Customer Reviews

Under Fire

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This flick should have won a lot of oscars - for screenplay, direction, acting, cinematography and music. Nick Nolte, Joanna Cassidy and Gene Hackman are riveting as war zone journalists; Ed Harris plays a mercenary soldier just right, with hedonistic aplomb.

One interesting aspect that runs through the film is how multi-national corporations profit no matter who wins at war; they'll always be there reaping profits. Another long thread running through the film is how American foreign policy is designed to broaden and protect OUR interests without taking into wider consideration the impact we have on the citizens of other countries, particularly the developing countries or those nations governed by unpopular dictatorships.

I saw this flick 20 years ago and it's stayed with me ever since, the mark of a good movie. This film is what propelled me to earn degrees in international relations and journalism. Most films these days are for teenagers, but not this one. It's complex and thought-provoking and entertaining throughout. I want my wife to see it.

Can't believe there isn't a single user review of Under Fire, one of the best ever combos of political intrigue, action, thought, and sensuality. Amazing performances--Nolte fans should consider this a must see. And Joanna Cassiday is on fire, brilliant, incredibly sexy...sad that she has done so little since then. The setting and theme remain all too topical as we continue to get ourselves involved in countries whose cultures we understand not one whit. Do see this movie, please.

Under Fire is one of the few mainstream American `political' movies to emerge from the studio system, but along with Missing it's probably the best. On one level it grafts a traditional romantic triangle onto its story of American war correspondents in Nicaragua gradually finding themselves drawn to taking sides instead of taking pictures, but at least it's a convincingly grown-up relationship that allows Nick Nolte, Gene Hackman and a never better Joanna Cassidy to really shine. It's a shame that Cassidy never got more opportunities like this: a last-minute replacement for Julie Christie, she's extraordinarily good here. The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, with a star-making turn from Ed Harris as an amiable but deadly mercenary a standout, although Jean-Louis Tritignant's deceptively unsubtle CIA man gives him a run for his money (not so much for his performance - his English was non-existent and it's obvious he's learned his lines phonetically - but because he has most of the film's best dialog). Extremely well directed by Roger Spottiswoode with a promise he never really fulfilled, it's an impressive albeit partisan portrait of a country decaying in the last stages of revolution and also boasts what is possibly Jerry Goldsmith's finest score (which is saying quite something). Impressive stuff, but it's a shame that so little effort has gone into the DVD - the film is more than worthy of a special edition.

Awesome movie... really keeps you watching and wanting to watch it again once your done.

When the popular revolt in Nicaragua against Somoza attracted world attention in the late 1970s, many journalists went there to report the news. One journalist made world news when he was murdered by government forces, and another reporter filmed this event. This 1983 movie weaves this incident into a story about those days.

The scene in Nicaragua starts with a parade. Rebels infiltrate and hoist a banner; the military chase them. This is photographed by a journalist who climbs on top of a parked car. (NEVER park your car by a parade route!) The rebels invade a night club, a grenade goes off, and then Russell "visits" the police station. A "businessman" gets him released, and then suggests that Russell visit the provincial capital where the Sandinistas are active. Russell photographs the action, and gets involved. The pitching skills of a Nicaraguan are used, but he is soon retired from this game.

Back in the capital Somoza announces the death of the rebel Commander, Rafael. Russell visits this province to photograph the news. He meets the rebel leaders, and agrees to photograph Rafael in a live setting; others in the rebel camp are photographed. The movie shows how ancient DC-3s are used as military weapons. Alex returns and asks to visit Rafael. Russell discovers that his photos are being used to identify and eliminate the rebels! When Alex can't find Rafael, he wants to do a story on the "businessman". But Alex is prevented from doing this by unidentified soldiers. Russell photographs this, but escapes with his life. The film gets back to the hotel, and is published. Somoza flees the country, and lands in Miami. And so it finally ends happily? Or does it? Could such a movie be made today?

The romantic triangle (older man, younger woman, younger man) reminds me of "The Quiet American".

Nick Nolte is at his greatest in this movie. He stole it.
Of course, everyone was doing an excellent job or the movie would not have been so moving. Somethimes you laugh, sometimes cry and somtimes you are in a state of horror. I own and would never part with and have seen many times -- my reactions are the same each time. It is war. The danger a reporter on site places his or herself. The Director was excellent. A must see!

This is a complicated, convoluted political thriller combined with a love affair between the three stars. Nick Nolte, Gene Hackman and Joanna Cassidy. There is action but the action punctuates the plot and character development as opposed to being the point of the film. It was made in the mid'80's and you need to know it plays like a mid '80's film instead of the explosion every five minutes mentality of today.

This is simply a very well done film based on past historical events (taking some liberties, of course). Nolte's depiction of a photojournalist is terrific. He handles his mix of Nikon F, F2', Leica and light meter like a professional. He must have had some training. His transformation from indifferent detached observer to sympathetic participant in the final days of the Nicaraguan revolution is wonderful to watch. It also raises interesting ethical questions.

Supporting roles are also well cast and well acted - from the French intelligence agent Jazy to the pro-Somoza p.r. man to Oates, the mercenary, to the young revolutionaries. It's a must see for those interested in Central American politics, journalism, ethics, and photography for that matter.

Great story, First rate acting. I have already worn out one copy over the last few years.

"In 20 years we shall see who was right." In my opinion, this is the most poignant line in the movie. As another reviewer stated, the revolutionaries are painted filmed through a rose-colored lense. But that's exactly the point. The two journalists fell in loce with the cause and we see it through their eyes. The Frenchman balances this with his fantastic line that explains that a cause can seem really great at the time, but those in power are all the same.