Watch Witness In The War Zone

Witness In The War Zone is a gritty war film from 1987 that explores the human consequences of conflict. The movie stars Christopher Walken as Eddie, a journalist who is sent to cover the civil war in Lebanon. Along the way, he gets caught up in the conflict and finds himself witness to a horrific massacre that will change his life forever.

As soon as Eddie arrives in war-torn Beirut, he is thrown into the chaos of the streets. He meets with fellow war correspondents, including the seasoned and jaded Baldwin (Hywel Bennett) and the ambitious and idealistic Susan (Marita Marschall). Together, they navigate the dangerous terrain of the city, trying to capture the stories of the people caught in the crossfire.

Throughout the movie, we witness the horrors of war up close. The streets are filled with rubble and bombed-out buildings. Dead bodies litter the sidewalks, and gunfire can be heard at all times of the day and night. It's a bleak and violent world, and the characters are forced to adapt in order to survive.

As Eddie and his colleagues investigate a massacre that took place at a refugee camp, they discover that the story is much more complicated than they initially thought. They follow leads, talk to survivors, and piece together the events that led to the tragedy. Along the way, they face danger and betrayal, and Eddie is forced to confront his own morality.

Christopher Walken delivers a powerful performance as Eddie. He is a complex character who starts the film as a detached observer but is gradually drawn into the conflict. As he uncovers the truth about the massacre, he becomes more invested in the outcome, and we see his emotions begin to unravel. It's a nuanced performance that showcases Walken's range as an actor.

Hywel Bennett and Marita Marschall also give strong performances. Bennett's Baldwin is a cynical veteran of war reporting, who has seen it all and is no longer shocked by anything. Marschall's Susan is the idealistic newcomer, who wants to make a difference in the world. The chemistry between the three leads is excellent, and they form a believable camaraderie in the face of danger.

The film's direction by Nathaniel Gutman is impressive. He captures the chaos and brutality of war without making it feel gratuitous. The violence is never glorified, and the focus is always on the human impact of conflict. Authenticity is maintained throughout, and the audience is transported to the middle of the conflict, experiencing it through the eyes of the characters.

The screenplay by James Gordon White is well-written, with fleshed-out characters and a thought-provoking storyline. It raises important questions about the media's role in war reporting and the ethics of journalism. The film's themes of truth and justice are relevant even today, and the story feels timeless.

One of the standout features of Witness In The War Zone is the stunning cinematography. The beauty of the landscape contrasts with the ugliness of the conflict, and the camera work is both stylish and evocative. The score by Brad Fiedel is haunting and fitting, perfectly capturing the mood of the film.

In conclusion, Witness In The War Zone is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the horrors of war from a human perspective. Christopher Walken's standout performance, combined with strong direction and screenplay, make this a must-see for fans of war movies. It's a gritty and realistic portrayal of conflict that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Witness In The War Zone is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.