Proof of Life

Play trailer

Proof of Life

R

Released Dec 8, 2000

2h 15m

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

117 Reviews

43%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In this romantic drama, Peter Bowman, an American engineer in a Latin American country is captured by anti-government forces. When the rebels learn his identity they demand $6 million for his safe return. However, his US employer is on the verge of insolvency and will not provide the ransom. Peter's wife Alice is forced to deal with the matter on her own. She retains the services of freelance professional hostage negotiator Terry Thorne.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

Despite its promising premise and superstar cast, Proof of Life is just a routine thriller that doesn't offer anything new.

Read Critics Reviews

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Good story, but too violent for kids.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 27, 2010

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Neither Crowe, Ryan nor the topical subject keeps Proof of Life from feeling recycled. For all the up-to-the-minute research, the movie still gives off the musty scent of Hollywood contrivance.

Mar 31, 2008

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 22, 2002

Full Review

Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

Whatever sparks ignited off the set fail to register on film, in essence ruining Taylor Hackford's drama.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 14, 2007

Full Review

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

Rated: 1.5/4

Jul 14, 2007

Full Review

Read all reviews

Crystal R

It seems like too many people miss the point of this movie. Sure, there's an action plot running through it but it's really about the relationship between Meg Ryan and Russel Crowe. It's not trying to be a groundbreaking action film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/04/24

Full Review

J. S

I enjoyed the movie! Rolls right along. Great cast for all parts!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/23/24

Full Review

Steve D

Nothing new and not exciting.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/24/23

Full Review

Marc I

This picture is under-valued. I watch a lot of movies. I am 75 and saw this once shortly after its release. Not many pictures can be remembered in almost in their entirety 20 years later. When I hear about 3rd world country kidnappings, or any kidnappings this picture, POL, always becomes the model for how these things should be handled. It may be all the bad things critics say about it, but I say see it. There are many pictures critics will tell you are great, but I bet you won't remember them 20 years later.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/21/24

Full Review

Farah R

Proof of Life had all the ingredients that make a successful thriller, but somehow it didn't mix well and resulted in a mediocre, forgettable film. Crowe and Ryan don't offer their usual level of acting, which amplifies their lack of chemistry. Nothing is engaging or entertaining about this movie.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

06/23/23

Full Review

Jack O

I cannot describe how predictable this is but for some part, I enjoyed it but I don't love it. I think Proof of Life is something that is to indicate proof that some kidnap victims are still alive that Russell Crowe's character discovers in the film. Peter Bowman played by David Morse has been hired to build a new dam for the oil company, Quad Carbon. Meanwhile he's been kidnapped by the guerrilla's of the Liberation Army of Tecala (ELT). So then it's up to Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe to pay them $50,000 for their ransom. I really don't consider it to be an action thriller. It's more like a thriller about ransom to save Alice's husband from the guerrilla's. I have nothing to say more about this. All I gotta say is that I like the end battle where Terry and his men saves Peter from the guerrilla's. It's complicated to go through reviews that I find hard to do so I guess I'll leave it here.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/29/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Taylor Hackford

Director

Meg Ryan

Alice

Russell Crowe

Terry Thorne

David Morse

Peter Bowman

Pamela Reed

Janis Goodman

David Caruso

Dino

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Extreme Measures

56%

41%

Extreme Measures

Watchlist

Lost Souls

8%

22%

Lost Souls

Watchlist

Fracture

72%

73%

Fracture

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Fracture

Murder by Numbers

30%

49%

Murder by Numbers

Watchlist

Absolute Power

56%

52%

Absolute Power

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

In this romantic drama, Peter Bowman, an American engineer in a Latin American country is captured by anti-government forces. When the rebels learn his identity they demand $6 million for his safe return. However, his US employer is on the verge of insolvency and will not provide the ransom. Peter's wife Alice is forced to deal with the matter on her own. She retains the services of freelance professional hostage negotiator Terry Thorne.

Director: Taylor Hackford
Producer: Taylor Hackford, Charles Mulvehill
Screenwriter: Tony Gilroy
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: Castle Rock Entertainment, Anvil Films, Bel Air Entertainment
Rating: R (Some Drug Related Material|Language|Violence)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.6M
Runtime: 2h 15m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now