‘Masterpiece’ war film flew under the radar on release now streaming | Films | Entertainment
A “masterpiece” war film went under the radar when it was released – but it is now winning top praise from fans. And it’s great news for those wanting to catch the movie starring Gene Hackman as it is now available on the Disney+ streaming service. Fans of the film were quick to praise the Oscar winner and fellow actor Owen Wilson, who stars alongside Hackman.
Floods of praise can be found on iMDB from fans who believe Behind Enemy Lines is an incredible film. The 2001 feature was released to mixed reviews but has garnered a cult following in the years to follow. Some have since called the film a “masterpiece” that stands among the best of the war film genre.
One review reads: “Great film the cast all play their parts superbly and you feel and believe you are actually there and that your going through everything that Burnett (Owen Wilson) goes through. GREAT, I LOVE IT! This film is in my top ten or maybe even my top five!
“A true masterpiece the rating out of 10 can not be right, this movie should have a rating of at least 9.9. As soon as it ended I wanted to watch it again, just so I can follow Burnett in his extraordinary adventure and share his emotions again. It is amazing how he survived and he is a true hero that should never be forgotten!”
Another reviewer added: “I am very picky about my action flicks, especially military action flicks, and Behind Enemy Lines seems to hit every note just right. Every scene follows fluidly and logically, and there is an air of realism that permeates the film.
“The plot involving the corruption of the multinational leader is portrayed very realistically. The cinematography and editing and acting are all excellent. It never seems to pander to a younger audience. The action sequences are compelling. This is a standout movie deserving a watch.”
Professional reviews of Behind Enemy Lines were not as kind when the film first released. Veteran film critic Roger Ebert wrote: “Its hero is so reckless and its villains so incompetent that it’s a showdown between a man begging to be shot, and an enemy that can’t hit the side of a Bosnian barn.”
A third fan countered and likened the film to Top Gun. They wrote: “This was a good movie with lots of action. I also liked the music which I thought was as effective as the music in Top Gun. Some scenes are a little unbelievable, but it’s an action movie that’s meant to entertain.
“You can’t enjoy a movie if you are going to criticise every little thing that is not completley realistic. If that were the case, almost all action movies would be considered terrible. Just sit down, open your mind and enjoy it. I thought Owen Wilson did a good job and Gene Hackman is always good.”
