This movie has been criticized for it's so-called "Anti-Arab" stance. Having seen the film twice, I think that such a claim is unsubstantiated. The movie does not explicitly label all Arabs as violent radicals with terrorist agendas; scenes involving the character of Frank Haddad (Tony Shalhoub) are done with professionalism and respect.
On the whole, the movie is a notch above most action films. Director Ed Zwick, in his third collaboration with Denzel Washington (following "Glory" and "Courage Under Fire"), gives us a political thriller with just as many moral questions as pyrotechnic effects. When faced with an onslaught of terrorist aggression, how does one counterattack? In this film, the answer lies in martial law. But the methods employed by General Deveraux (Bruce Willis), incl. rounding all Arab males who fit the profile, prove to be unjust. FBI agent Anthony Hubbard (Denzel Washington) is forced into a situation where the liberties of a select few conflict with the capture of dangerous individuals. He's aided by CIA operative Elise Kraft (Annette Bening), whose agenda is never clear.
All of the elements of the film come together, thanks to great pacing by director Zwick. The film presents us with scenes of disturbing terrorist violence; bomb victims stumble, bleeding, often missing limbs. These images numb the viewer; we are left thankful such scenes don't occur too frequently in the film. The interaction between the key players is what makes the film work. An early scene where Hubbard and his colleagues work on obtaining leads is well-done, as each actor bounces off the other.
Put aside the polemics and the controversy and see this film. It will make you wonder what TPTB would do if a situation like that were to occur.
On the whole, the movie is a notch above most action films. Director Ed Zwick, in his third collaboration with Denzel Washington (following "Glory" and "Courage Under Fire"), gives us a political thriller with just as many moral questions as pyrotechnic effects. When faced with an onslaught of terrorist aggression, how does one counterattack? In this film, the answer lies in martial law. But the methods employed by General Deveraux (Bruce Willis), incl. rounding all Arab males who fit the profile, prove to be unjust. FBI agent Anthony Hubbard (Denzel Washington) is forced into a situation where the liberties of a select few conflict with the capture of dangerous individuals. He's aided by CIA operative Elise Kraft (Annette Bening), whose agenda is never clear.
All of the elements of the film come together, thanks to great pacing by director Zwick. The film presents us with scenes of disturbing terrorist violence; bomb victims stumble, bleeding, often missing limbs. These images numb the viewer; we are left thankful such scenes don't occur too frequently in the film. The interaction between the key players is what makes the film work. An early scene where Hubbard and his colleagues work on obtaining leads is well-done, as each actor bounces off the other.
Put aside the polemics and the controversy and see this film. It will make you wonder what TPTB would do if a situation like that were to occur.