Tears of the Sun

MPAA Rating: R

Entertainment: +3

Content: -2

Tears of the Sun is an action/adventure film that takes a dramatic look at civil unrest in Nigeria. Lieutenant A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis) and his team of Navy SEALs are sent in to rescue American missionary doctor Lena Kendricks (Monica Bellucci). Moved to compassion by the plight of innocent refugees hunted down by aggressive rebels, the soldiers endanger themselves by attempting to help them escape to Cameroon. They are equipped with the latest military technology but are surrounded by superior numbers. Only through courage and perseverance can this group of Africans and Americans escape the brutal men tracking them down. This picture, while not based on actual events, provides insight into the horrors of ethnic cleansing and religious persecution throughout many parts of the world.

This film contains many graphic portrayals of brutality. There are amputations, decapitations and violent sexual crimes, but all of these are shown to be evil and create an indignation in the viewers towards the aggressors. The American soldiers show compassion as they encounter these gross injustices, risking their lives to save the mistreated people. The story brings to life Catholic missionary doctors who give their lives to minister to the wounded and dying. The unity between the Nigerian victims and the American soldiers crosses ethnic and economic boundaries. The movies message is that all humans are valuable. The horrors of human torture are disturbing, as well they should be. This film is not recommended for children or young teens.

Preview Reviewer: Blaine Butcher
Distributor: Revolution Studios

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: one mild.

Obscene Language: many (14) times F-word 13, S-word 1.

Profanity: one exclamatory (GD).

Violence: many times moderate (innumerable shootings, fiery destruction with missiles and explosives, jets dropping bombs, hand-to-hand combat, executions, explosions, rape).

Sex: few (2) both briefly show woman being raped as rescuers arrive.

Nudity: one womans mutilated chest shown briefly.

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: few (while the raped women are being rescued).

Drugs: none.

Other: Catholic priest dies for his religious beliefs, people give to less fortunate, efforts made to avoid fighting, men changed by the reality of injustice, self-sacrifice for the sake of others, people of different ethnic backgrounds work together as one, United States portrayed as a good country, racial hatred shown to involve more than a persons skin color).

Running Time: 110 minutes
Intended Audience: Adults

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