This is a gentle film; as most know, it is based on a real-life story between a Marine stationed in the Middle East and a Muslim princess. It is currently showing occasionally on the Lifetime network. The couple divorced last year. However, it is a good love story, basic acting and situations appropriate to made-for-television films - this would never stand up to cinematic release, and the tension is rather muted (probably more realistic, but less dramatic). The actors are well-suited for their roles - Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Jason Johnson begins to shed the 'Saved by the Bell' image, and Marisol Nichols as Meriam Al-Khalifa does a serviceable job as the girl torn between two worlds. Worth watching, particularly for those who like a love story, but even that is a bit muted here, particularly in light of the real life events later. However, the love was obviously real at the time, and one hopes something that neither person would have traded, even knowing the eventual outcome.
Review of The Princess & the Marine
