Behind Enemy Lines

Watch Behind Enemy Lines

"His only weapon is his will to survive."
  • PG-13
  • 2001
  • 1 hr 46 min
  • 6.4  (110,847)
  • 49

Behind Enemy Lines is a 2001 American war film directed by John Moore and starring Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, and Gabriel Macht. The movie is set in the midst of the Bosnian War, and it tells the story of a naval aviator who becomes stranded in enemy territory after his plane is shot down. Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) is a brash, impulsive pilot who is sent on a routine surveillance mission over enemy territory. However, Burnett, against his better judgment, decides to investigate a suspicious activity he spots on his reconnaissance, causing the Serbs to take notice and shoot him down.

Burnett's plane crashes in a remote area of Bosnia, and he finds himself stranded with no way to contact his base or fellow pilots. As he traverses the hostile terrain, he discovers that his predicament is far more perilous than he initially anticipated. He encounters many challenges in his attempt to evade the Serbian forces hunting him, including a relentless tracker named Sasha (Vladimir Mashkov), who is determined to take him down.

Meanwhile, back in the United States, Burnett's commanding officer, Admiral Leslie Reigart (Gene Hackman), is informed of the downed plane and immediately launches a rescue mission. However, he is met with heavy resistance from the government officials who are concerned that a botched rescue mission could result in an international incident.

As Reigart fights to get the green light for the rescue mission, Burnett is forced to use all of his skills as a pilot and a soldier to outsmart his pursuers and survive behind enemy lines. Along the way, he befriends a young Bosnian woman who helps him navigate the difficult terrain and evade the Serbian troops.

The movie delivers a harrowing and intense portrayal of the horrors of war as well as the resilience and determination of the human spirit. The stunning cinematography and special effects capture the beauty and brutality of the Bosnian landscape, making it a character in its own right.

Additionally, the film highlights the challenges that the military leaders face when they’re ordered to carry out missions without proper support from their government. It shows how bureaucracy and politics can interfere with a mission's success and put the lives of soldiers in danger.

The acting performances in the movie are outstanding. Owen Wilson delivers a convincing and nuanced portrayal of an impulsive young pilot thrust into a perilous situation. Gabriel Macht offers a captivating performance as the level-headed navigator who remains faithfully by Wilson’s side as they try to survive.

Meanwhile, the legendary Gene Hackman delivers a powerful portrayal of a determined and creative admiral who knows that he is fighting against unimaginable odds, but is willing to do whatever it takes to save his men. The supporting cast also delivers excellent performances, with Vladimir Mashkov’s chilling portrayal of the cold and ruthless Serbian tracker Sasha being particularly memorable.

Overall, Behind Enemy Lines is a gripping and deeply affecting film that portrays the devastating consequences of war and the heroic efforts put in to save lives during times of crisis. The film will surely leave its audience feeling moved and inspired.

Behind Enemy Lines is a 2001 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 49.

Behind Enemy Lines
Description
Where to Watch Behind Enemy Lines
Behind Enemy Lines is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Behind Enemy Lines for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2001
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 46 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (110,847)
  • Metascore
    49