État de crise

I remember watching the television broadcast of Under Siege. It was actually a mini-series shown over two consecutive nights. I was riveted by the story, and especially by the staccato opening theme and the opening credits, a stylized American bald eagle at first showing only its head with beak open wide, but then gradually pulling out to reveal that the eagle is tied down. The music is repeated throughout the program, with variations. I actually did find Under Siege on VHS oh, but I cannot remember if it was NTSC region one.

This often-underrated movie (the fact that Steven Segal starred in a more illustrious, but worse film of the same name does not help) was probably the first to address domestic terrorism and its resonance in the light of recent events make it a film that should be brought back and re-issued. Peter Strauss is excellent as the FBI Chief who thinks the terrorist acts are by an individual as opposed to a state, Hal Holbrook finds himself as the President considering his retaliatory response against chief suspects Iran. Top marks however go to Fritz Weaver, Mason Adams and EG Marshall the praetorian guard who form the inner circle of advisors who come into direct conflict with Strauss' more cautious approach. An above average TV movie whose storyline is somewhat similar to the more recent but more simply titled Siege starring Denzel Washington

Director Roger Young's Under Siege was shocking in 1986 and now, unfortunately, was profoundly prophetic. One of the writers for this film was Bob Woodward of Watergate fame and someone well versed in the current political situation. This movie was breathtaking and almost impossible to believe in the incidents depicted at the time. However, not only after 9/11, but in light of terrifying extremist inspired domestic attacks at Fort Hood, Chattanooga, etc., this television production turns out to have only predicted the possibilities. Now, sadly, they seem to be inevitable. In retrospect, I recall being deeply disturbed by some scenes, such as the attack on the U.S. Capitol and the depiction of terrorists casually walking through a shopping mall and tossing hand grenades into each store from a gym bag over their shoulders. It was horrifying and totally unbelievable. Now, it seems all too real and only the truth. Highly recommended for the superb acting, outstanding production, incredible suspense, and its breathtaking prophetic statement. It is overwhelming all this appears to be now happening in the U.S. in our own time.

I thought Under Siege was a great movie. In fact, I would like to know if there are any plans for future airing. The actors did an excellent job of portraying their characters. The presence of terrorism in our own back yard brought home the reality of our state of unreadiness for such an attack.

I would love to see and possibly purchase this film for my library. In fact, I was an extra ( FBI agent) in this movie on location in Little Rock, Arkansas. I watched much of the filming of this movie and the work of the director who did remarkable work.

Peter Strauss and Stan Shaw are two of my favorite actors. I thought they were great in their roles.

Larry

Okay, I haven't seen this in years, but I distinctly remember it, in detail, from when it originally aired on TV.

The premise of terrorists wandering about bombing and rocketing things is perfectly scary, sure. And I guess if you are so inclined, you'd find it prescient of 9/11. In reality, it seemed to be an extreme version of what had happened in the past decade in Europe.

Anyway, I recall it being sorta not that good. I watched for the premise, explosions, and waiting for some law enforcement or military unit to do something useful about it. Instead soldiers hoot and holler about a girl and get blown up for their effort, and so on.

Typical TV-movie fare, really.