A Show of Force

Based on a true incident in 1978, this political thriller set in Puerto Rico features Amy Irving as Kate Melendez, a newscaster who stumbles on a cover-up when two student "revolutionaries" are killed in an attempted takeover of a communications station. As Kate discovers, the facts and the story from the police do not jibe. She is instrumental in launching an investigation that not only puts her own life in danger, but reaches into the upper echelons of American government. Gripping, well acted, and consistently thought-provoking, A Show of Force is a good American debut from Brazilian filmmaker Bruno Barreto (Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands), which only falters in a too tidy ending and a disturbing note during the credits. As is usual in a docudrama, the filmmakers claim some dramatic license in re-creating the story. However, here the disclaimer adds that the character of FBI agent Frank Curtin (the FBI connection is crucial to the story) is totally fictional. Some will feel cheated (and confused). Recommended, with the above reservations. (R. Pitman) [DVD Review--January 25, 2005--Paramount, 92 min., R, $14.99--Making its debut on DVD, 1990's A Show of Force is presented in a handsome widescreen transfer with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DD surround soundtrack options, but with no extras. Bottom line: as a political thriller--in these very political times--A Show of Force still holds up well, and looks and sounds very nice on DVD. Recommended.]