Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Proof of Life

Play trailer Poster for Proof of Life R 2000 2h 15m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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.
Watch on Fandango Stream Now

Where to Watch

Proof of Life

Proof of Life

What to Know

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

Critics Reviews

View More
Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 27, 2010
3/5
Good story, but too violent for kids. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Dec 8, 2000
2.5/4
I was interested all through the movie--interested, but not riveted. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Joe Lozito Big Picture Big Sound Jul 14, 2007
1.5/4
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
bob c @RT46426964 Feb 20, 2026 Starts OK and deteriorates to bad. Only Crowe comes out of this, barely. See more 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 See more Harvey K @Harvey658 Dec 14, 2025 He was a bit humble, now he not humble. Also, why he so Fat....... See more Vivian M @RT57851100 Jul 28, 2025 A beautiful thrilling movie. Undeserved low rating. See more Christian K @ckacar Jul 4, 2025 Didn't realize how much the Aussie accent could add the Crowe's presence. See more 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. See more Read all reviews
Proof of Life

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING

Cast & Crew

View All

Taylor Hackford

Director

Meg Ryan

Alice

Russell Crowe

Terry Thorne

David Morse

Peter Bowman

Pamela Reed

Janis Goodman

David Caruso

Dino

More Like This

View All
Extreme Measures 55% 41% Extreme Measures Watchlist Lost Souls 8% 22% Lost Souls Watchlist Fracture 72% 74% Fracture Watchlist TRAILER for Fracture Murder by Numbers 30% 49% Murder by Numbers Watchlist Absolute Power 58% 52% Absolute Power Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More
View All

Proof of Life

Proof of Life (2000) Russell Crowe and Taylor Hackford (Director) on the set of "Proof of Life." David Morse in "Proof of Life." Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe in "Proof of Life." David Morse in "Proof of Life." Meg Ryan in "Proof of Life." Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe in "Proof of Life." David Caruso is Dino, a hostage negotiator who helps mount a bold rescue operation. View more photos

Movie Info

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
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)
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings