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Wesley Snipes, Anne Archer, Maury Chaykin, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Donald Sutherland ... see more see more... , Michael Biehn , Marie Matiko , Liliana Komorowska , James Hong , Tony Calabretta , Paul Hopkins

A spy who has convinced much of the world he doesn't exist now must prove that he does in order to save thousands of lives in this thriller. After the assassination of Wu (James Hong), China's ambassa... read more read more...dor to the United Nations, in the midst of negotiations on a trade pact, FBI agent Neil Shaw (Wesley Snipes) is assigned to ferret out the killer by his superior, Eleanor Hooks (Anne Archer). But Shaw soon discovers that he's now considered a key suspect in the murder, and is the subject of a manhunt. Shaw's ability to cover his tracks, and his network of similarly "invisible" agents, makes him a hard man to track down. But when Shaw learns that the real killers not only plan to strike again but intend to take out most of the U.N. in the process, he swings into action to prevent the attack and clear his name; Shaw is thrown into a partnership with Julia (Marie Matiko), a U.N. interpreter who witnessed Wu's murder and may be able to trace a recording of the crime. The Art of War co-stars Michael Biehn as Bly, one of Shaw's associates, and Donald Sutherland as the Secretary General of the United Nations. The film was originally written as a vehicle of Hong Kong action star Jet Li before Snipes stepped in as both star and executive producer. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

44% liked it

25,903 ratings

Critics

16% liked it

80 critics

R, 1 hr. 57 min.

Directed by: Christian Duguay

Release Date: August 25, 2000

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DVD Release Date: December 26, 2000

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Stats: 498 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (498)

  • kpn666
    March 20, 2010
    kpn666
    After watching it AGAIN, I still think everyone treated this movie unfairly. Its not perfect, but I guess this movie did really kickstart the intelligent spy genre, leading to movies like the Bourne Seires and others. i hold this in regard for that fact, also giving a stronger ma... read morertial arts aspect to the movie and themes like betrayl and politics.

    Snipes plays a covert UN Agent whose job is to assist the UN on issue which are deemed "necessary" - from espionage to outright blackmail, which is evident in the introduction .

    I think people kept on saying the plot was confusing and noone understood what was going on. Sorry people, but you're a little silly, you obviously know what "The Art of War" is, and its no mystrey why a movie is titled so. It becomes FULLY clear in the climax when things are explained through some smart dialouge - and the plot was simple really, the method of execution complex, but high effective... the only problem being is Snipes was learning quick that someone was forcing him to chase shadows and false leads and he was the bait.

    Anyways, if you're wondering why its so confusing, because Snipes' character is supposed to portray confusion and helplesness in being cut off and abandoned, with Chinese gangsters, police and the FBI hot on his heels. If you're confused, good, watch it again and try to put the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle - every scene, every image has a meaning, it does take some concentration.

    Though its not 100% perfect, it was a matter of a new style of filming and idea which never really reached the full potential until The Bourne Identity and its successors kicked ass at the box office.

    It also interesting to see things like new technology back in 2000, like touch screen PDA's and wireless internet which only became consumer friendly in 2005, 5 years from when the movie was released.

    Anyways, the action is slick, the cast above average, i think Michael Biehn was the standout support. The final fight scene was expllosvie and smoother than your average, something unqiue and obviously set the trend.

    Anyway, I think a lot of movies afterwards really borrowed something from The Art of War, and I believe a lot of people canned it because of the Snipes name and the fact it was mainly a European production and Indie movie release.

    Well, if you like movies like this and wanted to see where it all started for the new millenium, this is the one to watch.
  • allan913
    September 14, 2009
    allan913
    Wesley Snipes has never been better, one of his best roles in one of his best action films. A stylish, nail-biting, pulse-pounding twist-a minute action-packed thriller. A sensational and adreniline-pumping action-thrill-ride that kick starts the senses and kicks all sorts of ass... read more. It's sharp, very smart and very entertaining.
  • deano
    August 12, 2007
    deano
    I've seen Wesley Snipes in such good form as he appears in this action-thriller movie since Blade.
  • BlueTorch
    April 27, 2006
    BlueTorch
    Some ok shooting scenes. It does have that.
  • djpdmk
    June 17, 2011
    djpdmk
    I was really looking forward to this movie when it came out, and it was disappointing. However Wesley Snipes was good. Enjoyed it.
  • rabidwombat22
    September 22, 2009
    rabidwombat22
    Pretty awesome, similiar to US Marshalls. The UN SUCKS! The US needs to withdraw funding for it. What a waste.
  • seleh87
    October 5, 2008
    seleh87
    not one of wesley snipes best films, but it was alright....but i do like the way he be kicking butt with martial arts....
  • prentisminix
    May 21, 2008
    prentisminix
    pretty action packed..always liked sniped, even though he took some low budget roles from time to time...always best suited for action!
  • jasonyc
    November 15, 2007
    jasonyc
    Well, I went to the theater with a very low expectation, and fortunately it was better than I thought... but that doesn't make it a great movie. It was just okay, and I kinda liked it for some odd reason.
  • YourWorstNightmare07
    April 30, 2007
    YourWorstNightmare07
    I liked this movie. I've seen it a hella tons of times, so I guess I really like it. Nice scenes, nice surprise ending.

View All The Art of War Reviews

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
February 12, 2007
Emanuel Levy, Variety

In this pretentiously titled international thriller, which is sloppily directed, Wesley Snipes plays an American agent who gets involved in the emerging relations between China and the Western world, ... Full Review

Stephen Holden
January 1, 2000
Stephen Holden, New York Times

Ludicrous, impenetrable and headache-inducing: the newest Wesley Snipes film, The Art of War, is all that and more. Full Review

Edward Guthmann
January 1, 2000
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle

The Art of War makes no sense at all. Full Review

Lawrence Terenzi
January 1, 2000
Lawrence Terenzi, Mr. Showbiz

Two hours' worth of painful stupidity, overt racism, and mind-battering noise and movement.

Kenneth Turan
January 1, 2000
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Overly plotted and too coincidence-ridden for a story that's basically about nothing, this is a film that almost is not there. Full Review

Tom Maurstad
January 1, 2000
Tom Maurstad, Dallas Morning News

With charisma, acting ability and physical prowess to spare, Mr. Snipes is in a league of his own and makes a mediocre movie worth watching simply by stepping in front of the camera. Full Review

Bob Thomas
January 1, 2000
Bob Thomas, Associated Press

It should remain undercover.

Andrew O'Hehir
January 1, 2000
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com

French Canadian director Christian Duguay does not display an original idea in the entire film, but he's a slick synthesist who melds various styles effectively and sustains a mood of deepening paranoia. Full Review

Michael Atkinson
January 1, 2000
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

Duguay's grotesque excess of visual and aural noise squelches thought. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The Art of War manages to entertain without being enriching, and, at least in some circles, that's the definition of what a summer film is supposed to accomplish. Full Review

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The Art of War Trivia

  • Who is the famous actor that played in Money Train, Demolition Man and The Art of War?  Answer »
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