Watch Tears of the Sun

Tears of the Sun is a 2003 action-drama movie that follows Bruce Willis as Lieutenant A.K. Waters, a U.S. Navy SEALs officer tasked with rescuing an American citizen amidst the civil war in Nigeria. Together with his team, led by Sergeant First Class Max 'Red' Atkins (played by Cole Hauser), they embark on a dangerous mission deep into the jungle of Africa.

The story opens with news of violent clashes between government troops and rebel forces in Nigeria. Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks (played by Monica Bellucci), an American citizen and doctor working in a remote area of the country, is suddenly trapped in the conflict zone. Under the orders of the US Government, Waters and his team are sent on a mission to rescue Kendricks and get her out of the country safely.

As they journey through the rugged Nigerian countryside, Waters and his team face numerous obstacles, including ambushes and deadly ambushes from enemy forces, landmines and booby traps, as well as challenges in navigating the unfamiliar terrain. The team finds themselves in a dilemma when they discover that Dr. Kendricks is adamant about not leaving the refugees behind in the conflict area. The group must quickly decide whether to leave the refugees behind or risk their own lives and mission to ensure everyone's escape.

The emotional tension is high throughout the film as the characters confront their fears and vulnerabilities in the face of danger, and struggle with their choices and consequences. Waters, who is initially convinced that their mission is straightforward, finds his resolve tested when he witnesses the brutal realities of the civil war and the human toll the conflict is exacting. Meanwhile, Kendricks, who started out as their "cargo," becomes an integral part of the team and proves herself to be a force to reckon with. She shows an unrelenting spirit and compassion for the people she is there to serve, forcing Waters and his team to confront their morality and values.

Bruce Willis gives a stoic and commanding performance as Lieutenant Waters, a seasoned soldier grappling with the moral complexities of his mission. As the leader of the team, he is expected to make tough decisions and bear the weight of his men's lives on his shoulders. Cole Hauser, as Sergeant First Class Max Atkins, shares the duty of the mission with Waters and engages in terse back-and-forth conversations with him that hint at the tension between them.

Monica Bellucci plays the role of Dr. Kendricks with finesse and depth, portraying a character that does not wilt under pressure but actually thrives on it. As the mission throws her into impossible situations and high-stakes decisions, Dr. Kendricks shows her tenacity and resourcefulness, proving to be an indispensable resource to the team.

Apart from the stellar performances, Tears of the Sun is also distinguished by its visuals, which depict the lush and chaotic jungle of Nigeria. The cinematography captures both the beauty and the terror of the African landscape, from the sprawling savannas to the dense forests that conceal danger at every turn. The movie's soundtrack, which features songs by Hans Zimmer, adds an additional layer of intensity and emotion to the already gripping narrative.

All in all, Tears of the Sun is a gripping and compelling movie that successfully balances action with drama, and suspense with emotion. Its exploration of complex themes of duty, morality and mercy resonates long after the credits roll. This movie is not only a lesson in humanity but an action movie that captures the fear and tension of war.

Tears of the Sun is a 2003 war movie. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 48.