Premieres

Windtalkers
June 11, 2002
Grauman's Chinese Theatre

The story takes place in the Pacific Thearer during World War II, and is based on historical events. A unit of 450 radio men, Native Americans, use a derivative of their language to encrypt radio messages which are indecipherable to the Japanese enemy. The "code talkers" are credited with turning the outcome of several key battles, including Iwo Jima. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Christian Slater and "Windtalker" Adam Beach. Director John Woo, who is known for his graphic action films, said, "I tried to make a more human war movie, stressing the human side, and to make the audience realize war is no good for anyone - only friendship lasts forever."

On hand at the premiere were cast members Cage with Lisa Marie Presley, Beach, Slater, Noah Emmerich, and producers Woo and Terence Chang, Mira Sorvino, Jay Roach, Eddie Griffin, David Perlmut, Sean Daniel and Jeff Kleeman.

Director John Woo

MGM execs Michael Nathanson, left, Alex Yemenidjian and Chris McGurk greet "Windtalkers" star Nicolas Cage.