War (2007) * * *

Directed by: Philip G. Atwell

Starring: Jason Statham, Jet Li, John Lone, Devon Aoki, Luis Guzman, Saul Rubinek, Ryo Ishibashi,
Nadine Velazquez

Apparently Jason Statham's FBI agent John Crawford never heard the expression, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend,"  Because as he is chasing the elusive assassin known only as Rogue (Li), he fails to notice Rogue's role in an ever-escalating Japanese mob war between two rival factions who are killing each other en masse.    Rogue poses as a mole infiltrating one side, while in turn setting up the other side for death also.    If Crawford were smart, or not obsessed with killing Rogue himself, he would see Rogue is making his job very easy for him.

But, there is a history between Rogue and Crawford.    Rogue seemingly killed Crawford's partner and his partner's family three years ago and Crawford has been chasing him ever since.    Rogue turns up in San Francisco offering his services to crime lord Chang (Lone) as a bodyguard, much to the suspicion and consternation of Chang's current bodyguard and staff.   Meanwhile, Crawford tracks Rogue, both sides of the brewing mob war, and a plastic surgeon hiding out in Mexico who may have done some facial alteration on Rogue.    Those are the players and you can figure where it all goes from there.

War is slickly made, with quick cuts and lots of violence and blood.    That is to be expected.    What was unexpected was how much I cared.    Just what is Rogue up to?    Is he a villain or a hero in disguise?   Li, a talented martial artist and action star, doesn't say much, instead using sly smirks and looks to let us know he is up to something.    What makes War work is that I was interested in finding out what it was.    Statham isn't exactly an actor with an expansive range and he somehow manages to always have a five o'clock shadow, but he does what is required here and does it well, which is to snarl threats at people and stare viciously at them.    Plus, kick ass when needed.

Because the title of the movie is War and the movie posters showed Li and Statham glaring at each other, we know they will eventually have a showdown.    What happens in the showdown and who wins isn't nearly as important as why the fight is fought in the first place.    Many actioners are content with presenting us with just basic action without any emotional context.    I am amazed I am discussing emotional context in a film like War, but there you have it.