I’m not sure what it is about war films but I’m normally drawn into them quite easily. In fact it doesn’t even have to be a war film, it can be any sort of film that involves Special Forces of any description. So when I heard about Bruce Willis’s latest movie last year I put it high on my list ... Read review
While it offers nothing new to the military-action genre,Tears of the Sundistinguishes ... more
itself with fine acting, expert craftsmanship and seriousness of purpose. Its familiar "extraction mission" plot is essentially similar to that ofBlack Hawk Down, in...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Loyal veteran Navy S.E.A.L unit Lt. A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis - Sixth Sense) is sent into ... more
the heart of war-torn Africa on a hazardous assignment to rescue Dr. Lena Hendricks (Monica Bellucci - The Matrix Revolutions), a U.S. citizen who runs a mission....
Loyal veteran Navy S.E.A.L. Lt. A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis - 16 Blocks) is sent into the ... more
heart of war-torn Africa on a hazardous assignment to rescue Dr. Lena Hendricks (Monica Bellucci - The Matrix Revolution), a U.S. citizen who runs a mission. When the beautiful doctor refuses to abandon the refugees in her care, Lt. Waters finds himself having to choose between following orders and the dictates of his own conscience. Together, they begin a dangerous trek through the deadly jungle, all the while being pursued by a rebel jungle, all the while being pursued by a rebel militia group who have only one goal in mind: to assassinate Lt. Waters' unit and the refugees in his care.
After a West African president's family is assassinated and civil war unrest is rampant, a ... more
top secret team is deployed to the far reaches of the jungle to rescue a U.S. doctor who is acting as a missionary. She insists the U.S. forces rescue all of her charges. As a result, the group falls under rebel attacks when it is revealed that the son of the deposed West African president is among those being saved.
The unrelenting action and unforgettable drama of Antoine Fuqua's original masterwork is ... more
now even more powerful in this Director's Extended Cut.Following a dangerous covert assignment, veteran Navy SEAL Lt A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis - The Sixth Sense) and his elite Special Ops team are immediately dispatched to war-torn Nigeria to evacuate Dr. Lena Kendricks (Monica Bellucci - The Matrix Revolutions), a U.S. citizen who runs an international relief services hospital. But when the beautiful physician refuses to abandon the people in her care, Waters is forced to choose between following his captain's orders and the dictates of his own conscience. After agreeing to shepherd the refugees to safety, the group embarks on a deadly journey through the treacherous jungle - pursued every moment by rebel militia forces bent on executing every man, woman and child.
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Action/Adventure - Director: Peter Jackson - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Fast Pace, Superb Direction Disadvantages: A Little bit too much of the American Flag Waving
I’m not sure what it is about war films but I’m normally drawn into them quite easily. In fact it doesn’t even have to be a war film, it can be any sort of film that involves Special Forces of any description. So when I heard about Bruce Willis’s latest movie last year I put it high on my list to see. However things transpired and like basic this one seemed to pass me by completely. That is of course until last week when the DVD release meant I had ... ...and purchase a copy.
The film itself follows quite a common theme with films of this sort, the Americans again getting involved in a situation where really they shouldn’t be. A tribal coup in Nigeria has left a couple of us citizen’s blissfully unaware working at a mission deep inside the country. The US sends in a team of navy seal’s led by lieutenant a k Waters (Bruce Willis) to find and extract DR Kendricks (Monaca Bellucci), her ... more
I’m not sure what it is about war films but I’m normally drawn into them quite easily. In fact it doesn’t even have to be a war film, it can be any sort of film that involves Special Forces of any description. So when I heard about Bruce Willis’s latest movie last year I put it high on my list to see. However things transpired and like basic this one seemed to pass me by completely. That is of course until last week when the DVD release meant I had no option but to part with my hard earned cash and purchase a copy.
The film itself follows quite a common theme with films of this sort, the Americans again getting involved in a situation where really they shouldn’t be. A tribal coup in Nigeria has left a couple of us citizen’s blissfully unaware working at a mission deep inside the country. The US sends in a team of navy seal’s led by lieutenant a k Waters (Bruce Willis) to find and extract DR Kendricks (Monaca Bellucci), her nurses and a priest.
The team manage to find the missionary before the army sent to destroy the missionary and now have the not so simple job of convincing the DR to leave. She says she’ll go but only if they take all the injured with them. This isn’t possible but reluctantly LT Waters agrees to lead those that can walk to the rendezvous point simple to get the DR out as he’s never failed a mission (a fact that crops up a little too often for my liking). However the priest and nurses refuse to leave and decide to stay with the remaining injured unaware of exactly what is heading their way.
When they finally reach the evac point after a long trek through the jungle it’s obvious to DR Kendricks that there was never any intention of taking the people with them and Waters had used them to get her on the helicopter. Flying back towards the battle group the helicopter flies over the missionary where they see the results of the blood bath that had taken place after they left. This obviously gets to Waters who turns the helicopter around and goes back to the group they just left to try and help them avoid the same fait. This means he needs to lead them to Cameroon and avoid the trailing pack of troops, easier said than done.
The film comes from director Antoine Fuqua, the man behind “The Replacement Killers” and “Training Day”, both of which I really enjoyed. Again he doesn’t disappoint taking what in essence is a totally fictitious story but also seems to capture that knack the Americans have of getting involved in conflicts where they really shouldn’t be. The film moves along quite smoothly and although a little corny and flag wavy in places it is a well-written script, translated well into the movie.
The locations are perfect with most of it shot deep within the jungles of Africa, using it to good effect very early on as the convoy of people have to hide from a search party in the undergrowth. One thing I didn’t really notice was a soundtrack, whether that’s because I was quite into the film or it just wasn’t there is something I hadn’t really thought about till now and it was due to me being quite hooked on it.
The casting is done really well as despite his name being synonymous with action films like Die Hard I didn’t really see Bruce Willis as the War film type. However just as with the Sixth Sense he has surprised me in just how good he actually is at turning his hand to a different genre although in essence with this film still staying in the action category. He leads the film well and really has that presence over the others as the commanding officer, which makes it a lot easier to accept him and thus makes the film a lot more enjoyable.
The other real star of the piece is Monaca Bellucci pretty much unknown outside of French cinema although she did make an appearance in the last two Matrix films. She starts off as a character you instantly dislike, which I think is the intention as you gradually start to see things from her point of view at the same time as Lt Walters does. This ultimately leads to the inevitable as she becomes the love interest of the film. She’s quite good as the lead however does have a tendency to annoy and impress in equal measures.
Other than that no one else really stood out for me personally, each member of the Seal team played their part but there wasn’t anyone that stood out more than the others and the same can be said about just about everyone that’s in the film. One warning I feel is needed is that it is a very violent film in places and some of the scenes are very graphic and possibly quite disturbing.
Overall it’s not really anything new the style of film and the plot is really your typical film in this genre. A little bit of action, with a hint of a romantic interest but shot in such away that slight plot holes really go unnoticed. If you like films such as “Black Hawk Down” then I’d say you would definitely enjoy this, if how ever you’re a bit squeamish it’s one to give a very wide berth to. Of course if you’re a fan of Bruce Willis then it’s a must see.
Advantages: One the edge of the seat stuff Disadvantages: Upsetting
...end up enjoying it and Tears of The Sun is certainly no different.
Tears of The Sun is brought to us by Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Replacement Killers), I don’t really feel able to comment on his talents at this stage but I did find Training Day to be rather graphic and probably wouldn’t watch it again and as for The Replacement Killers, I’m sorry to say I’ve never seen it.
The only big named star that appears ... ...happen to be a fan of his but I have to admit to being rather dubious about seeing him play a part in a war movie but he certainly lived up to the part and very well at that, he played a magnificent role as Lt. A.K. Waters, a Special Ops Commander who leads his team into the jungle of Nigeria to rescue an American (by marriage) Doctor, Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks (Monica Bellucci), along with a priest and with two nuns who had been working at a local ...
herby30 27.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Tears Of The Sun (DVD)
Advantages: can help you pass 2 hours if you're bored Disadvantages: Done soooo many times
...Journey to Safety - Making Tears of the Sun
Deleted scenes
Info - Africa fact track
An Interactive map of Africa
Cast
-------
Lieutenant A.K. Waters - Bruce Willis (Moonlighting)
Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks -Monica Bellucci (brothers grimm)
James 'Red' Atkins Cole Hauser (pitch black)
Ellis 'Zee' Pettigrew - Eamonn Walker (unbreakable)
Kelly Lake - Johnny Messner (spartan - see my other review)
Michael 'Slo' Slowenski - Nick Chinlund (chronicles ...
earlofaldgate 02.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Tears Of The Sun (DVD)
Advantages: Good war film Disadvantages: Nothing special
...look at the 2003 film Tears of the Sun starring Bruce Willis to believe it. Antoine Fuqua, fresh off directing Denzel in Training Day takes the chair in this war film.
The Plot
Veteran Navy Seal A K Waters leads a team of Special Ops soldiers into a war torn jungle rescue a US doctor running a mission. He finds a stubborn woman who will only come with him if he agrees to take the 70 refugees at the mission to safety also. Torn between his specific ... ...his team, the war, and ultimately himself in this picturesque war film set in the heart of African jungle.
The Cast and Performances
Bruce Willis is good at playing hard men who have a knack for one-liners, and this film is no exception. As Waters, he at first appears a man who hates himself and everyone else and only does what he does because it's his job. Then we see a more human side where he needs to think about the welfare of all involved. ...
pmcds 27.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Tears Of The Sun (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent story supperbly told Disadvantages: there is a new directors cut which is better
Tears of The Sun was released in 2003 and is directed by Antoine Fuqua, that geezer who did Training Day, King Arthur and that classic Usher live 1999 The first two in my opinion are both excellent films and Tears Of The Sun is no exception. The Film takes Place in war torn Nigeria, where a violent coup has taken place and the entire Presidential family has been reported to have been killed. Ethnic Cleansing is taken place across the country with ... ...The Story follows the exploits of Lt A.K. Waters (willis) and his Elite squad of Navy S.E.A.L.s, who are sent in to evacuate a U.S. Citizen (by marriage) Dr Lena Kendricks (Monica Belluci) who is the primary and 3 others, a Priest and 2 nuns. When Willis and his Men arrive at the mission the good doctor won't leave her people behind. Waters is faced with a tough decision (the first of many) and decides to take all those who can walk to the evac site ...
Guybrush82 21.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Tears Of The Sun (DVD)
...know what to expect from Tears of the Sun as its one of Bruce Willis' less well known films and whilst id heard good things from people i know who had seen it, the Daily Mail only gave it 2 stars.
But being a Bruce Willis fan and after reading the description i bought it for just £3 from Tesco and gave it a go.
It was so much better than i was expecting and is now amongst my favourite films and definately one of the best i have seen of its genre.
... ...sent into the middle of war torn Nigeria to rescue a Doctor working there as there are Rebel Milita travelling the jungle killing everything in their path. But after she refuses to leave the refugees in her care, the Unit must escort them all through the extremely dangerous jungle to safety.
The film goes straight into the action from the start as within moments of the film starting, the unit is parachuting into the jungle. From that point on, the ...
eadand2003 24.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Tears Of The Sun (DVD)
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Advantages: Accurate portrayal of fighting in Africa, Bruce Willis actually acts. Disadvantages: None
and sensitivity and of course it shows us the good does triumph over evil.
All I will say to you is just go and rent or buy the DVD and watch this movie. It will change you slightly and make you a little bit more sympathetic towards other people who are less fortunate than we are and that's one reason all on its own to see it. ...
Advantages: Emotive and involving, well-written and developed Disadvantages: Supporting roles not sufficiently individual as to be momorable
Tears of the Sun is perhaps one of the lesser-known films in which Bruce Willis does his best impression of a one-man band. In this, although the presence of his co-stars is not weak (Belucci gives a solid performance as a caring American aid-worker), they are all dwarfed by Willis' commanding role.
The film starts as it means to go on, with a contextual introduction putting the events of the film into motion. The characters develop well throughout, particularly Willis' character Lt. Walters, who has a well-realised crisis of conscience upon abandonning the refugees and the team return to escort all of them safely across the border, away from the pursuing militia.
Tears of the Sun was one of the names shortlisted for the film eventually titled Die Hard 2, and is in many ways more involving and exciting than the slightly tired Die ...
A Navy SEAL officer is sent to rescue a doctor from war torn Nigeria. But the doctor refuses to abandon the refugees in her care and she implores the officer to escort them to the Cameroon border...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Release date
16/02/2004
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
CDR 32717
Barcode
5035822271739
Languages
Main Language
English
Dubbed Language
French
Subtitle Language
Arabic, Dutch, English, French, Hindi
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Director And Writer Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Factoids, Filmography, Making Of, Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio
2.40 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English French
Professional reviews
Review
"...gripping, provocative..." (Film Review, )
DVD Description
Lt. Waters (Bruce Willis) and his elite team of US Navy SEALS have their work cut out for them when they are dispatched to war-torn Nigeria with orders to rescue an American citizen, Dr. Lena Kendricks (Monica Bellucci). The mission is pretty cut and dry except for one glitch: Dr. Kendricks will have to abandon the natives to whom she has been providing healthcare and those that work in the mission where her rudimentary hospital is located. Of course, Dr. Kendricks refuses to leave without her people, forcing Lt. Waters to choose between completing his orders as directed or putting the lives of his men on the line by helping the refugees cross the border to Cameroon on foot. To complicate matters, the group is being pursued by militant guerillas who destroy everything in their path. Willis is in top DIE HARD form as Lt. Waters, a tough-as-nails military man who confronts his conscience and makes decisions that surprise even him as he finds himself influenced by the stubborn Dr. Kendricks. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY), this film offers an enlightening and disturbing look at the conditions that permeate war-torn countries.
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