Insight For producer John Davis, "Behind Enemy Lines" had to be more than just an action film relying on pyrotechnics. The challenge was to produce a film that showed the complexities of modern warfare and how it effects those who have to go to war. Davis revealed that "There is as much action in this film as any other I've seen, but there's a lot more to it than that." On that score Davis is right because no one could ever complain that there is not enough action in "Behind Enemy Lines". But there is also a good study of the lead characters complex personalities, focussing on Lt Chris Burnet [Owen Wilson] and that grand man of the screen Gene Hackman as Admiral Reigart. On the Burnett character executive producer Wyck Godfrey had this to say, "He is a man who has lost faith in his ability to make a difference, who has lost his sense of mission." It is left to his commander Admiral Reigart to try and turn Burnett around in the end but his initial reaction is to let Burnett go. "The military has been Reigart's life, and now he's faced with somebody who no longer sees a reason to give his life to it" added Godfrey. This is something that didn't exist in the early drafts of the screenplay, it was originally planned to have Burnett as a "top gun" pilot. Putting him in the rear seat of an F-18 as the navigator gave his character new meaning. It also meant looking for someone who could slip into a role meant to reveal the character as just an everyday guy caught up in dire circumstances. Owen Wilson couldn't have been further removed from the image of a hero, after all, he has been noted for his zany comedy appearances in films like "Meet The Parents", "Zoolander" and "The Royal Tenenbaums". It was a good choice, the interaction between Hackman and Wilson works well on screen and the film is very entertaining. From start to finish there is never a dull moment and those who see "Behind Enemy Lines" will not be disappointed. The Story Lt Chris Burnett [Owen Wilson] has had enough, he's bored with the every day routine of naval life. He joined the service to fight and make a difference but he now feels disappointed and wants out. Lt Chris Burnett only has two weeks to go and as far as his commander, Admiral Reigart is concerned, he can go. If Burnett can't see the big picture then he isn't going to stand in his way. When Reigart has navigator Burnett and his pilot "Stackhouse" [Gabriel Match] schedule to fly a mission on Xmas Day, little does he realize that fate will bring these two opposites together in a deadly game of survival that could, at any moment, turn into an international incident. What is planned as just a regular reconnaissance soon turns ugly when the navigators on-board radar reveals troop activity in a no-go area in Bosnia. When they divert to check the situation out they are suddenly in the firing line. There is a dark, dirty secret here in the forest, one that must remain hidden. From here on in the action is fast and furious as the two battle to survive two heat seeking SAM missiles launched at them. Both are forced to eject. The situation becomes critical when rebel soldiers [led by an officer of the secret police track] down "Stackhouse" and execute him while Burnett is making for higher ground to radio base. Now the chase is on in earnest. They want Burnett dead. They want their dark secret to stay in the forrest. Burnett wants to survive, but does he have the strength of character to do that? Is Admiral Reigart prepared to sacrifice his career for the young man he was about to write off? It's a non stop chase, packed with excitement, action, great special effects all package up in a nice tight little bundle that says, "jump on board and enjoy the ride!" What a ride it is, one I'm sure cinema fans will really enjoy. "Behind Enemy Lines" is a very entertaining action film with a lot of soul that will keep you focussed from start to finish. The Verdict "This roller coaster ride into hell and back will entertain you from start to finish and not just because of its excellent action scenes or its special effects. More importantly "Behind Enemy Lines" succeeds thanks to the true grit its lead actors Wilson and Hackman reveal to the audience through their respective characters. This alone would make "Behind Enemy Lines" worth seeing. From heat seeking missiles to a dramatic rescue "Behind Enemy Lines" is about as intense as it it ever gets without actually being there. Sit down, buckle up and hang on for one hell of a ride!!" What The Critics Say

"A very timely movie, it features some of the best aerial combat footage ever filmed." Steve Rhodes STEVE RHODES' INTERNET REVIEWS "A thrilling action picture for anyone who enjoys getting their auditory and visual senses assaulted, and their nerves absolutely wrecked." Dustin Putman, THEMOVIEBOY.COM "An involvingand driving action-packed movie." Steven Rosen DENVER POST "A sleek, slick war movie that works as an adrenaline-pumping action ride and as a great recruitment ad for the U.S. Navy." Steven Rea PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER "A slickly entertaining war movie that's sometimes striking, sometimes silly -- but never, ever boring." Lou Lumenick NEW YORK POST "Does it really matter that a movie's story is weak as long as the pictures make you go "ooo" often enough? If we were fourteen the answer would probably be "yes"." Chuck Schwartz CRANKY CRITIC®

Film Footnotes

Owen Wilson Wilson is probably best known as a comedy actor, few realizing that he is also a screen writer having co-written the films "Bottle Rocket" and "Rushmore". He has also been co-executive or associate producer on a couple of films, "Rushmore" and the academy award winning "As Good As It Gets". Zoolander Meet the Parents Anaconda The Cable Guy The Royal Tenenbaums The Haunting Armageddon

Gene Hackman The critically acclaimed actor is a two time winner of the coveted Oscar at the Academy Awards. The first was for his lead role in "The French Connection" and the second when he was best supporting actor in the Clint Eastwood blockbuster, "Unforgiven". He has appeared in more than 70 films over the years. The Poseidon Adventure Enemy of the State Get Shorty Crimson Tide The Birdcage Absolute Power The Firm

The Cast

	Owen Wilson Gene Hackman Gabriel Macht Charles Malik Whitfield Joaquim de Almeida David Keith Olek Krupa Vladimir Mashkov Marko Igonda Eyal Podell Geoffrey Pierson Aernout Van Lynden Sam Jaeger Shane Johnson Don Winston	... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...		Lt Chris Burnett Admiral Reigart Stackhouse Rodway Piquet Capt O'Malley Lokar The Tracker Bazda Petty Officer Kennedy Admiral Donnelly Himself Red Crown Operator #1 Red Crown Operator #2 Red Crown Operator #3

Directed by John Moore Rated [AUST] M15+ Run Time 105 minutes ©2002 - 20th Century Fox - All Rights Reserved