One of John Woo's finest works

Rating: 8/10 (8 July 1999)

Notice I said "ONE OF." Not THE finest. No, Face/Off isn't John Woo's BEST movie (that's The Killer, and Face/Off isn't The Killer), but it is an undeniably good thrill ride. Leading the pack, we have John Travolta as FBI agent Sean Archer, who is completely obsessed with finding his arch-rival, the elusive criminal mastermind Castor Troy, so skillfully played by Nicholas Cage, then later (and MUCH better) by Travolta himself. We have Dominique Swain (insert rallying wolf whistles here) as Archer's loooovely daughter, Gina Gershon as Castor Troy's girlfriend, and Travolta and Cage switching off roles as Archer and Troy, all via the joys of plastic surgery. The action reaches a fevered pitch as the two pick up guns and start blowing up everything in sight. John Woo's trademark, dizzying, almost lyrical gunfights, punctuate each of the struggles between the determined good and the twisted evil. If you're looking for a lot of action, as well as a great story and the grace of John Woo's directing, take Face/Off for a spin. Afterwards (if you're impressed... if you aren't, don't read any further), rent John Woo's other good movies (The Killer, Hard Boiled, and Broken Arrow) and see what you think of them!