The now legendary but once controversial filmmaker Oliver Stone enjoyed multiple Oscar nominations in 1986 for two films – this one and the Vietnam-set Platoon.

The setting here is El Salvador, where a military dictatorship had caused the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. James Woods is the fatigued journalist who travels there to record events and gets caught up with both sides.

This film is screening as part of Essential Cinema 2013. Tickets: special package price €32 (€28 IFI Members) for all four films. This ticket package can only be purchased in person at the IFI Box Office. Regular ticket prices apply to individual screenings and can be bought online or in person.