The main reason I decided to watch Proof of Life was the star cast of Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan . Add to that, the beautiful rain forests of the Andes in Columbia – and you have not wasted 135 minutes.
This movie was released in 2000 and directed by Taylor Hackford.
The plot:
An American engineer (Peter Bowman) is building a dam in Tecala (a fictitious country in South America) in order to make way for an oil pipeline. The local guerillas (ELT) are against the pipeline, as it would cut through their cocaine fields. In a world of high politics of drug lords, oil contracts and a corrupt government, Peter is caught in this web and it is left up to his wife Alice Bowman with the help of Terence Thorne – a negotiator, to rescue him. The screenplay is tight and if you are a fan of action movies, it is worth a dekho.
The cast:
# David Morse as Peter Bowman – the movie revolves around him – his capture, his life in the guerilla camps and his release. He has given a convincing performance.
# Meg Ryan as Alice Bowman – she is one of my favorite actresses. Even though she did not have a meaty role, she did an effective job – showing resolution by standing by her husband and not succumbing to the charms of Terry, when she was emotionally vulnerable.
# Russell Crowe as Terrence Thorn – he fitted the role of the calculated negotiator to the hilt. Soft spoken and unassuming, he had deep knowledge about the psychology of kidnappers and effectively uses his skills to drive home a deal. As the deal was not going to happen, he resorts to his soldier training (he was a member of the Special Forces) – he commands a commando type mission to kidnap the kidnappee from the kidnapper – confused – watch the movie to find out. He has a 13 year old son who loves to play Rugby – whether Terry is a widower or a divorcee is not clear.
# Pamela Reed as Janice Goodman. As the older sister of Peter, she helps Alice to arrange the finances – she is shown as being a dominant sister and at times gets on the nerves of Alice. The interactions between the two helpless women are well portrayed. Frank is her husband and they live in Denver.
# David Caruso as Dino – he is the local contact for Terry in Tecala and provides all the manpower required for the counter-attack.
# Erich Kessler – another hostage taken by the guerillas. Peter befriends him in the camp.
# Marco – the negotiator for the kidnapper. Shhhhh…watch the movie to find out who he is?
# Maria and Sandro – local friends of the Bowmans
# Cinta – another domestic help. Through her assistance, Marco’s cover is blown.
The props:
# Octonal – the oil company which has obtained a contract to lay down a pipeline. This company is taking over Peter’s engineering firm.
# ELT – the guerilla extremist group for Tecala
# Luthan Risk International – an insurance company based in London and employer of Terry – they specialize in K&R type of insurance (Kidnap and Ransom).
Personal Touch:
I liked the movie for the action and the performances of Meg and Russell and the chemistry between them. I believe that the relationship between Russell and Meg was handled very sensitively and was appropriately sealed with a passionate kiss.
Would give this movie a 3/5 and would recommend it for a one time viewing. At times the movie tended to drift but was quickly brought back on track.