About Tears of the Sun

Tears of the Sun is a 2003 American action-war film depicting a U.S. Navy SEAL team rescue mission amidst the civil war in Nigeria. A Special-Ops commander leads his team into the Nigerian jungle in order to rescue a doctor who will only join them if they agree to save 70 refugees too.

Making / Production

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie was produced by Ian Bryce, Arnold Rifkin, and Mike Lobell. It employs realism and intense graphic sequences to narrate a compelling story based on real events. Filming primarily took place in Hawaii.

Actors

• Bruce Willis as Lieutenant A.K. Waters - Willis, renowned for his roles in action films, plays the dedicated and courageous Lieutenant Waters who leads his team on a perilous rescue mission.
• Monica Bellucci as Dr. Lena Kendricks - Bellucci delivers an emotional performance as a doctor who will risk everything to save the lives of her patients.
• Cole Hauser as James 'Red' Atkins - Hauser portrays James 'Red' Atkins, a trusted member of Waters' team, proficiently bringing to life the character's determination and grit.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film title is based on a translation of the Greek word 'Nigeria', which reportedly means 'Tears of the Sun'.
• The film's screenwriter, Alex Lasker, also co-wrote the screenplay for another military-themed movie, 'Beyond Glory'.
• Despite being set in Nigeria, the film was entirely shot in Hawaii.

Quotes

• "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Lt. A.K. Waters
• "What have you ever done that would make a man want to be you?" - James 'Red' Atkins
• "I broke my own rule. I started to give a fuck." - Lt. A.K. Waters

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's original score was composed by Hans Zimmer, known for his work in other blockbuster films such as 'The Lion King' and 'Inception'.
• Well-known tracks from the movie include "The Jablonsky Variations On A Theme By HZ / Cameroon Border Post", "Yekeleni Part I / Mia's Lullabye" and "The Journey / Kopano Part III".