Proof that the Thriller is still alive and well...
 Jun 12th, 2005
Advantages:
Tense, gripping, good performances by Crowe and Ryan . . .
Disadvantages:
. . . too much bad language, some parts ill - developed or contrived
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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  CaptainDisaster
About me:
What a horrible photo...
Member since:18.12.2000
Reviews:210
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Review rated by 31 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
WHAT IT'S ABOUT A negotiator, Terry Thorne, gets involved with trying to free a man called Peter Bowman, who's just been kidnapped by extremist forces in a South American country. When the agency he works for finds out that the company the man works for has no valid insurance, they pull out. Peter's wife, Alice, begs Terry to stay on and act in her behalf, but what effect will the attraction between them have in the long run? How will Alice and Janis, her sister, come up with the money to pay the kidnappers? Will Peter be able to escape of his own accord?
As Terry tries to negotiate with the kidnapper, he battles his own growing feelings for Alice, who is also bombarded with conflicting emotions. Will honour or passion prevail? (Guess what… I'm not telling you!)
WHAT IS A PROOF OF LIFE?
A proof of life is what negotiators insist on getting before the deals start to be made. Basically it is proof that the kidnapped person is alive - so, a photograph of them holding a recent newspaper with the date clearly visible, allowing them to talk over the radio, etc, would be a proof of life. Before that is obtained, no negotiations can be made as there's no guarantee that the person being bargained for is still alive.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
The stars, Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind,Master & Commander)and Meg Ryan(When Harry Met Sally,French Kiss,Hanging Up), are superb. Crowe has established himself as one of the most consistently brilliant actors of his generation, while this is by far the best serious performance I have seen Ryan give. (Admittedly I have mostly seen her in romantic comedies though! :-D) Most of the supporting cast are very good too. The plot is well thought-out and well paced, and plenty of tension builds up in the situations as well as the tension that arises between the two main characters.
The ending is not what you'd expect, and works well, even if in a way it does almost seem disappointing. The action sequences are tense and exciting without becoming corny.
Humour is effectively scattered throughout the script and gives much needed relief from the otherwise unrelenting tension. It seems very realistic and you are easily able to empathise with the characters.
Some of the sub-plots are really well developed and are actually more interesting than the main plot at times! The scenery is breathtaking.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT IT
The end sequence, though there is a logical reason given for it, just seems a little out of place in relation to the rest of the film.
Pamela Reed as Alice's sister is a little unconvincing in places. The marital difficulties of Peter and Alice, portrayed near the start of the film, just seem a little too contrived.
The theme of how Terry's work affects his personal and family life is left largely undeveloped. There is far too much bad language for my liking. Also some of the violence was pretty graphic. Definitely not for kiddies.
SUMMING UP
A very good film overall though not without its faults. The make-or-break point of any movie like this is whether it can effectively keep up the feeling of tension, and on the whole Proof Of Life does this very well. It's not quite up to the standard of The Negotiator (which to my mind still sets the standard for modern thrillers), but it's not a million miles away. If you like thrillers then this comes recommended, with a caution on the language and violence.
CREW
Director - Taylor Hackford (Ray)
Music - Danny Elfman (Spiderman 2, (Chicago)
RATING
15 (UK), R (USA)
RUNTIME
135 minutes (doesn't seem a minute too long for the plot)
***
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![Proof Of Life [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78542101.jpg)
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17.06.2005 12:21
I saw this and thought it was OK (brilliant piece of film criticism there from me) - but always find both Crowe and Ryan irritating! (I did like A Beautiful Mind, though.)
17.06.2005 09:48
Nice to see a positive review of this film for a change. I actually quite liked this film, although thats probably because I like Crowe's acting - when he's not phone throwing that is! Another informative review that was very enjoyable to read. Milky :)
13.06.2005 01:25
Nice review. I may well give this a whirl should I get the chance