Salvador Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A down-on-his-luck journalist goes to El Salvador, takes some pictures, gets into trouble, and discovers he has a soul…probably.

🍿 Salvador: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Down and Out in San Francisco

Richard Boyle (James Woods), a veteran photojournalist, finds himself at the end of his rope in 1980s San Francisco. Broke and facing personal turmoil, he decides to head to El Salvador with his friend Doctor Rock (Jim Belushi), seeking to document the escalating political unrest.

Entering a War Zone

Upon arrival in El Salvador, Boyle and Rock are immediately confronted with the brutal realities of the civil war. They witness firsthand the violence and repression inflicted by the US-backed military regime, quickly realizing the gravity of the situation.

Caught Between Two Sides

Boyle navigates the dangerous landscape, attempting to capture the conflict through his photographs. He finds himself caught between the right-wing military and the leftist guerrillas, both vying for control of the narrative. He also reconnects with a former flame, Maria (Elpidia Carrillo), deepening his personal involvement in the conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Richard Boyle (James Woods): A down-on-his-luck photojournalist who travels to El Salvador seeking to revive his career amid the escalating civil war.
• Dr. Rock (Jim Belushi): Richard’s friend and an out-of-work disc jockey who accompanies him to El Salvador, providing comedic relief and moral support.
• María (Elpidia Carrillo): Richard’s former girlfriend and a local Salvadorean woman, whom he tries to protect and evacuate from the war-torn country.
• Ambassador Thomas Kelly (Michael Murphy): The U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, representing the American government’s complex involvement in the country’s conflict.
• John Cassady (John Savage): An experienced war journalist who assists Richard, but ultimately becomes a casualty of the escalating violence.
• Major Max (Tony Plana): A ruthless military officer in the Salvadoran army, representing the oppressive and violent right-wing regime.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Richard Boyle: “You’ll love it here, Doc. You can drive drunk. You can get anybody killed for fifty bucks.” – Boyle sarcastically describes El Salvador to Dr. Rock upon their arrival, highlighting the lawlessness and danger.
• John Cassady: “You gotta get close to get the truth. You get too close, you die.” – Cassady explains the inherent risks of war correspondence.
• Richard Boyle: “I believe in human rights for everybody, or nobody.” – Boyle makes a statement of his political views

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,500,000
• Worldwide Gross: $1,500,000

💥 Salvador Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Salvador’ hit me hard. I wasn’t expecting such a raw and unflinching look at the El Salvador conflict. James Woods is phenomenal – he makes you root for this trainwreck of a journalist even when he’s being completely selfish. I especially felt for Maria, trapped in this nightmare. That final scene at the border crossing? Gut-wrenching. Definitely a film that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Oliver Stone’s films”
  • “Those interested in political thrillers”
  • “Viewers seeking films about journalistic integrity”
  • “People interested in Central American history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Depiction of war crimes”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Stone’s ‘Salvador’ is complicated and full of regret, guilt, nostalgia, and outrage that fill the director’s landmarks (JFK or Platoon, for example). After all of the violence and horror, it becomes a film about representations of reality and the different reasons for distorting truth. This is a very fine film.
• Gold Derby: “The film showcases a corrupt, murdering regime with savage focus and makes no dramatic concessions to the incendiary material. It is one of the most driven dramas I have ever witnessed, a work propelled by anger, a burning sense of justice and fiery humanism.
• IMDB: “‘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.

Audience Reactions

James Woods’ performance is amazing; he really sells the character’s transformation.: Viewers praise the film’s raw depiction of the conflict and the strong performances, especially by James Woods and Jim Belushi. It’s often described as powerful and thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: ‘Salvador’ is considered a powerful and gritty portrayal of the El Salvador conflict, driven by excellent performances and a strong political message, although some find it preachy.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen)- 1987
2. Golden Globe (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Woods has stated that while leaving a theater after watching the film, a refugee from El Salvador knelt and kissed his hand, thanking him for telling the story of her family’s massacre.”
• “Oliver Stone originally intended the film to be longer, but cuts were made due to box office concerns and studio concerns about the violent content. Some deleted footage is available on the Special Edition DVD.”

🖥️ How to Watch Salvador?

As of October 2024, ‘Salvador’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast availability. Consider using JustWatch to find all current streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Salvador, you might like these similar films:

• The Killing Fields (1984): Both films depict the harrowing experiences of journalists covering brutal conflicts in Southeast Asia and Central America, respectively, and highlight the human cost of war and political upheaval.
• Under Fire (1983): Focuses on a photographer’s moral awakening amidst the Nicaraguan Revolution, similar to Boyle’s transformation in ‘Salvador’. Explores themes of journalistic integrity and political commitment.
• Missing (1982): Concerns an American journalist disappearing during a coup in Chile. Highlighting the dangers faced by foreign nationals during Latin American political turmoil.
• First They Killed My Father (2017): Chronicles a child soldier in Cambodia. A movie sharing similar themes and tone.

🛒 Salvador Related Products

• Salvador [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray version of ‘Salvador’ for collectors and fans who want the best possible viewing experience. Features director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Original Movie Poster Salvador: Authentic movie poster from the original 1986 release of ‘Salvador’. A rare collector’s item that captures the film’s iconic imagery and historical significance.
• A People’s History of the United States: For fans who want to do further reading about US Foreign Policy and its impact abroad. Delve into the nuances of US interventionism.
• Salvador T-Shirt: A cotton tee displaying Salvador movie poster graphic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Salvador features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Running On Empty” – performed by Jackson Browne

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Worst of the worst’: Go inside El Salvador’s fortress prison for gang members

Ever wondered what life is *really* like inside a notorious El Salvador prison? This CNN report gives you a rare glimpse, and honestly, it’s pretty intense. Seeing the real-world context of the country really drives home the film’s message.

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