Rules Of Engagement details

Rules Of Engagement
Format: 15 DVD
Starring: Philip Baker Hall, Dale Dye, Ben Kingsley, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Greenwood, Guy Pearce, Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Archer, Nicky Katt, Blair Underwood
Director: William Friedkin
Genre: Thriller - Supernatural
Studio: PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Name Discs
Rules Of Engagement
15 Feature

DVD Information

Run time: 2 hours 2 minutes
Rental release: 05 Mar 2001
Main languages: English
Dubbed: French
Subtitles: English, French
Hearing impaired subtitles: English
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Most helpful review Rules Of Engagement

  • Modern Military Court Drama

    Rated - 3.0 stars  
    By a customer from Kent, England , 26 Jul 2004

    [Highly rated reviewer]

    This is a modern military court drama along the lines of A Few Good Men (Jack Nicholson & Tom Cruise) and Courage Under Fire (Meg Ryan and Denzel Washington).

    A highly decorated marine commander is accused of killing 82 innocent protestors at a demonstration outside an American embassy in the Middle East. The fallout of the incident is potentially disasterous for American relations with the region and they quickly look for a scapegoat to pin the blame on - a rouge soldier is a better excuse for their purposes than a military blunder.

    The commader, played by Samuel L Jackson, must rely on a old military buddy, played by Tommy Lee Jones (who was not present at the incident) to convince a court martial that he gave the command to shoot the protestors because he was being fired upon from the crowd.

    What follows is a drama that persues the possibilities that he either lost his cool and over-reacter or that he was in fact the only person to see the crowd shooting at his soldiers and had a legitimate reason to return fire - hence 'The Rules of Engagement'. Throw in some politicians muddying the water for their own causes and you're left guessing until the end to see if he is imprisoned or acquited.

    The story has an interesting point to make about the 'laws' of war and so is topical in todays climate. However it failed to grab me with sufficient force to make me care about the outcome more than out of pure curiosity. It lacks the punch of the two films mentioned earlier and while the two lead characters are played by fine actors this is far from their best work.

    3 stars - worth a look for fans of war films or court battles, but not destined to become a classic.
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All reviews

(16)
  • Rules of Engagement

    Rated - 3.0 stars  
    By davidblackburn (45 reviews) from basingstoke , 09 Jul 2010
    This is a great film, a great courtroom drama. Quite a bit of action and a really good start to the film. Happy to watch over and over again
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  • A story of a hero, but a society who wants to crucify him.

    Rated - 5.0 stars  
    By a customer from Orpington , 01 Feb 2010

    THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS Show review anywayHide

    Rules of Engagement is an exciting courtroom drama, with Samuel L Jackson at his raging swearing best, and Tommy Lee Jones doing another intense performance. Another great film by William Friedkin, director of The French Connection and Exorcist. The story of two men who were friends in Vietnam and bonded by the bonds of war, in repaying the debt to one another, Tommy Lee Jones sets out to defend Samuel L Jackson, accused of murdering civilians. At first you think he may be guilty, but then you find out the truth, and you realise that soldiers are just generally men doing their duty. You also realise how governments will scapegoat them to protect their interests. It makes you think of a man who is a hero and how people try to crucify him. It is very violent and not for the faint of heart, but it is a very powerful film and as soon as I started watching it, I was hooked, and the film just shot by! It also has a great supporting cast of Guy Pearce and is a very good film. I highly recommend it, and it reminds you of what powerhouse performances Samuel L Jackson always gives. Two thumbs up!
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  • Interesting watch

    Rated - 3.0 stars  
    By a customer from uk , 19 Apr 2009
    Really good twists and turns throughout which def makes you think - not a laid back watch as serious stuff
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  • GREAT film

    Rated - 5.0 stars  
    By a customer from Bury St. Edmunds , 07 Sep 2008
    This is one of THE best films, great action thriller with brilliant actor selection in Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L Jackson and Guy Pearce, together with some good back up players. The truth underlying this 'action / adventure film' is awesome and SO true - the guys behind the scenes (politicians) are shown in all their hideous gory glory. It has a particular resonance in what is going on around the world these days.
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  • Nice

    Rated - 3.0 stars  
    By a customer from Ipswich , 23 Jul 2008
    Nice Film Worth the time, gripping story and perfect casting.....

    Ending was the most beautiful part.
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