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Proof of Life

Play trailer Poster for Proof of Life R 2000 2h 15m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
39% Tomatometer 109 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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Proof of Life

Proof of Life

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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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Critics Reviews

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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
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Audience Reviews

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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
Steve D @RT35616104 Sep 24, 2023 Nothing new and not exciting. See more
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Proof of Life

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Cast & Crew

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Taylor Hackford

Director

Meg Ryan

Alice

Russell Crowe

Terry Thorne

David Morse

Peter Bowman

Pamela Reed

Janis Goodman

David Caruso

Dino

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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)
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