Loosely based on a true story, John Moore's all-action thriller stars Owen Wilson as US Navy helicopter pilot Lt Chris Burnett, who's part of the NATO force observing the peace treaty during the conflict in former Yugoslavia. Bored with routine duties, he flies off his designated route and spots Serb forces breaching the peace agreement, but they spot him too and down his craft. Behind enemy lines and with the Serbs on his trail, determined to stop him getting to safety with his story, his only hope is that his commander Admiral Reigart (Gene Hackman) sends in a rescue mission. But NATO refuse; acknowledging Burnett's very existence could end the fragile ceasefire; he's on his own...
Debut director Moore brings his experience in the TV commercials world to bear, shooting some scenes in an almost documentary style while others are fast-motion, emphasising the action. Wilson, better known for light roles in Meet the Parents and Zoolander, meets the challenge of his first major straight role with aplomb, while Hackman plays the gruff, no-nonsense officer fighting the politicians with his usual authority.
Behind Enemy Lines is a Film programme that first aired in 2001 and has been classified a 12 certificate.
