It’s easy to fall in line with what everyone else thinks. Drawing from journalist Richard Boyle’s actual experiences, the film takes place in 1980, and finds Boyle deeply embroiled in both the turmoil of El Salvador and his own personal struggles. People often overlook just how talented Oliver Stone can be; put aside his constant knack for causing controversy, and there are films he's made that are powerful and impactful for all the right reasons. *Salvador* is one of those, a film too often forgotten but still a gripping story set against the backdrop of a Latin American nation in crisis. Boyle becomes immersed in a civil war, caught between death squads and guerilla factions as he tries to safeguard his Salvadorian girlfriend while those around him face danger simply for being present during dangerous times. The strength of *Salvador* lies in Stone and his team’s ability to portray the escalating emotions of everyone involved—not just Boyle, but also American officials, members of the press, and the people of El Salvador, all blending together into a disturbing mix. James Woods embodies Boyle with a compelling performance, making an unsympathetic character relatable. It seems clear that Woods, likely guided by Stone, pushed himself to deliver one of his finest performances. Similarly, James Belushi is excellent as Dr. Rock, portraying him as perfectly blunt and unaware—a great contrast to Woods’s emotionally charged portrayal of Boyle. Elpidia Carrillo also deserves recognition for her role as Maria; she brings depth and nuance to the part of the girlfriend caught in this chaos, creating a truly memorable character. Surprisingly, *Salvador* occasionally has moments of humor, but they are unsettling laughs because Stone's exploration of the difficult realities of El Salvador is ultimately a jarring and humbling experience. 9/10

Source on TMDB