Tears of the Sun

Tears of the Sun is a 2003 American epic war drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Bruce Willis and Monica Bellucci. The film takes place in Africa and revolves around Lieutenant A.K. Waters, a seasoned Navy SEAL, who is put in the midst of a humanitarian crisis as he seeks to embark on a critically crucial mission. The story takes its inspiration from a real incident of a humanitarian rescue operation that occurred in Sierra Leone, where a British Special Forces operative rescued an American English teacher trapped by the conflict in 2000. The film begins with a glimpse into the turmoil in Nigeria. A ruthless military dictator, General Mauoury, takes control of the country, and a vicious cycle of violence and brutality ensues. With the situation quickly deteriorating, a U.S. embassy officer, Lisa McDunn, attempts to evacuate Dr. Lena Kendricks, an American doctor working for an international humanitarian organization, while other American citizens begin departing the embassy. As General Mauoury forces rapidly close in on their position, Waters and his team are dropped into the situation to rescue the Doctor. Lieutenant A.K. Waters is a commander, known best for their unwavering commitment to their duties. Having undergone a complex transformation, Waters now walks the line between loyalty and conscience, setting him apart from his comrades. He reflects on a tragic loss that occurred during his past operation when he was dropped into combat to eliminate an enemy position without clearance, in so doing he lost several people by his own actions. His actions had morally bothered Waters ever since and, the brutal execution by the captured terrorist still haunted his being. Upon learning Dr. Lena was still alone in the war-torn zone, A.K. is resolute about rescuing her. Once the rescue operation commences, their journey becomes complicated, as they cross into war-torn areas filled with militia and hostile civilians. A.K. and his team soon discover that Dr. Lena has been tasked with delivering medical aid to an increasingly desperate population. Dr. Kendricks is not only a skilled physician but also an individual consumed with her moral aim to preserve human life, she has built a team consisting of locals dedicated to deliver aid to those caught in the tragic circumstances. A.K. observes her compassion and understands that risking her life will be far more detrimental than any military objective. The unwavering tenacity of Dr. Lena compels Lieutenant Waters to take a shift in his priorities, when they are attacked by enemy forces, he now hesitates to jeopardize her fate, even in pursuit of getting her evacuated. He is no longer insistent on the mission, but takes time out to safeguard the innocent civilians. For the first time since the incident in which the lives of his own men perished, his desire deepens to place himself under an unlikely threat by allowing the Doctor's team – who comprise mainly of African villagers – to come along for safety. Together as unlikely allies, Lieutenant Waters, his SEALs, and the refugees from the Doctor's medical school band together amidst danger and bloodshed. While at first Dr. Lena and Lieutenant Waters clash due to their contrasting motives, a bond forms between them as Waters increasingly dedicates himself to assisting locals by deflecting imminent threats and using military resources to save them. Waters's moral compass gradually shifts and understanding the value in courageously trusting in his conscience - beyond traditional duty by allowing the risks they collectively encounter brings new hope — so they could look after the countless number of innocent lives in need. The group of people eventually numbers over a hundred. Lieutenant Waters grows exhausted from the extensive assault, relentless thirst and starvation they go through after weeks of wading through the treacherous waters. By his perception, compassion in an abstract operation may deliver more strength than battle tactics as they at times face off hundreds of fighters under severe pressure. The relentless actions culminate with their reaching the safety waters around the Mediterranean, signifying the successful rescue operation. Waters is praised by his fellow soldiers for saving an enormous number of refugees at an inhumane expense but Waters remains emotionally drained from his mission.