War (2007)

An FBI Agent seeks vengeance on a mysterious assassin known as "Rogue" who murdered his partner.

Director:

Philip G. Atwell

Writers:

Lee Anthony Smith, Gregory J. Bradley

Stars:

Jet Li, Jason Statham, John Lone

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jet Li	...	Rogue
Jason Statham	...	Crawford
John Lone	...	Chang
Devon Aoki	...	Kira
Luis Guzmán	...	Benny (as Luis Guzman)
Saul Rubinek	...	Dr. Sherman
Ryo Ishibashi	...	Shiro
Sung Kang	...	Goi
Mathew St. Patrick	...	Wick
Nadine Velazquez	...	Maria
Andrea Roth	...	Jenny Crawford
Mark Cheng	...	Wu Ti
Kane Kosugi	...	Temple Garden Warrior
Kennedy Montano	...	Ana (as Kennedy Lauren Montano)
Terry Chen	...	Tom Lone

Storyline

After his partner Tom Lone and family are killed apparently by the infamous and elusive assassin Rogue, FBI agent Jack Crawford becomes obsessed with revenge as his world unravels into a vortex of guilt and betrayal. Rogue eventually resurfaces to settle a score of his own, setting off a bloody crime war between Asian mob rivals Chang of the Triad's and Yakuza boss Shiro. When Jack and Rogue finally come face to face, the ultimate truth of their pasts will be revealed.

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Plot Keywords:

assassin | fbi | vengeance | triad | yakuza | 

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Taglines:

Vengeance is the ultimate weapon.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sequences of strong bloody violence, sexuality/nudity and language

Details

Official Sites:

Lionsgate [us] Metropolitan Films [fr]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Mandarin Japanese Cantonese

Release Date:

24 August 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rogue

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£207,091 (UK) (28 September 2007)

Gross:

£207,091 (UK) (28 September 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lionsgate, Mosaic Media Group, Fierce Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jet Li stated in multiple interviews that he was not happy with this film nor its production. He went as far to say that this movie "sucked" and he had no confidence in director Philip G. Atwell. Even halfway into filming, he knew that it would receive mediocre ratings and not make profit.

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Goofs

During the Jason/"Rogue" car chase scene the same cars will appear on different roads. A black mustang can be seen going one direction, then the other, then be seen on a different road. A silver VW bug is seen start to finish during the whole "fast paced" scene.

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Quotes

Rogue: Tom Lone is dead. My name is Rogue.

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Connections

References Kiss of the Dragon (2001)

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Soundtracks

"Rogue Cleans The Hizouse"
(uncredited)
Written by RZA
Performed by Michael Baiardi and RZA
Courtesy of Lionsgate

User Reviews

Surprising War

Jason Statham is the new electrifying action star. Statham is an amazing athlete and accomplished martial artist. However, Jet Li is still the screen's most explosive martial arts star. Be reassured that Li has not yet retired from doing action movies. Old school Li looks lean, calm, and stylish in his black Armani suits, and proves deadly with and without guns. Li is such a dichotomy. On the surface he is clean cut and mild mannered; but can unleash violence with such power and grace at any moment. Director Philip Atwell's "War" takes a while to get its bearing, but once he does so he orchestrates an amazing action movie of blood and vengeance. He along with writers Lee Anthony Smith and Gregory J. Bradley culminates with anticipated payoff: Statham and Li facing off. They also insert a shocking twist, which makes more sense in retrospect. The martial arts as choreographed by Corey Yuen ("Transporter" movies) are exquisite, and acknowledge for its variety. The Japanese katana training between Shiro (Ryo Ishibashi) and Kane Kosugi is classic. The kung fu sequences with Jet Li are crisp and deadly. Jason Statham uses speed and power in dispatching Chinese Triad assassins. There is an amazing sword fight scene with the Wu-shu style against the classical Japanese style. Through Atwell's lens, one has to admire the mastery and physical prowess. "War" is surprising.

Jason Statham plays FBI Agent Jack Crawford, who leads a task force against both the Chinese Triad led by Chang (cool John Lone) and the Yakuza led by Shiro (bold Ryo Ishibashi). Crawford's partner Tom Lone (Terry Chen) and his family are brutally murdered by the assassin known as Rogue. Crawford's life turns a shambles—his wife Jenny (Andrea Roth) and his son leave him during a divorce. Three years later Crawford investigates a horrific hit at a Yakuza club in San Francisco. A signature discovered at the crime scene leads Crawford to believe that Rogue (Li) is back. Consequently, Crawford (Statham) becomes consumed by vengeance. Jet Li plays Victor Shaw a deadly hit man playing both the Yakuza and Triads. Shaw apparently is the mysterious Rogue. However, as played by Li, Shaw though a stone cold killer without equal operates by a code of honor. He too seems on a mission of vengeance. Shaw is in the middle of an all out war between the Yakuza and the Triads. Nothing good can come of that. There is an interesting subplot involving priceless stolen Chinese artifacts, and the command of Yakuza operations in the States by Shiro's daughter Kira (deadly Devon Aoki). The appeal of "War" remains its singular focus: everything culminates in Crawford's mission of vengeance to kill Rogue. Writers Smith and Bradley effectively build the tension toward the finale, and final plot twist.

Atwell inspires strong performances from Jason Statham and Jet Li. Statham has a gruff charisma as Crawford. Also he demonstrates unexpected range in the character's complexity. Statham has a powerful physical presence and grace. Li is very good as Rogue. He plays to his strength which is expressing his anger and angst through his eyes and concise exchanges. He maintains a placid visage that disguises his sheer will and power. As Rogue it becomes crystal clear that one does not mess with him, less forfeit one's life. Even with some awkward dialog exchanges, Li is compelling and powerful. John Lone has a measured darkness as Chang, always under control. He is good. Ryo Ishibashi is great as the larger than life Shiro, providing is a captivating and powerful rival for both Li and Statham.

"War" is a solid action movie with great performances from Jason Statham and Jet Li. Statham and Li are at the top of their games. The action is very cool. The martial arts fights are among the best out there. Atwell's storytelling is engaging and intense, and delivers on all the hype.