The secret US abduction of a suspected terrorist from his Middle East homeland leads to a wave of terrorist attacks in New York. An FBI senior agent and his team attempt to locate and decommission the enemy cells, but must also deal with an Army General gone rogue and a female CIA agent of uncertain loyalties.
Just about distinguishable from several dozen predecessors in the same apocalyptic vein.
– Stanley Kauffmann,
The New Republic,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
[Benning] is the only fresh, compelling character in the film.
– Susan Stark,
Detroit News,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
The Siege is many things at once: tense, exciting, disturbing, and thought provoking.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Even at its most unbelievable, The Siege has the performances of Washington and Bening to fall back on, and a theme that understands that what's difficult is not choosing right from wrong but 'choosing the wrong that's more right.'
– Kenneth Turan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb 2001
rotten:
It's difficult to sustain a responsible subtext when you're delivering the jolts required to keep butts in the seats.