The Art of War

2000 Action/Adventure

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 ambassador 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. more..

Director: Christian Duguay

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Anne Archer, Maury Chaykin, Marie Matiko, Donald Sutherland

Reviews

  • A 21st-century equivalent of the early James Bond flicks.

    Lou Lumenick - New York Post

    27 April 2013

  • Too-loud, poorly directed and seriously overedited.

    John Petrakis - The Chicago Tribune

    27 April 2013

  • The dialogue is chintzy and rhythmless.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

  • Numbskull entertainment.

    Edward Guthmann - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • Director Christian Duguay's gimmicky "thriller" demonstrates that he has not begun to master the art of suspense.

    Staff [Not Credited] - USA Today

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Cinematography in Theatrical Feature

    Canadian Society of Cinematographers Awards (2001)

  • Nicolas Clermont

    Genie Awards (2001)

  • Best Art Direction (Meilleure Direction Artistique)

    Jutra Awards (2001)