Tears Of The Sun

Bang wisely,

Bang cautiously,

Bang proudly,

the drums of war.

A critic I know recently made an off-the-cuff remark that revealed a certain truth some would rather not admit: When economic times are not the best people tend to gravitate toward movies and films of a propagandic nature, and when these times are complicated by such things as war and military actions people not only gravitate toward cinematic propaganda, but they tend to favor films and movies that carry certain political agendas.

Political agendas of a politically conservative nature, often represented by actors who are known for their political beliefs.

I mention all of this as prelude because it may go to explain why a film like "Tears Of The Sun" will find success when the armchair experts and pundits would openly suggest otherwise.

Here is a film that has certain glaring flaws and shortcomings. Here is a film that, made during the Clinton Administration, would have imploded at the box office, but didn't, owing much to the timing: The times in which it was made, the times it reflects, and the times that are the now. All of which have been brought together by the basic elements: Earth, wind, fire, water.

And an actor that embodies what a hero is and can be: Bruce Willis.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of Willis' acting. There is something about his smug, blue-collar charm that makes disgust and dismay rumble within my soul. But I suggest, having seen "Tears Of The Sun", this emotional response is evoked with much owed to the films and movies he previously made. Not because of his acting talents. Having seen "Tears Of The Sun" I think differently of him as actor.

Aside: This change in perspective has nothing whatsoever to do with his personal politics, incidentially. That he is a political conservative only adds dimension to him as a person, as an actor, for it goes to suggest he may now start giving more thoughtful and careful consideration to the roles he chooses and accepts.

In "Tears Of The Sun" Willis plays the character A.K. Waters, a Navy Seal officer who is forced to come face to face with what is really important. Nothing exciting or original in this role. We have seen it dozens of time before, often by way of the likes of Clint Eastwood or John Wayne. Which is different here is how Willis present this character: Honestly, simply, truthfully. In doing so he reminds us, easily, of a younger Marlon Brando, in "Apocalypse Now". Yet there is something in Willis' acting that eclipses Brando in his role, and that something, I suggest, owes much to these economic and political times: Willis is a hero. The sort of hero we can and do relate to because he reminds us of us, individually and collectively. For example, after he disobeys direct orders he asked why he did it and his response is a measured, thoughtful 'I don't know and when I figure it out I'll let you know'.

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