It is Stone’s cynicism that recommends Salvador for contemporary viewing. No other American filmmaker this millennium dares Stone’s candor about the sins and absolute corruption of political journalism.

| Apr 26, 2024

Of Stone's two recent films, Salvador is the most remarkable, if only for its drive and sense of attack, its willingness to deal in current politics as directly as it does.

| Aug 22, 2022

Although it doesn't attain the stature of The Killing Fields, the film is an effective comment on the actions in Central America.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Oct 27, 2021

Still soberingly relevant today, this is a film that needs a critical revival and much deserved love and attention.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 3, 2020

Its success is largely down to a livewire and erratic central performance by James Woods.

| Oct 30, 2018

...a gritty and often grim narrative that's generally (and unfortunately) lacking in overtly compelling elements...

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 16, 2018

Borgesian critique, or exotic backdrop for a scoundrel's Hollywood redemption?

| Apr 21, 2010

Though structurally messy and with uneven dialogue, Stone's independent movie captures vividly the cool, rush, and hysteria of jaded leftist American journos in the political chaos of El Slavaodr in 1980-81; James Woods Oscar-nominated turn is brilliant

| Original Score: B+ | Sep 18, 2007

One of Oliver Stone's best films, and absolutely James Woods' best performance.

| Original Score: A | Apr 9, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 22, 2006

Lean, Mean and On Point. Stone's best film.

| Original Score: 84/100 | Aug 2, 2006

The polemic may seem obvious and at times laboured, but the action sequences are brilliant, and the film does achieve a brutal, often very moving, power.

| Jun 24, 2006

Still Oliver Stone's best film.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 26, 2006

The tale of American photojournalist Richard Boyle's adventures in strife-torn Central America, Salvador is as raw, difficult, compelling, unreasonable, reckless and vivid as its protagonist.

| May 24, 2006

Brutally moving depiction of the civil war in El Salvador in 1980.

| Original Score: A | Jun 13, 2005

An emotional and political sledgehammer.

| Feb 22, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 29, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 5, 2003

Woods is superb, and it is a tribute to his considerable dramatic skill that he manages to elicit sympathy for a uniquely obnoxious character.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 30, 2003

Woods' greatest performance

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 23, 2003