Salvador details
| Format: | 18 DVD |
|---|---|
| Starring: | James Belushi, Tony Plana, John Savage, Valerie Wildman, Elpidia Carrillo, James Woods, Michael Murphy |
| Director: | Oliver Stone |
| Genres: | Action/Adventure - Historical, Drama - Historical, Thriller |
| Studio: | MGM ENTERTAINMENT |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
Salvador |
18 Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 1 hour 57 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 10 Sep 2001 |
| Main languages: | English |
| Dubbed: | Italian |
| Subtitles: | Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish |
| Hearing impaired subtitles: | English |
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Most helpful review
A superb study of the horror and confusion of civil war
By Darth Egregious from London , 01 Nov 2005[Highly rated reviewer]
Ignore the reviews here that talk rubbish about the film having too much personality and not enough politics. Stone's perspective is nearly always that of the confused outsider forced to cope with a chaotic situation - the political message is delivered around them. That is exactly what happens here, and while the anti-Vietnam message is hammered home a little forcefully this is a stunning debut. Boyle is a complex character brilliantly portrayed by Woods - sleazy, manipulative, self centred and charming (after watching this its annoying to think that Woods lost out on the Best Actor Oscar to Paul Newman in the horribly populist 'The Color of Money'). Belushi as his buddy has an important role, representing the political naivity of the American public at the time. The camera work really captures the confusion and destructiveness of civil war. You may not enjoy this film or appreciate the way its message is delivered, but you can't just dismiss it.- Was this review helpful to you?
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(25)Gonzo - style.
By Notmenotmeok (4 reviews) from Glasgow , 04 Jan 2013Gonzo-style-James Woods is magnificent in this brutal look at US interference in Central American politics. Possibly a bit simplistic, but that's Hollywood. Watched for the first time in 20-odd years, and it has lost none of its visceral power. Thoroughly recommended.- Was this review helpful to you?
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The adventures of a couple of obnoxious characters in a murderous foreign land
By a customer , 11 Oct 2012A fascinating film set in that terrible period when the US, unnerved by the spread of Communism, was working its geopolitical strategies in central and southern America. In the process it was giving moral and material support to some of the most brutal dictatorships in the world.
Into the chaotic world of El Salvador come two thoroughly reckless and unpleasant characters: a booze and drug riddled reporter/photographer (James Woods as Richard Boyle), in search of a story that will revive his all but dormant career, accompanied by his equally intoxicated friend.
James Wood's acting is intense and compelling throughout while Belushi is not so convincing (he seems less of an actor than a 'performer').
To fully appreciate this movie it is important to have some understanding of its background. This is provided by the accompanying documentary on the DVD - an excellent and informative piece in its own right, not just the usual bit of 'added value'.- Was this review helpful to you?
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A 'two James' masterpiece
By JeffW (15 reviews) , 27 Jul 2012James Woods & James Belushi are superb in this early Oliver Stone film.
The comic scenes at the start perfectly juxtapose the later tension and add to the overall poignancy.
A truly great film.
Great 'on the ground' insight as to US perniciousness.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Inspiring and important
By dajarvis (20 reviews) from Stockport , 28 Apr 2010When you rent this, you're not only getting a fantastic film but also a superb extra making of documentary which shows the lengths the filmmakers went to get it made and leaves you in no doubt as to the powerful and important impression it left on those who saw it.
Jimmy Woods is fantastic in his role based on a real-life photo-journalist in El Salvador during the American funded military dictatorship in the eighties.
I can't really do it justice in this review other than to say it is one of those important pieces of cinema that opens your eyes to the injustice in the world and makes you want to find out more.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Salvador
By simmy (8 reviews) from Glasgow , 12 Nov 2009this film is one of those films that could do with a 2009 revamp, with modern cinematography and special effects it would be a sure thing at the oscars and merit a 5 star rating.James Woods is the star of the show and not far behind him is Belushi.The story has you hooked from the first scene till the very last.It fills you with despair and then a warm glow,then despair again...Watch it and see for yourself how you are drageed through every emotion and you come out the other side feeling battered and bruised .....watch the film and see for yourself...- Was this review helpful to you?
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