Salvador Reviews and Ratings


  • MikeDowswell
    October 21, 2009
    MikeDowswell
    Wow...has to be one of the best journalist war movies out there. I reckon this is the best Oliver Stone film ive seen so far.
  • zachdiehard
    October 8, 2009
    zachdiehard
    Episodic to a fault, yet still engrossing.
  • DrMaverickRanger
    August 29, 2009
    DrMaverickRanger
    Together with the INCREDIBLE photography of that God amongst mere photogs, that Bang-Bang savant, and 'Lude lover, Kevin Carter, I have this movie to thank for helping me to decide which career to chose - Medicine or Photojournalism.
    I've always loved writing, and always wanted ...( read more)a career involving some sort of artistic expression, and the first time I watched this movie (in my early teens, when I was going through a more rebellious, anarchic, marxist, guerrila phase than I have ever gone through) the kind of career that involved getting up close and personal with those types who made Yasar Arafat scarves, aviators, and che / fidel hats look so unbelievably awesome, while brandishing Kaleshnikovs and pangas and taking over obscure South and Central American, Eastern European, and African countries (only to turn them into a new fascist dictatorial regime, backed by a new capitalist (possibly pseudo-marxist) global giant), look positively orgasmic in its awesomeness!!!
    Then I watched the movie again, and again, and again, and I realised that there are at least 2 types of humanitarians in a crisis situation: there is the humanitarian who feeds the starving child, pours water and throws blankets over the flames spewing from the self-immolating Buddhist monk, and does everything they can to stop the gang of angry vigilantes killing the man who may or may not be from an opposing political party; then their is the humanitarian who takes picture of all of the above situations - he may sound callous and warped, but his job is a fuckload more difficult, probably more important (he is afterall broadcasting to the world the atrocities that the first humanitarian is, in a sense, destroying the proof of), and requires a lot more courage.
    Thanks to this movie, and, as I mentioned before, the INCREDIBLE work of Kevin Carter, I realised I lack the balls to be the second type of humanitarian, and would be quite happy and comfortable helping out where I can as humanitarian number 1...
    Back to the actual movie though - AMAZING storyline; SUPERB acting (this movie made me LOVE James Woods, James Belushi, and John Savage (although I already loved him from Hair and Deer Hunter); AWE-INSPIRING cinematography; and freakin' amazing locations - wowie San Salvador is a beautiful place!!!
  • garyX
    August 25, 2009
    garyX
    Has-been gonzo journalist James Woods sees the civil unrest in El Salvador as a opportunity to make some money but when his Salvadoran girlfriend and her family become embroiled in the violence his attitudes soon change. Salvador is a damning criticism of the US' continued and s...( read more)hameful interference in the affairs of foreign countries. The Reagan era saw the US giving aid to any despot or monster for the sole reason of the fact they were not part of the communist "threat", and funded the military junta in El Salvador despite their atrocious human rights record. The core of the film is Woods' tirade against the US' "military adviser": "Yes I'm left wing but that doesn't make me a communist! When will you people learn to tell the difference?" Showing many of the horrific events of the conflict with honesty and passion, Woods is perfect for the part and is ably supported by John Savage as a photo journalist looking for the "perfect shot" and James Belushi as his debauched companion. The only real flaw is that amidst Stone's heartfelt preaching he forgets the human element, the plot barrelling along with little thought for pacing or emotional connection with the characters. It's a thought provoking and well made film however, and probably Stone's best work.
  • nrmohanraj
    August 5, 2009
    nrmohanraj
    Salvador is a 1986 film which tells the story of an American journalist in El Salvador covering the Salvadoran civil war. While trying to get footage, he becomes entangled with both leftist guerrillas and the right wing military.
  • creativeworkout
    April 25, 2009
    creativeworkout
    This is so "not me". I don't like anything about this film, yet I find it compelling. I don't like the generic categories that this film could be described in, but its precise realization, and especially the fast-paced constant talk, captivated me.
  • joshice81
    February 27, 2009
    joshice81
    im looking forward to see this movie!
  • ludie402000
    February 25, 2009
    ludie402000
    Wonderful movie about journalists!!!! MUT SEE IT!!!
  • iamthethinman
    February 19, 2009
    iamthethinman
    Well, this is the kind of movie I usually really like. And this one comes pretty close to that top level, but the end kills it all for me. It is a perfect companion piece to the protagonist, where you get that early version verite before these type of films were en vogue. Wait, t...( read more)hat?s too much non-English when my American English ain?t neven dat good.

    It is blunt about what this protagonists does and what he stands for. Until the end. Still, great filmmaking and story to tell that really is pretty daring for its time. I just couldn?t engage with the main or sidekick until when it is really suppose to rope you in at the end and failed for me. 4/5ths a good movie. Hence, 4 stars.
  • Rewster
    February 3, 2009
    Rewster
    Oliver Stone's other war picture of 1986. Like 'Platoon', it has a documentary-like style where it seems the viewer is being thrust into the battle scenes, giving a cold hard look at what's going on. It follows a cynical photojournalist (James Woods, in his finest performance) wh...( read more)o attempts to capture atrocious-but-valuable images of civil war in El Salvador, realising a long-buried compassion in his soul.
  • xxxcli213xxx
    December 10, 2008
    xxxcli213xxx
    no thanks not my kinda thing
  • rbevanx
    December 3, 2008
    rbevanx
    Really good film about America in the 80's giving aid to complete nutters. "Facists are u.....killing loads of people... but not comunist though...thats alright then carry on"
  • yuvak
    November 16, 2008
    yuvak
    a story of courage on a blood bath terrain.
  • aswinwilliam
    September 25, 2008
    aswinwilliam
    one of James Woods best films and known.
  • xmkatx
    August 17, 2008
    xmkatx
    Well done, interesting movie. James Woods and Belushi were great, although annoying at times. One scene was annoying to me where kids would egg on the bad guys and start a fight, and Woods' character would have to get them out of the bind. Those fuckers, let them get themselves o...( read more)ut of trouble.
  • alex0ml
    July 19, 2008
    alex0ml
    Awesome movie. A neutral pointview about the American paranoia in Central America during the Cold War
  • kenstachnik
    April 14, 2008
    kenstachnik
    My favorite Oliver Stone film. Powerhouse performances from Woods and Belushi.
  • Whitewarriorfightingevil
    February 1, 2008
    Whitewarriorfightingevil
    dick was in this one lol
  • veroggal
    January 2, 2008
    veroggal
    I want to know if thise movie is non fiction?
  • afilmbymichaelmargetis
    December 30, 2007
    afilmbymichaelmargetis
    'Salvador' is the extremely controversial filmmaker, Oliver Stone's, first film, and is it any surprise it has to do with politics? Yes, pretty much all of Mr. Stone's films have a strong political message in them (for example: JFK, Nixon, Born on the Fourth of July, Natural Born...( read more) Killers, Heaven & Earth, Wall Street, etc.) His first major film (not counting his dreadfully mediocre low-budget debut horror film 'The Hand), 'Salvador' explores and follows the conflict of military dictatorship and genocide taking place in El Salvador in the year 1980. Although it's a very in-your-face picture and has to do with debatable political hardships, 'Salvador' is a great, powerful and heart wrenching picture that will stay with you a long time after you view it. Even though 'Salvador' is one of Oliver Stone's least famous flicks, it ranks up there with one of his best films.

    The movie chronicles the life of real-life photojournalist Rick Boyle (played by James Woods). Boyle's life is falling apart all around him and he's almost completely broke, so he decides to go to El Salvador, to kick it with his best friend, Doctor Rock (played by SNL alumni James Belushi). Boyle and Doc Rock figure El Salvador will be the perfect vacation place, but what they don't realize is that the country going through one of the most violent acts of genocide in world history will effect them. In El Salvador, Boyle meets up with his girlfriend, a native, Maria (Elphidia Carillo), an old friend whose a reporter from Newsday, John Cassady (Carnivale's John Savage), and Cathy Moore, a Catholic nun who works as a lay worker (Cynthia Gibb). While relaxing in the so-called paradise, Boyle begins to realize the atrocities around him and makes a hard decision to try to make a difference, severely risking his life and the lives of the people around him.

    'Salvador' isn't a masterpiece, but it's a film of such ferocious power and intensity that it's impossible not to notice. The real life Rick Boyle and Oliver Stone round out a scorching screenplay, and Stone does an awesome job behind the camera. James Woods is magnificent as Boyle, and deserved his Oscar nomination. John Belushi not only provides us with a usual comedic performance, but puts in a lot of dramatic aspects to his character showing that Belushi has more depth than most people realize as an actor. John Savage, post-Deer Hunter, is a pleasure to watch as always, and Independent Spirit Award Nominee Elphidia Carillo, turns in a fine performance as Boyle's love interest. The film also features Michael Murphy as the U.S. ambassador in El Salvador.

    When it all is over, 'Salvador' proves to be a great film, but not an excellent one. The film has minor flaws like dragging a little, and sometimes not getting down to the point. It's Stone's first film (second if you count that crap, 'The Hand), and he does a damn fine job with it. If you haven't already, and don't mind a powerhouse of a film, go to your local videostore and rent 'Salvador'. Trust me, you'll like it. Grade: B+
  • owenie
    December 5, 2007
    owenie
    what can you say ?tragic,brutal,scary,funny this film has all these things try to get the special edition and see the interview with the real self confessed drunk ! Viva la revolucion !
  • moonchild8
    November 21, 2007
    moonchild8
    What the hell is the justice !
  • HarryTuttle
    November 5, 2007
    HarryTuttle
    James Woods is underrated.
  • gabrielwilding1
    September 13, 2007
    gabrielwilding1
    a fascinating wartime film
  • cacutshaw
    September 9, 2007
    cacutshaw
    Oliver Stone has said that anyone who lists this as one their favourite of his movies is doing so to be different, which is crazy since this is really one of his finest achievements. Back in the time when comedy and brutal drama were not mixed at all, this is a perfect melding o...( read more)f the two. Woods and Belushi have never been better and probably will never be again (seeming how they are both on TV now) and there are some very big laughs to be had. My good friend Sims recently was shocked that this wasn't on my greatest movies list, but NBK squeezes on before it. Still, this film is definitely a masterpiece and the DVD for it is awesome, make sure to check out the documentary.
  • jllvf9
    August 20, 2007
    jllvf9
    I had to watch this movie in a polisci class and it was wonderful.
  • bloodyangel18
    August 16, 2007
    bloodyangel18
    Classic Oliver stone
  • yannickduboisau
    August 4, 2007
    yannickduboisau
    In the line of "The Killing fields". A good political movie like Stone used to do.
  • caguas48
    July 23, 2007
    caguas48
    El Padre Antonio y El Monaguillo Andres...
  • eltesoromay
    June 25, 2007
    eltesoromay
    a WONDERFUL MOVIE ABPUT MY FAVORITE COUNTRY IN THE WHOLE WORLD..
  • HappyRotter
    June 25, 2007
    HappyRotter
    A bit too much cartoonish. Still it's worth a watch.
  • Warszawa
    June 21, 2007
    Warszawa
    Better than most things that Oliver stone puts his fingers on.
  • yarkamman
    June 16, 2007
    yarkamman
    You know, I used to say that any conspiracy theory is a great story. Oliver Stone has totally proven that to not be true.
  • brons0n81
    June 9, 2007
    brons0n81
    Remember when Oliver Stone was a crazy mother f@#$%! This was a film he made when he was balls out nuts and it shows. This movie just pops with energy. James Woods turns in his best performance ever. It's a real tribute to James Woods that you end up liking his character because ...( read more)he's a total prick. If you haven't seen this film, you should, it's brilliant.
  • tiredant
    June 7, 2007
    tiredant
    hey, at least he made a movie about it.
  • amoviefreak
    May 9, 2007
    amoviefreak
    one of his better first films
  • wormy40
    April 24, 2007
    wormy40
    it a good action movie
  • gor41
    April 11, 2007
    gor41
    Oliver Stone's best movie with James Woods on fire !
  • totalweirdy
    April 10, 2007
    totalweirdy
    brilliant, beautifully done, brilliant
  • mcartafrica
    March 10, 2007
    mcartafrica
    Great film, along the lines of these other 'journalist' films, like The Killing Fields and Under Fire, worth watching
  • froebelhigh72
    March 8, 2007
    froebelhigh72
    I was there too,good pupoosasand yuuca fries.
  • aid954
    March 7, 2007
    aid954
    Truly harrowing film, and carrying powerful performances.

    Anybody can make a film about how horrible the Nazi's are, but it takes a truly brave director to confront the United States about their war crimes
  • annaboston
    February 27, 2007
    annaboston
    Great film from a different perspective. Best part is when the snooty lady reporter gets spiked with LSD minutes before reporting live. Very funny but and eye opener at the same time.
  • MagicButterfly
    February 4, 2007
    MagicButterfly
    Very solid movie anti-war movie. Seen this sort of thing before? Well, yeah. But that doesn't mean this still isn't worth watching.
  • kylanquick
    December 12, 2006
    kylanquick
    not too shabby around the edges for a war film.