Review

Review

With a slow progression of events that seems entirely plausible, “The Siege” postulates what might happen if an American City is targeted by international terrorists.

“The Siege” begins by showing the actual footage of aftermath of the bombing of an American military compound in Saudi Arabia, along with the clips of Clinton while condemning the act. As Clinton promises retaliation, Sheik Ahmed Bin Talal (the person believed to be responsible) is kidnapped from the desert kingdom and brought to the U.S in the violation of an international law. This triggers an Islamic retaliation where the devout followers of Sheik start bombing theatres and buses in order to get him released. Though Anthony Hubbard (FBI agent) is in charge of taking out the terrorist cells, but immediately after the first two bombings, the president invokes the war powers act and martial law is imposed in the city. This result in an entire suspension of constitutional rights as the military, led by General William Devereaux takes over.

General William Devereaux's methods don't suit Hubbard but since the General is in command, there is no choice. The movie reveals the persecution of Arab-Americans by the military and Devereaux, with mixed results. Director Edward Zwick does not try to reduce the authenticity of what would happen if martial law were imposed in a populated city.

The acting is good; particularly Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Hubbard is excellent. Washington's voice truly depicts the passion. Some of the lines in movie are extremely notable, for example the one about destroying the constitution, demonstrating the point that when one uses terrorist tactics to fight terrorists, the other side has already won. I believe this scene, followed by the execution of the suspected terrorist, is indeed the most powerful in the entire movie. Annette Bening plays the part of a confused American with loyalties to both the Islamic and American sides pretty well. Lastly, Bruce Willis...