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Salvador (1986)
Released By: MGM Pictures, Inc.   Rating: R   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: MGM Pictures, Inc.
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Oliver Stone
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Cynthia Gibb, Elpidia Carrillo, James Belushi, James Woods, John Savage, Michael Murphy
Published ID: 385
UPC: 044005744521, 027616862822,
Plot: While Salvador wasn't Oliver Stone's first film (a pair of offbeat horror stories preceded it), it defined his style of fiercely dramatic, politically oriented filmmaking, staked out his territory as one of the major directors of the 1980s and 1990s, and remains one of his strongest works to date. Veteran photojournalist Richard Boyle (James Woods) has been taking his camera to the world's trouble spots for over 20 years; while he does good work, Boyle's fondness for booze and drugs, and his colossal arrogance, have given him a reputation that's left him practically unemployable. Broke and with no immediate prospects, Boyle and his buddy Doctor Rock (Jim Belushi), an out-of-work disc jockey, head to El Salvador, where Boyle is convinced that he can scare up some lucrative freelance work amidst the nation's political turmoil. However, when Boyle and Rock witness the execution of a student by government troops just as they enter the country, it becomes clear that this war is more serious than they were expecting. Increasingly convinced that El Salvador is a disaster starting to happen, Boyle eventually decides that it's time to get out; but he has fallen in love with a woman named Maria (Elpidia Carrillo), and he doesn't want to leave her behind. James Woods gives one of his best performances as Boyle; and the passion of Stone's message, aided by the power of its truth (the film is based on actual events), propels the film forward. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Compellingly flawed
Added 9/16/2009
The Bottom Line:

Salvador has a whole bunch of things wrong with it but the central character, as essayed by James Woods, is an absolutely fascinating character--a journalist with the ethos of a lovable con man--and the film manages to always be interesting even when its erratic pacing or on-again off-again plot threaten to sabotage the movie; it's not as polished as Oliver Stone's other 1986 film (the one that won Best Picture), but I guarantee the character of Richard Boyle will stay with you.

3/4
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
bad copy of movie
Added 7/1/2009
the movie itself was a good documentary of the civil strife in El Salvador back in the 80s. However, the copy I purchased had some problems and I was unable to see the end.....
0 out of 2 people found this helpful.
A betrayal to it's namesake
Added 3/9/2009
If you are looking to watch a film to tell you the story of life in Salvador during war times... this is not a good choice. If you are looking for good acting... this is not a good choice. It you are looking to watch a demeaning, distant, ignorant, fake, and lame attmept at teling a story... then this is a film for you.
Watch Romero instead.
0 out of 5 people found this helpful.
James Woods at his Best
Added 2/23/2009
Absolutely amazing performances by both James Woods and co-star Jim Belushi. Viewing this movie 23 years after its original release was, for me, as riveting and enjoyable as the first time. I have seen and enjoyed most of his performances and still believe this to be his finest. If you are a fan of his, don't miss it! So real, excellent photography, wonderful script, believable actors.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Thumbs down
Added 12/11/2007
I found it full of stereotypes and did not like it at all. I would not recommend anybody to watch this movie.
0 out of 6 people found this helpful.
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