4/5 Will You Like "24"? This Film Is Great Determinant
  by Zachary Koenig (Fergus Falls, MN)
While watching this film for the second time about a week or so ago, the first thought that came to my mind was "Wow, this is exactly the kind of political/dramatic intrigue that the TV series '24' tries to accomplish each and every episode". A weaving of action, political subject matter, and gut-wrenching emotional moments puts "The Siege" up towards the top of my list (just below "A Few Good Men") of politically-based thrillers.

The basic plot of the film centers on a terrorist cell that launches a series of attacks based in New York City. Denzel Washington plays a government agent given the task of coordinating the effort to subdue the terrorism, while Bruce Willis is the military general brought onto the scene when the situation begins spiraling out of control. It is rather remarkable that this film was actually made BEFORE 9/11, as it deals with some of the exact same subject matter, including the reaction to terrorism, internment camps (this time for Muslim-Americans), and the ideological clash between the Eastern and Western world.

Acting-wise, Washington is at his brooding, intense best throughout the entire movie, culminating with his "bend the law, shred the constitution" speech when dealing with the issue of torture. Willis' military character is actually sorely underutilized, yet provides the perfect antithesis (but not antagonist) to Washington. Annette Bening is the other primary lead character, and she also gives a competent (if not over-the-top at times) performance.

About the only reason I give this film four stars instead of five is because, although it is compelling, it falls well short of the mark now set by "24" which provides just as much political drama/action in a arc of episodes as this movie does in its entire runtime (although that is more of an affirmation of 24's genius than this film's shortcomings). If you are a fan of political films that will really make you think, you will heartily enjoy the entire experience. Plus, it could be your stepping-stone to an entirely new saga of political drama..."24".

4/5 A Politically muddled film, though striking at times
  by Alexander M. Walker (Chicago, IL USA)
You could make sound arguments for hating or respecting The Siege. It pretends to cast a casual warning against religious extremism yet narrowly focuses on the religion which Americans already had firm worries about even before September 11, 2001. Islam had long been identified as a religion of fanatics within the American press and Hollywood had been all too happy to bolster that reputation with countless films long before The Siege ever came into play. So why does Fox hail its film as "eerily prescient"? Because they happened to put out a starkly realistic and ruthless portrayal of terrorism two years prior to 9/11. It may have its share of striking and wrenching moments, but have no doubt about it, The Siege requires shock to be effective.

The Siege starts with an all too literal bang. FBI Agent Hubbard (Denzel Washington) arrives on the scene of a bus being held captive by men armed with explosives. After a similar event the week before turned out to be nothing but a fluke, the situation seems well under control. Tailed by Elise Kraft (Annette Bening) and his partner Agent Haddad (Tony Shalhoub), Hubbard attempts to negotiate safe passage for the bus's passengers. First the children are released. There seems to be hope. Then, as he's midway through the release of the oldest riders - the bus explodes.

Director Edward Zwick paces certain parts of the film with phenomenal judgment. Many events are genuinely unexpected and even as the plot of the film becomes clear, each act of terrorism perpetrated retains the fresh and traumatic air that such an act should hold. On that note, The Siege excels. It takes the portrayal of terrorism to a place film often seems too timid to venture. For the first half of the film, The Siege maintains a clean stance on the pressures of terrorism and a general separation of ethnic stereotyping and terrorism trends. But all of that falls to pieces in the end.

The story attempts to keep itself free and clear of stereotyping all Muslims as terrorists by including Haddad as Hubbard's partner. Unfortunately, in order to make Haddad more palatable and acceptable as a partner in an American bureau, his adherence to Islam is extremely loose as he's shown to drink and generally live a life no different from a non-Muslim. In any other circumstance this portrayal would be fine - but when Haddad's presence on Hubbard's side is meant to say "See? Not all Muslim's are terrorists!" his lack of conviction to Islam makes that argument invalid. Instead, we're left with the impression that all true Muslims would find outrage at the extravagance of American life and seek the country's downfall. This just isn't true. But you wouldn't know it from the way the Islamic rites of cleansing are intertwined so blatantly with the acts or words of terrorism which follow them.

It's a near impossible line to walk without stepping too far over into one side. Had Zwick strayed too far in the other direction his film would have been neutered and devoid of any real emotion or passion. If The Siege had gone the other direction and had no qualms about vilifying Islam the film would be nothing but a slander piece worthy of public disdain and derision. Zwick walked the necessary line, but not without straying a bit into some dangerous territory. With such a strong issue at stake, it makes the storyline of Major Devereaux (Bruce Willis) establishing martial law within New York City seems unnecessary and a bit off the point. Bruce Willis's storyline makes it seem like The Siege realized it was peddling a dangerous sentiment and wanted to distract away from it with a wholly unrelated commentary on the abuse of military power.

Blu-ray Extra Features:

For such a volatile film it's a genuine shame that there's not even a director's commentary from Zwick or writer Lawrence Wright. In fact, there's nothing on the disc at all besides the film.

5/5 Good movie
  by Joseph D. Cascino (Newark, DE)
I Dont agree with the last review that customer left. I never really watch special features and i am sure i am not the only one who doesnt watch them. Any good movie. Alot of good actors.

4/5 THE SIEGE BLU-RAY
  by Robert J. Szvetics
This Blu-Ray has great video and audio. But again no special features from 20th century fox. Not even the audio commentary.Thats why i rated this Blu-Ray 4 stars beacause the lack of any features.I dont understand Fox at all. On some Blu-rays they have tons of special features. And then on others nothing at all.....