Behind Enemy Lines (2001) Movie Review: A High-Stakes War Thriller
Behind Enemy Lines is a 2001 war action film directed by John Moore and starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman. The film is loosely based on real events during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, blending high-stakes action with themes of survival, honor, and the politics of war. Known for its intense pace, stunning aerial shots, and tense cat-and-mouse chase sequences, Behind Enemy Lines takes viewers on a thrilling ride through hostile territory.
In this review, we’ll break down the film’s key elements, performances, and themes, and discuss where you can stream Behind Enemy Lines online.
Plot Summary: A Navy Pilot’s Desperate Fight for Survival
Behind Enemy Lines follows U.S. Navy flight officer Lieutenant Chris Burnett (played by Owen Wilson), who is stationed on the USS Carl Vinson during a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. Burnett, frustrated with his routine reconnaissance job, is considering leaving the Navy, but his world is turned upside down during what was supposed to be a routine surveillance mission.
While flying over Bosnia, Burnett and his co-pilot, Stackhouse, are shot down by surface-to-air missiles after they capture photographic evidence of a genocidal operation carried out by Serb forces. Burnett survives the crash but finds himself trapped deep behind enemy lines in hostile territory. Pursued by ruthless Serbian paramilitary forces, led by a cold-blooded tracker named Sasha, Burnett must use all his training and wit to evade capture.
Meanwhile, Burnett’s commanding officer, Admiral Leslie Reigart (played by Gene Hackman), faces bureaucratic obstacles as he tries to mount a rescue mission. With time running out and enemy forces closing in, Burnett embarks on a desperate and dangerous journey to make it to a safe extraction point.
Performances: Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman’s Solid Chemistry
Known primarily for his comedic roles, Owen Wilson takes a surprising turn as the lead in this war thriller. As Lt. Chris Burnett, Wilson does a commendable job portraying the character’s fear, frustration, and determination. While Burnett starts as a somewhat cynical and disillusioned officer, the film shows his growth as he transforms into a determined survivor. Wilson’s performance balances vulnerability and resilience, making Burnett a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.
Gene Hackman, in one of his last major film roles before his retirement, plays Admiral Reigart, a seasoned and no-nonsense leader who is willing to risk his career to save Burnett. Hackman’s portrayal of Reigart adds gravitas to the film, offering a strong counterbalance to Wilson’s more emotionally charged performance. The dynamic between the two actors, even though they spend most of the film apart, is crucial to the emotional weight of the story.
The supporting cast, including Gabriel Macht as Burnett’s co-pilot Stackhouse and Vladimir Mashkov as the menacing Serbian sniper Sasha, also delivers solid performances that help drive the film’s tension and stakes.
Action and Visuals: High-Octane Thrills and Stunning Aerial Shots
One of the standout features of Behind Enemy Lines is its action-packed sequences. From the intense aerial dogfight that opens the film to the tense ground pursuit of Burnett by Serbian forces, the film never lets up on adrenaline. Director John Moore employs a kinetic style, using shaky-cam effects, fast edits, and dynamic camera angles to heighten the sense of urgency and danger.
The film’s aerial sequences are especially memorable, with stunning shots of fighter jets weaving through the sky and dodging missile attacks. The crash sequence is expertly crafted, placing viewers right in the cockpit as Burnett and Stackhouse are targeted by enemy missiles. The sound design and visual effects work together to create a visceral, edge-of-your-seat experience.
On the ground, the film transforms into a suspenseful chase thriller as Burnett navigates hostile terrain, dodging enemy soldiers and surviving through resourcefulness and sheer will. The snow-covered landscapes of Bosnia provide a bleak and atmospheric backdrop, highlighting the isolation and danger Burnett faces.
Themes: Survival, Duty, and the Politics of War
At its core, Behind Enemy Lines is a story about survival. Burnett’s journey from disillusioned officer to determined survivor echoes themes of perseverance and personal growth. The film explores how the harsh realities of war can strip away complacency and force individuals to confront their inner strength.
The film also touches on the politics of war, particularly through Admiral Reigart’s struggle with his superiors. Reigart’s attempts to rescue Burnett are hindered by political red tape, as NATO and U.S. military leaders weigh the risks of an unauthorized rescue mission. This tension between military duty and bureaucratic decision-making adds an additional layer to the film, showing how the lives of soldiers can become pawns in larger geopolitical games.
While Behind Enemy Lines doesn’t delve deeply into the moral complexities of the Bosnian War, it does touch on themes of genocide and war crimes, emphasizing the human cost of conflict.
Why Behind Enemy Lines is Worth Watching
Though it may not be the most nuanced war film, Behind Enemy Lines delivers exactly what it promises—an action-packed, high-stakes survival thriller. With strong performances from Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, the film keeps viewers engaged with its non-stop tension and impressive action sequences.
The film’s depiction of the Bosnian conflict adds an interesting historical context, even if it simplifies some of the more complex political dynamics at play. Still, for fans of war films and action thrillers, Behind Enemy Lines is an entertaining and gripping ride.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch Behind Enemy Lines Online
If you’re looking to stream Behind Enemy Lines in the U.S., there are several platforms where the movie is available for both streaming and rental.
1. Disney+
Behind Enemy Lines is available for streaming on Disney+, as it falls under the 20th Century Fox library, which Disney acquired in 2019. Subscribers can watch it as part of their subscription.
- Subscription Cost: $7.99/month (with ads) or $10.99/month (ad-free)
- Availability: Available for U.S. subscribers
2. Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase)
For viewers who prefer to rent or purchase the film, Amazon Prime Video offers Behind Enemy Lines as a rental or digital purchase.
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $14.99
- Availability: U.S. only
3. Apple TV
You can also rent or buy Behind Enemy Lines on Apple TV, making it accessible for Apple users.
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $14.99
- Availability: U.S. only
4. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV offers Behind Enemy Lines for both rental and purchase, with similar pricing to other platforms.
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $14.99
- Availability: U.S. only
Conclusion: A Thrilling, High-Stakes Survival Story
Behind Enemy Lines may not be the most historically accurate or thematically complex war film, but it excels as an action-packed thriller. With solid performances from Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, coupled with stunning aerial sequences and relentless chase scenes, the film keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Its themes of survival, duty, and the harsh realities of war give it some depth, though its primary appeal lies in its adrenaline-fueled narrative.
Whether you’re a fan of war films or simply looking for an exciting action movie, Behind Enemy Lines is worth a watch. With streaming options on platforms like Disney+ and rental availability on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, it’s easily accessible for viewers in the U.S.
