Proof of Life

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Proof of Life

R

2000

2h 15m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

38%

Tomatometer

115 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.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 27, 2010

3/5

Good story, but too violent for kids.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Mar 31, 2008

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.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Dec 8, 2000

2.5/4

I was interested all through the movie--interested, but not riveted.

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Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

Aug 7, 2008

3/5

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

Oct 14, 2007

2/4

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

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Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

Jul 14, 2007

1.5/4

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bob c

@RT46426964 Feb 20, 2026

Starts OK and deteriorates to bad. Only Crowe comes out of this, barely.

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Rodney W

@Northgate0 Jan 9, 2026

A slow burn hostage film buoyed by David Morse until the ultimate ‘take down’ gunpowder climax which between Rusty and a surprising Caruso is an absolute cracker. Bittersweet Meg permeates the pace so that you’re never sure until the last moments

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Harvey K

@Harvey658 Dec 14, 2025

He was a bit humble, now he not humble. Also, why he so Fat.......

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Vivian M

@RT57851100 Jul 28, 2025

A beautiful thrilling movie. Undeserved low rating.

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Christian K

@ckacar Jul 4, 2025

Didn't realize how much the Aussie accent could add the Crowe's presence.

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Crystal R

@RT64645373 Oct 4, 2024

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.

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Taylor Hackford

Director

Meg Ryan

Alice

Russell Crowe

Terry Thorne

David Morse

Peter Bowman

Pamela Reed

Janis Goodman

David Caruso

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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 Home Vídeo, Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Anvil Films, Castle Rock Entertainment, 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)

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