Tears of the Sun (2003)

Directed By: Antoine Fuqua

Rating: R

Runtime: 121 minutes

"Tears of the Sun" is a war drama set in the dense, and dangerous forests of Nigeria. After the once-democratic government is overthrown by a murderous crazy dictator, Special Ops Lieutenant A. K. Waters, played by Bruce Willis, is sent to Nigeria with his tactical team to retrieve a doctor (Monica Bellucci) and several missionaries. 

Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks (Monica Bellucci) will only go with the retrieval team if she can take along her 70 refugees who she has been helping all this time. Lieutenant Waters agrees to her terms and thus the film progresses as a slew of people navigate through the jungle, trying to escape the hellish torture that will be their fate if caught by the new dictator's army. I should mention that the army is actively pursuing them, getting closer by the hour.

As with most war dramas, there isn't much room for comic relief or a moment of pause in this film. There is however, a constant struggle for survival along with the unfortunate circumstances surrounding great loss. The "R" rating is not taken lightly - there are scenes in this film that are absolutely raw and will likely have you end up looking away for a moment or two.

Willis and his unit were well cast, with each personality playing an integral part of the mission. We come to know and respect these men, who are risking their lives to complete a mission that, in all reality, is more like a suicide run. The beautiful Bellucci as the doctor, provided a sympathetic role as she was the one whom all the refugees depended on. Additionally, the romance that develops between Lieutenant Waters and Dr. Kendricks is appropriate because it further justifies the changes we see in Waters over the length of the film.  

A journey for survival is an incredible thing, especially when your emotions get the better of you, which is the case with Lieutenant Waters. He is our protagonist throughout the film, so we feel most inclined to think about him and his situation. His decisions ultimately sealed the fate of everyone on the mission, including his tactical until and the refugees. In the end, I have to say that the film was an inspiration, at least for me. Even when everything seemingly impossible hangs in the balance, there is a way to overcome your obstacles and do the right thing.

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