Is there anything more annoying for moviegoers than spending hard-earned money on a film photographed so darkly it’s almost impossible to see what’s going on? Then, if dialogue is whispered so softly you also can’t hear what the characters are saying most of the time, it can become a nightmare for some viewers. And that’s partially what’s wrong with Tears of the Sun.

On the plus side, there’s Hans Zimmer’s impressive African-themed background music in addition to the Ava Gardner-like beauty of Monica Bellucci (Irreversible), who portrays a dedicated doctor helping the sick in Nigeria. And the premise of the story shows considerable promise. After the Nigerian democratic government collapses and a ruthless military tyrant takes over, Dr. Lena Kendricks (Bellucci), a "Doctors without Borders" physician, becomes the object of a U.S. Navy SEAL rescue mission. Bruce Willis plays the stoic Lieutenant A.K. Waters, leader of a small squadron of tactical specialists sent in to bring the good doctor out of harm’s way. Under orders not to engage in combat unless fired upon, these courageous men must decide whether or not to save a group of refugees as well as the doctor.

Explaining how Tears of the Sun represents a look at the true meaning of heroism, Willis says, "These men make a choice as human beings, not as soldiers. And the movie is about the results of that choice, of trying to do the right thing as a man as opposed to doing the right thing as a ranking military officer. The action has a lot to do with the heart and how the heart moves men and women to do what they do."

Although I found the fictional story by Alex Lasker and Patrick Cirillo intriguing, I was disappointed by it’s execution – not only because of the movie’s dark cinematography but also because of its lack of in-depth character development. Nothing wrong with the acting; the people portrayed are just too sketchy. Both screenwriters claim their motivation for Tears of the Sun came from Robert Wise’s The Sand Pebbles, starring Steve McQueen. However, that epic 1966 film ran for three hours and featured detailed characterizations, even for incidental roles. It received eight Oscar nominations. Will Tears of the Sun show up on the 2003 Academy Award list in any category other than musical score? I don’t think so.

Tears of the Sun may not win any Oscars, but it’s the first movie about Navy SEALS to be made with the full cooperation and endorsement of the United States Navy and Department of Defense. Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) calls the movie a tribute to the Navy SEALS and all the "men and women who protect us and go into places and do great things about which too little is said."

Too bad it isn’t a tribute that’s easier to see and hear.

(Released by Columbia Pictures/Revolution Studios; rated "R" for strong war violence, some brutality and language.)