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Tears Of The Sun
Cast: Bruce Willis, Monica Bellucci.
Director: Antonie Fuqua
 Story: 'Tears Of The Sun' is set in modern Nigeria, during the Civil war. The savage dictator, who rebelled against the democratically elected government, is on a killing frenzy, and ethnic cleansing is already underway. The President and his family members have been murdered and the foreign nationals are already being evacuated. Lt. A.K Waters, played by Bruce Willis (Die Hard) is on a mission along with 6 other men in Nigeria. The mission is very simple. They have to rescue the Italian-born American doctor Lena Hendricks, played by Monica Bellucci (Matrix Reloaded), a priest and two nuns. The trouble starts when Lena refuses to leave without those people, for she knows that if she leaves them behind, they will all become the victims of ghastly crimes committed by the rebellious Muslims. He promises to take them all with him, though he is aware that he cannot act against the direct orders of his superior. But, the brutality and gory crimes of war against the innocents brings about a change in him, and he whole-heartedly decides to save all of them.
In the chopper sent for himself, his men and Dr. Lena, he sends a bunch of indigenous people. But things take a turn for the worse, when the helicopters do not return because of the heavy firing they face from the rebels. Now these people are left on their own, and to their dismay, a group of about 300 rebels are at their back. Lt.Waters, Dr Lena, other Marines and a bunch of people have to walk to the rendezvous point crossing the border to the neighboring Cameroon, where they will be met by the US troops. Why are rebels after these people, and how they rescue themselves, forms the rest of the story.
Review: This is one intense drama, which is as intense as, or more, than 'The Siege'. The story is compelling, the screenplay fantastic, the direction superior, and the acting, really good. I liked this movie primarily because of two genuine excuses. One is, it gets your adrenaline pumping, and the other is, it is so realistic that it fills you with disgust towards war. But one weakness (or the strength) of the film is that there is an overdose of bloody scenes and gory visuals.
Coming to the different aspects of the film, almost all parts of it are equally good. Special mention must be made of the acting talent of Monica Bellucci, which comes as a revelation. In an intense drama as this, powerful acting is a vital constituent and the director Antonie Fuqua (famous for his work in 'Training Day' and 'The Replacement Killers') knows it very well. At the same time the emotional touch, which needs to be in full flow, is sufficiently augmented. Bruce Willis is as always, a mixture of talent, style, glamour and charisma. Though there is little time available for building characters in a story that is set in a few days, the characters have been well-etched. In all, the movie is a very good one and worth the money spent.
Ratings:
Story: 3/5
Screenplay: 4/5
Direction: 4/5
Characterization: 3/5
Acting: 3.5/5
Other Effects: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
KPG
Published on 5th July 2003
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