Is Behind Enemy Lines a True Story? Where to Watch Behind Enemy Lines?
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Updated Jul 16, 2024
Is Behind Enemy Lines a True Story?
No, Behind Enemy Lines is not a true story, but it takes some inspiration from real-life situations involving military personnel. The movie imagines what could happen if a pilot gets shot down behind enemy lines, but it's mostly fiction created by filmmakers. It includes elements that might remind people of true events.
Like the story of Scott O'Grady, a U.S. Air Force captain shot down over Bosnia in 1995, who survived for six days before being rescued by Marines,. He later sued the producers of both the movie and a documentary about his experience, claiming they invaded his privacy and damaged his reputation by using his story without permission.
Behind Enemy Lines True Story
The movie "Behind Enemy Lines" is said to be inspired by the real-life ordeal of Scott O’Grady, a U.S. Air Force captain who was shot down over Bosnia on June 2, 1995. He survived for six days in enemy territory before being saved by U.S. Marines. However, there are notable differences between Scott’s experience and the movie's portrayal.
Scott didn't venture into populated areas or interact with civilians, and he didn't engage in direct combat with enemy soldiers. Additionally, he piloted an F-16 Fighting Falcon, not the aircraft depicted in the film. The movie takes creative liberties to dramatize the story for entertainment purposes.
Real Individuals Portrayed
The movie "Behind Enemy Lines" takes some inspiration from Scott O’Grady’s life. He was born on October 13, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, and became known after surviving being shot down in Bosnia. Scott later became a motivational speaker and wrote a book called "Return with Honor" about his experience.
However, Scott filed a lawsuit against the makers of the movie, claiming they misrepresented his story and used his name without permission. He accused them of defamation and false advertising, stating they didn't consult him before making the film. This legal action highlights the differences between his real-life experience and the movie's portrayal.
Where Was Behind Enemy Lines Filmed?
The movie "Behind Enemy Lines" was filmed in Bratislava, Slovakia, at Koliba Studios and also in the Slovakian village of Háj. In Háj, there's even a prop of an angel used in the film. The scenes involving the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson were shot with exterior footage of the actual carrier itself.
However, interior shots were filmed on the USS Constellation and a specially built set. Originally scheduled for release on January 18, 2002, the movie's premiere date was moved up to November 30, 2001.
Where to Watch?
You can watch "Behind Enemy Lines" with a subscription on Hulu. Or, you can rent it from Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or Apple TV. If you want to buy it, you can get it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or Apple TV.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
| Owen Wilson | Burnett |
| Gene Hackman | Reigart |
| Gabriel Macht | Stackhouse |
| Charles Malik Whitfield | Rodway |
| Joaquim de Almeida | Piquet (as Joaquim De Almeida) |
| David Keith | O'Malley |
| Olek Krupa | Lokar |
| Vladimir Mashkov | Tracker |
| Marko Igonda | Bazda |
| Eyal Podell | Petty Officer Kennedy |
| Geoff Pierson | Admiral Donnelly |
| Aernout Van Lynden | Aernout Van Lynden |
| Sam Jaeger | Red Crown Operator #1 |
| Shane Johnson | Red Crown Operator #2 (as Shane Mikael Johnson) |
| Don Winston | Red Crown Operator #3 |
| Elizabeth Perry | Red Crown Operator #4 |
| Igor Hajdarhodzic | Serb Spotter |
| Tarik Filipovic | Serb Soldier |
| Peter Palka | Serb Soldier at Lokar's Mansion |
| Todd Boyce | Junior Officer |
| Kamil Kollarik | Babic (as Kamil Kollárik) |
| Salaetin Bilal | Ejup (as Salaudin Bilal) |
| Laurence Mason | Brandon |
| Leon Russom | Ed Burnett |
| Goran Grgic | Technician |
| Ivan Urbánek | Father in Minefield |
| Ismet Bagtasevic | Muslim Passenger |
| Dragan Marinkovic | Damir |
| Kamil Mikulcík | Tiger #1 |
| Vedrana Bozinovic | Serb Anchor (as Vedrana Seksan) |
| Vladimir Oktavec | Petrovic |
| Dorothy Lucey | Dorothy Lucey |
| Greg Goossen | CIA Spook (as Gregory B. Goossen) |
| Filip Nola | Serb Soldier at Mass Grave |
| Bumper Robinson | SCIF Technician |
| Ann Sorum | Mom Burnett |
| George Davis | Sky News Cameraman |
| Tom Mooney | Carrier Commanding Officer |
| Mark Bocchetti | Navy Rep |
| Lucia Srncova | Muslim Girl |
| Daniel Margolius | Muslim Teenager |
| Robert Franko | Tiger #2 (as Róbert Franko) |
| Lukás Hoffmann | Tiger #3 (as Lukas Hoffmann) |
| Jared Chandler | Piquet's Aide |
Behind Enemy Lines Wiki
Behind Enemy Lines is a 2001 action war movie directed by John Moore, starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman. It follows Lieutenant Chris Burnett, a U.S. naval officer shot down over Bosnia during the Bosnian War. The story unfolds as he discovers genocide while his admiral struggles to authorize a rescue mission.
