The 2001 war film 'Behind Enemy Lines,' hailed by fans as 'the best war action movie' ever, airs on Film4 tonight at 6:55pm. Starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, the blockbuster tells the fictional story of Lieutenant Chris Burnett, an American naval flight officer weeks away from leaving the military before his plane is shot down over Serbian territory during the Bosnian war. As Burnett fights for survival, he uncovers genocide, while Rear Admiral Leslie McMahon Reigart struggles to approve a rescue mission.
Cast and Fan Reactions
The film also features Gabriel Macht, Joaquim de Almeida, David Keith, and Olek Krupa. Fans have called it 'absolutely incredible' and 'underrated.' One wrote: 'Behind Enemy Lines is one of the most underrated films of all time. Owen Wilson delivers a performance of a lifetime; Gene Hackman is his stalwart best.' Another said: 'It’s one of the best war action movies. Must watch for war action movie lovers.'
Owen Wilson's Perspective
In a past interview, Wilson admitted he couldn't see himself as a typical action hero, but noted his character is 'a normal guy' forced to react. He contrasted the physical demands of the film with comedy, saying he spent much of the time running through woods and digging through mud.
'Behind Enemy Lines' airs from 6.55pm on Film4 on Monday, June 22.
