Historical Inspiration
The film bears some resemblance to the experiences of former U.S. Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady, who was shot down over Bosnia on June 2, 1995. He managed to survive for six days before being rescued. He reportedly filed suit against the film's producers for defamation of character, as well as making a film about his ordeal without his permission. However, the film's characters and events are almost entirely fictional. O'Grady never entered populated areas, nor did he interact with civilians. Also, O'Grady never flew an F/A-18F (which wasn't in service in 1995) but rather an F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Read more about this topic: Behind Enemy Lines (2001 film)
Famous quotes containing the words historical and/or inspiration:
“It is hard to believe that England is so near as from your letters it appears; and that this identical piece of paper has lately come all the way from there hither, begrimed with the English dust which made you hesitate to use it; from England, which is only historical fairyland to me, to America, which I have put my spade into, and about which there is no doubt.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The ironies in the commonplace are my inspiration and delight.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)