A 2007 action thriller that evolved from a critical flop into a cult classic.
In short: When FBI agent John Crawford hunts the assassin who murdered his partner, he enters a brutal turf war between the Triads and the Yakuza. Starring Jet Li and Jason Statham, this high-stakes thriller features a twist that redefines the identity of the killer and the nature of vengeance itself.
Released in the United States on August 24, 2007, War marked the directorial debut of Philip G. Atwell. The film features Jet Li and Jason Statham in their second cinematic collaboration, following their 2001 pairing in The One. Originally titled Rogue, the production changed its name to avoid conflict with another project, though it was released as Rogue Assassin in several international markets, including Japan, Australia, and parts of Europe.
The plot follows FBI agent Crawford’s obsessive pursuit of Rogue, an assassin who allegedly murdered his partner, Tom Lone, and his family. As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that the man known as Rogue is actually Tom Lone, who survived the initial assassination attempt and underwent surgery to assume his enemy's identity. His ultimate goal is to infiltrate the criminal underworld and eliminate the Yakuza boss Shiro Yanagawa, who ordered the death of his family. The film culminates in a confrontation where it is revealed that Crawford was blackmailed into leaking Lone’s address to the original Rogue.
Upon release, the film faced harsh criticism, holding a 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 36 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics often dismissed it as a standard-issue crime drama. However, the film has since gained a reputation as a cult classic, with some modern commentators praising its over-the-top spectacle. In 2014, Time Out ranked it 93rd on a list of the greatest action films ever made, as voted on by industry professionals.
Financially, the film grossed $40.7 million globally against a $25 million budget, with an additional $28 million generated through DVD sales. The film’s score was composed by Brian Tyler, with contributions from RZA, Mark Batson, and Machines of Loving Grace, further cementing its distinct aesthetic within the action genre.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: War (2007 film)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-war-2007-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
