| The Art of War |
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| Rating: Mixed Distributor: Warner Brothers Genre: Thriller MPAA Rating: R Running Time: 1 hour, 57 minutes Release Date: August 25th, 2000 (wide) Director: Christian Duguay Cast: Wesley Snipes, Marie Matiko, Maury Chaykin, Anne Archer, Donald Sutherland, and Michael Biehn. |
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| Plot: Neil Shaw (Wesley Snipes) is an agent for the U.N. in the midst of an important interaction that could bring peace to the U.S.A. and China. However, a Chinese ambassador is killed, and Shaw is framed for it. He allies with Julia Fang (Marie Matiko) to discover who's responsible. He ends up in an endless loop of everyone double crossing everyone. It seems he can trust no one. Nonetheless, he finds even if his own people don't trust him, he must make good on his responsibilities, and survive the mess. |
| Critique: The Art of War is an intriguing, although perhaps impersonal thriller that ultimately succeeds. For a formula that has often leads to sappy, overly bloody films The Art of War is quite surprising. Christian Duguay's direction is very strong, as is the ambitious photography. The fight scenes are highly kinetic. The are not quite as stunning as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but they do not distract from the main plot. A lot of films fall victim to that. The acting is nothing special, but a few supporting actress do well. They include: Marie Matiko, Maury Chaykin, and Donald Sutherland. Maury Chaykin's character supplies a plethora of dry humor, and is incredibally likable. I was not impressed though with Wesley Snipes' performance. I think he is a very capable actor, but he coasts through this one without adding much. That is especially harmful because he's the main character! Nonetheless his performance is not so bad that it crushes the film, but it does add to the film's failure to be more personal. The Art of War feels a little distant, and that is due to its solemn mood. The mood is not all bad, it does create an atmosphere for the cinematography to work properly, and gives the film an original feeling. Don't get me wrong the screenplay is not exactly original, but the end result is fine. Also, I must give credit to the screenwriting which is smart and often tricky, although far from brilliant. In conclusion The Art of War has its flaws. It is often impersonal, and our lead actor Snipes comes up short. However, Duguay's direction, as well as the cinematography, an over average score, and good supporting acting gives the film something worth watching. Lastly, it is entertaining. review by supernothingman |
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| 1/2 |