Show of Force, A (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" was based on the scandalous Cerro Maravilla incident that rocked Puerto Rican politics in 1978. On July 25, 1978, two young independence-seekers were ambushed by island police and murdered in cold blood near Cerro Maravilla. Police reports claim that the activists were trying to sabotage a radio transmitter to air pro-independence messages throughout the island, however after a serious investigation by the Puerto Rican government, it was discovered that this was a planned murder sponsored by the governor at the time, Carlos Romero Barcelo, and members in his pro-statehood administration.
The scandal which left a major mark on the dirtiness of Puerto Rican politics, helped paved the way to Barcelo's defeat by pro-Commonwealth governor, Rafael Hernandez Colon, and destroyed the statehood party's reputation forever.
This film, directed by Brazilian director, Bruno Bareto, stars Amy Irving, as Kate, an investigative reporter working for a local newspaper. After uncovering the truth behind the massive cover-up by the governor, Kate is determined to uncover the truth even more so than before. However, danger lurks around, as both FBI and the governor's allies monitor her moves.
Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" is partly-fictional, however it does open the viewer's eyes that injustice, oppression, and corruption can exist even in a democratic free country as the United States. Although some of the film seems to be outdated and/or inaccurate (clothes, economic development, etc..) other parts of the film remain interesting enough to retain the viewer in a suspenseful state.
Amy Irving, who later married Bareto (after her divorce from Stephen Spielberg, she began filming in Puerto Rico) is an excellent actress, and her role is believable. Lou Diamond Phillips is excellent as a villain you will love to hate, and Andy Garcia's role is indeed a "glorified cameo". While the film ends on a different note (the film has Kate capturing the police chief's confession on tape, when in fact it took more than 15 years of senate hearings and investigations by human rights groups to finally reveal the truth about the cover-up) the film will allow many who have little or no knowledge about Puerto Rico's complex colonial situation with the United States to gain a broader understanding.
Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and neighboring suburbs, this film should be watched by all who support human rights throughout the world.

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