Behind Enemy Lines

Behind Enemy Lines

Year: 2001

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: John Moore

ActionDramaThrillerWar

During a mission in Colombia, US Navy SEAL Lieutenant Sean Macklin and Master Chief Petty Officer Carter Holt are framed for serious crimes. Now, they must evade capture while battling both warring factions and the authorities who believe them guilty. Their fight for survival becomes a desperate attempt to clear their names and uncover the truth behind the accusations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Behind Enemy Lines (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

December 1995

This period marks the concluding phases of the Bosnian War and NATO's peacekeeping efforts in the region. The world was grappling with the consequences of ethnic cleansing, with various international responses trying to halt the violence and restore peace. This timeframe is critical in understanding the political and social dynamics influencing the characters' actions.

Location

Bosnia, Adriatic Sea

The movie predominantly takes place in war-torn Bosnia, a region deeply affected by the ethnic conflicts of the 1990s. The Adriatic Sea serves as the strategic location for the US Navy aircraft carrier from which the protagonists operate. Set against this tumultuous backdrop, the film highlights the complexities of conflict and the dire humanitarian issues at stake.

🌍 Location ✈️ Military

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:51

Main Characters – Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Meet the key characters of Behind Enemy Lines (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lieutenant Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson)

Lieutenant Chris Burnett is portrayed as a determined and resourceful Navy flight officer willing to take risks for the sake of uncovering the truth. His transformation from a reconnaissance pilot to a survivor in hostile territory showcases his resilience under immense pressure. Burnett's character reflects both the bravery required in military service and the personal struggle with state orders and moral dilemmas.

💪 Bravery 🥇 Resourcefulness 📖 Determination

Admiral Leslie Reigart (Gene Hackman)

Admiral Leslie Reigart is depicted as a principled leader who must navigate the conflicts between military protocol and the ethical responsibility to save his pilot. His character embodies the challenges faced by military commanders in wartime decision-making, balancing duty with a moral compass. Reigart's eventual defiance of orders for the greater good highlights his commitment to honor and justice.

⚖️ Ethics 🎖️ Leadership 🔥 Courage

General Miroslav Lokar

General Miroslav Lokar serves as the primary antagonist, embodying the ruthlessness of war and the dark side of power. His character is defined by a willingness to commit atrocities to maintain control over the narrative of the conflict. Lokar's actions represent a significant moral decay and the inhumanity often seen in war.

💀 Antagonist ⚔️ Ruthlessness 🌪️ Destruction

Colonel Bazda

Colonel Bazda is a loyal subordinate to General Lokar, showcasing the blind allegiance often found in military hierarchy. His character adds to the tension as he pursues Burnett, representing the persistent threat faced by the protagonist. Bazda’s actions highlight the moral ambiguities characters can navigate during wartime.

🔍 Pursuer ⚔️ Loyalty 🔥 Aggression

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:51

Major Themes – Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Explore the central themes of Behind Enemy Lines (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Survival

Survival is a central theme of the film, showcasing the lengths to which Lieutenant Chris Burnett goes to evade capture and prove his existence. The narrative highlights the struggle of an individual against powerful adversaries and the dire circumstances of war. Each challenge Burnett faces underscores the instinct to survive in hostile environments.

📷 Truth and Justice

The pursuit of truth and justice resonates strongly throughout the story when Burnett captures evidence of war crimes. His determination to reveal the atrocities committed by the Serb army reflects the broader theme of accountability in conflicts. The film ultimately portrays the power of uncovering the truth as a means to seek justice for victims.

🤝 Camaraderie

Camaraderie plays a significant role in the film, illustrating the bonds formed under pressure between military personnel. Admiral Reigart's unwavering commitment to rescuing Burnett exemplifies the loyalty and responsibility inherent in military relationships. This theme highlights the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:51

Unlock the Full Story of Behind Enemy Lines

Don't stop at just watching — explore Behind Enemy Lines in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Behind Enemy Lines is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Behind Enemy Lines Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Behind Enemy Lines, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Behind Enemy Lines Summary

Behind Enemy Lines Timeline

Track the full timeline of Behind Enemy Lines with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Behind Enemy Lines Timeline

More About Behind Enemy Lines

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More About Behind Enemy Lines

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