California, 1980.
Veteran photojournalist Richard Boyle, portrayed by James Woods, has spent over two decades capturing the essence of conflict around the globe through his lens. Despite his dedication to journalism, his struggles with alcohol and drugs, combined with an inflated ego, have tarnished his reputation, making it nearly impossible for him to find work. One fateful morning, Richard discovers that his wife has left him, taking their child and leaving him in dire financial straits.
Desperate for change and ignited by a glimmer of hope, Richard teams up with his best friend, Doctor Rock, played by James Belushi, who is a struggling disc jockey. The two head to El Salvador, where Richard believes there are opportunities for freelance work amidst the chaos of the country’s political strife. However, upon their arrival, they are immediately thrust into the harsh reality of the situation when they witness the harrowing execution of a teenage student by government forces. This shocking event drives home the gravity of the conflict they are amidst.
As Richard seeks out a general he met previously during the Football War, he and Rock are taken to a converted school serving as a barracks. Here, Richard learns that U.S. support is bolstering the Salvadoran army. Understanding the precariousness of El Salvador's situation, Richard contemplates leaving, but a chance reconnection with his former lover, María, portrayed by Elpidia Carrillo, complicates his decision; he realizes he cannot abandon her and her two children—one of whom is his own.
During their time together, Richard and María attend a mass led by Archbishop Oscar Romero. The atmosphere of hope quickly turns tragic when an assassin silences the Archbishop, inciting chaos as military forces begin firing on the fleeing crowd, with Richard and María narrowly escaping the unfolding violence.
Overwhelmed with concern for the escalating human rights abuses in El Salvador, Richard attempts to persuade the U.S. ambassador, played by Michael Murphy, to withdraw support from the Salvadoran government. His plea is met with dismissal, forcing him to exit in frustration as his safety and conscience collide.
As Richard works to enable María's escape, he becomes increasingly entangled with the military, resulting in tragic consequences that lead to the loss of innocent lives—both those close to him and to María. Heartbreakingly, John Cassady, a fellow journalist and friend portrayed by John Savage, meets a tragic fate during a skirmish involving the Salvadoran army equipped with American arms against the left-wing rebels.
Eventually, Richard and María set forth on a treacherous journey through Guatemala and Mexico, aiming for a new life in the United States. Yet, as they reach California, their bus is intercepted by immigration officials, leading to a heart-wrenching choice. María, burdened by the weight of her homeland's suffering, opts to be deported with her children, leaving Richard behind.
An epilogue reveals a glimmer of hope; María and her children are rumored to be safe in a Guatemalan refugee camp at the time of the film's release. Meanwhile, Doctor Rock has returned to San Francisco, and Richard continues his relentless search for María and her kids, haunted by the memories captured in John Cassady's published photographs.
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