
"You're an asshole"
"Damn right!"
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![Proof Of Life [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78542101.jpg)
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