Too long, too sentimental, but brilliant idea

Rating: 8/10 (29 October 2004)

A truly fantastic idea for a movie. I feel they (the film-makers) should have made it with the futuristic approach.
Woo and Travolta had already done this style of action flick before. Travolta, particularly when cast as Castor Troy acts like a carbon-copy of how he acted in Broken Arrow. Nicolas Cage is far better in both roles, he looks more in shape, scarier, and suitably way, way over the top, particularly as Castor Troy. The special visual and sound effects are outstanding, Woo uses his traditional slow-motion and gun-play to full-effect, also the earlier action scenes are better than in other films, Woo does action better than anyone else - forget The Matrix. Unfortunately, Cage and Travolta both look a little too old to be playing the fights out at times - hence noticeable stunt doubles. However, dark and very brutal in stages, Face/Off does look on screen like an action film that stands out from the rest- it would be interesting to see the film before the censors caught it, instead of the toned down cinema, video, DVD and TV versions. In conclusion, a must-see even 7 years after it's release.