Under Fire was one of a trio of notable films from the mid-1980s about journalists involved in Third World war zones. While certainly a lesser film than Salvador (1986) or The Killing Fields (1984) Roger Spottiswoode's movie is still a commendable work from a director who later brought a similarly political edge to Noriega: God's Favourite (2000). Nick Nolte plays an American photo-journalist covering the civil war in Nicaragua in 1979, finding himself caught in a dangerous and cynical web of duplicity and self-interest, as well as falling in love with fellow American,... Claire (Joanna Cassidy). Nolte gradually uncovers the degree of his own government's involvement with the corrupt regime, and inevitably ends up crossing the line from neutral observer to helping the rebel cause. Under Fire is in essence a reworking of Casablanca, especially as Gene Hackman's network newsman proves to be Cassidy's ex-lover, yet thanks to an intelligent script, strong support from Ed Harris as a mercenary and some genuinely unnerving and frightening scenes of the random chaos of war, it's one which packs a powerful punch. Jerry Goldsmith's evocative score is among his best of the 1980s.On the DVD: Under Fire is presented in an anamorphic 1.77:1 transfer which is very clean and clear with minimal grain. The well-mixed Dolby Pro-logic soundtrack is highly effective, if not so startling as a 5.1 track. Beyond multi-language and subtitle options, the only extra is the original trailer, which is also anamorphically enhanced. --Gary S Dalkin [show more]
We will publish your review of Under Fire [1983] on DVD within a few days as long as it meets our guidelines.
None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.
Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. "A First-Rate Political Action Thriller!" -The Hollywood Reporter Gene Hackman and Nick Nolte deliver tour-de-force performances in this riveting "jigsaw puzzle" (Los Angeles Times) "that triumphantly combines politics and romance, turmoil and destiny [into] the most exciting and entertaining drama in years" (David Denby, New York Magazine)! From "an edgy and maliciously smart script" (Pauline Kael, The New Yorker) about three reporters caught in a political revolution - and a love triangle - this sure-fire thriller co-starring Joanna Cassidy and Oscar® nominee Ed Harris will grab you with heart-pounding suspense and never let go. Russell Price (Nolte) is a gutsy photojournalist who gets caught between his love for reporter Claire Stryder (Joanna Cassidy) and his friendship with her husband, Alex Grazier (Hackman). He's also caught in the horns of a dilemma when he's asked to take sides instead of just pictures in the war between the Nicaraguan government and the Sandinista rebels. But when he loses sight of his objectivity and becomes involved in the skirmish, Russell could lose both his battles and his life, as he comes Under Fire from all sides! Actors Joanna Cassidy, Gene Hackman, Nick Nolte, Ed Harris, Richard Masur & Jean-Louis Trintignant Director Roger Spottiswoode Certificate 15 years and over Year 1983 Screen Widescreen 1.85:1 Anamorphic Languages English ; German ; French ; Spanish ; Italian - Dolby Digital (2.0) Stereo Subtitles English For The Hard Of Hearing ; German For The Hard Of Hearing ; French ; Italian ; Spanish ; Dutch Duration 2 hours and 3 minutes (approx)
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy
