Good One. Review on Proof Of Life Movie

Good films are hard to find these days. Great films are beyond rare. Proof of Life, Russell Crowe's one-two punch of a deft kidnap and rescue thriller, is one of those rare gems. A taut drama laced with strong and subtle acting, an intelligent script, and masterful directing, together it delivers something virtually unheard of in the film industry these days, genuine motivation in a story that rings true.

Proof of Life begins with an extended flashback sequence that introduces us to Terry Thorne (Russell Crowe), a top negotiator for Luthan Risk International, a company that specializes in kidnap & rescue operations. After only a couple of days at home in London following a harrowing experience in Chechnya, Terry is sent to Tecala, South America, where a U.S. citizen, Peter Burman (David Morse), has been taken prisoner by the ELT (Liberation Army of Tecala), a guerrilla force that specializes in drug production and kidnapping. Peter is an engineer working on building a dam, but, since his project is being financed by an oil company, the ELT expects him to command a large ransom. Terry begins his work by making contact with Peter's wife, Alice (Meg Ryan), and his sister, Janice (Pamela Reed), and the mission becomes personal when Terry falls for Alice, and don't expect a climax where both will unite,Terry hands over her husband and walks away :) - So in hollywood too, there won't be a climax which would be revolutionary and against the society.

Crowe is stoic and selfless — a perfectly flawed hero worth rooting for. David Caruso, gives a lively portrayal as Dino, one of Terry's associates in South America. Caruso, who has functioned better as a secondary performer than as a lead, is at ease in this part and David Morse does a remarkable job as peter.

Don't miss this movie.