The Art of War
Do you know who your enemy is?
Officially, coolly efficient operative Neil Shaw doesn't exist. Try telling that to anyone standing in Shaw's way. Wesley Snipes plays Shaw, one of an elite team of United Nations agents, in this stylish thriller directed by Christian Duguay (Joan of Arc) and co-starring Anne Archer, Michael Biehn and Donald Sutherland.
High-tech gadgetry. High-powered armaments. They're all weapons of choice as Shaw unravels a scheme to destroy a historic summit with China. Other weapons come into play: manipulation, cunning, control -- all tactics from the Sun Tsu handbook about victory without combat. The Art of War draws more than its title from that ancient work. It plunges us into a world that puts those tactics into bitter, suspenseful action.
Member Reviews
Overlooked and underrated - ryu2cool
"The Art of War" was a pleasant surprise when I rented it. Once you get past the admitedly far-fetched premise that the UN has its own covert ops teams, it emerges as a spy movie that remembers how to be a spy movie. Rather than going the James Bond/Mission Impossible route of pitting a super-human spy agaisnt a supervillian, "The Art of War" serves up old-fashioned twists, turns, secrets, lies, betrayals, and assassination attempts.
Another nice thing about this movie is that it seems to understand the nature of post-Cold War politics. Nations now clash with treaties, trade agreements, and capitalist aspirations. By addressing issues such as the WTO, human traficking, and China's emerging status as an economic superpower, I got the distinct impression that the screenwriters actually read the newspaper. Ultimately, the plot doesn't quite hold up, but it's an admirable effort.
Snipes does a great job, never lightening the tone by playing to the cheap seats. By playing it straight he makes the film that much more believable. His fight scenes--including the end shootout feating slow-mo bullet-time--are both thrilling and plausible in a way that "The Matrix's" cgi-enhanced action can't manage.When a spy is abandonned by his own allies - imagination201
Snipes is not only excellent in action scenes but shines in this high-level intrigue where the true villain keeps pulling the strings until its revelation to us.
Gripping and riveting, it will keep you guessing till that moment, while his own attempt to investigate will draw you in as he attempts to prove his innocence.
Multi-layered and clean, this is one of the rare action movies that isn't only brawl and braun.
If you like the spy genre, this is one for you!Good movie - JayT
I really enjoyed this movie. I had to add to my list since I recall loving this movie when it came out. It is full of suspense and twists. Another good action movie for Wesley Snipes. I can't wait to see how they will do with the sequel. I would recommend this movie to others.
Member Reviews
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Overlooked and underrated - ryu2cool
"The Art of War" was a pleasant surprise when I rented it. Once you get past the admitedly far-fetched premise that the UN has its own covert ops teams, it emerges as a spy movie that remembers how to be a spy movie. Rather than going the James Bond/Mission ...When a spy is abandonned by his own allies - imagination201
Snipes is not only excellent in action scenes but shines in this high-level intrigue where the true villain keeps pulling the strings until its revelation to us.
Gripping and riveting, it will keep you guessing till that moment, while his own attempt ...Good movie - JayT
I really enjoyed this movie. I had to add to my list since I recall loving this movie when it came out. It is full of suspense and twists. Another good action movie for Wesley Snipes. I can't wait to see how they will do with the sequel. I would recommend ...