The Siege (1998)

Edward Zwick has got to be the most underrated director in Hollywood. He has crafted some terrific films that unfortunately don't get the praise that they deserve. This is very much so the case with The Siege. After a Terrorist is secretly captured by the U.S, terrorist cells start a wave of terror attacks in New York City. First it's a bus, then it's theatre, then it's a hostage situation, after that it's the bombing of the FBI's counter terrorism New York headquarters. After these attacks, the President implements martial law in New York. I don't understand why this film has gotten so many bad reviews. Most of the reviewers hate the film for the wrong reasons. A little more than twelve years after it's initial release in cinema's, The Siege is relevant. Due because of the 9/11 attacks. Denzel Washington and Annette Bening give great performances. But one of the best here alongside Denzel Washington is Bruce Willis as General Williamn Devereaux, Willis is one cruel antagonist as his character takes control of the city through martial law and kills an American Citizen. The aspect of the film that stood out was Washington's performance and when he butts heads with Willis on screen, the mood gets very tense. Both actors are solid and with every seen they're in, it makes this film more thrilling. The film is not flawless by any means, however the story should appeal to everyone thats interested in Action / Thrillers dealing with terrorism. Considering that in September 2001, Al Qaeda carried out it's attacks on the World Trade Centre, The Siege can now be seen as almost a warning to what was to really come. A prophetic film, The Siege is a top notch action /thriller that delivers a relevant message. And considering that 9/11 happened, the events in the film though fictional would 3 years later after it's initial release be true. An underrated film.