Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Note this is not a war movie. Instead it is a survival story set during a war. Viewed in that sense, it is an incredible action-packed drama. The photography is insanely good, with some fantastic aerial shots. Hail to director John Moore for having such a clear vision of what he wanted the end product to look like. This was so incredible, it is hard to believe it was his directorial debut feature.Owen Wilson does a styling job here, so much so that I can't understand why he does comedy more often than drama. He just does drama so well. The film has amazing visuals, fast paced action, great acting, great music, great effects, great suspense - what else could one ask for to be entertained? This was a thrill-ride from beginning to end, with never a dull moment. It just got better and better as it progressed - and what an ending!

Made just six years after the end of the Bosnian War (1992-95), "Behind Enemy Lines" is a modern-day war-action film. It doesn't involve troops in combat, but the forces of one of the combatants pursuing a downed American pilot who was flying a photo mission. It was a time when the combatant forces were supposed to be non-aggressive, but the pilot spots illegal troop movements of Serbian forces when he flies over an area outside his authorized zone. He gets shot down by an anti-aircraft missile.I give this film six stars solely for the action, however unrealistic it may seem. And, because of the message that the Navy admiral was not going to abandon one of his men. In this day and age, that's a message that our military need to know, especially if the U.S. is going to rely solely on a volunteer, professional armed forces.My rating is probably stretching it, on the basis of accuracy. I don't know fighter aircraft or Navy operations, but I could see basic mistakes in several portrayals. I was an Army paratrooper many years ago, and the apparent lack of common sense and disregard or lack of knowledge of evasion and escape training by the downed pilot was frustrating to watch. Other reviewers – former Navy pilots and veterans have pointed out some of the many technical and military flaws of Lt. Chris Burnett, played by Owen Wilson. And, of the crew of the carrier.Gene Hackman is OK as the admiral, and the rest of the cast are OK for the roles they have. I think some of the Serbian portrayals are overboard. But, the film is packed with action. Had the filmmakers worked to get accurate portrayals of the carrier crew, proper equipment, correct aircraft, and survival procedures, this could have been a very good film.

Thr negative reviewers must be watching a different movie. Yes it's not going to win any awards for originality. But it's still a great movie. Big fan of the cinematography used, nice hand-held footage that is not over the top. The acting is good, the action is good. There is nothing really to dislike about this movie. I think Owen Wilson did a commendable job in this movie and while he normally does comedies, I think he fits the role nicely. The bad guys are dis-likable too, not comical or over the top. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoy this movie. Worth watching.

Having just seen this 2001 movie and read several of the negative comments, I can understand that anyone viewing it with first hand knowledge of the Bosnian conflict or the US Navy might dismiss it, but as I have neither of these I just watched it because Gene Hackman was in it and I expected a decent thriller. From where I sat in my armchair I just watched it and became completely hooked on what I found to be one of the best chase movies I've ever watched and I do love chase movies (ie: The Naked Prey, Chato's Land). The aerial scenes are spectacularly filmed and I found the tension thoroughly gripping throughout. I watch films on the whole from the point of view of the director and writers endeavouring to entertain us. Reality very often has to be put aside because I know from a film maker's point of view, it doesn't always translate to entertaining viewing, so facts get corrupted for the benefit of a good night out. I can accept this, although many critics have trouble with it. (ie: another movie I loved: Braveheart). So Behind Enemy Lines goes into one of my favourite films I've watched recently. Usual superb acting from the now retired Gene Hackman and a surprising decent turn from lead Owen Wilson. 9 stars from me. Loses one star for not being able to kill Wilson's character with the huge arsenal of weapons available.