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Enemy of the State
1998 132 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★7.3
Action, Drama, Thriller
Director: Tony Scott
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
When the videotape of the murder of a congressman unknowingly ends up in the hands of labor lawyer and dedicated family man Robert Clayton Dean, he is framed for the murder. With the help of the mysterious Brill, Dean attempts to throw the NSA off his trail and prove his innocence.
Budget:
$90M
US Gross:
$111.55M
Worldwide:
$250.65M
Starring
Will Smith
Actor
Gene Hackman
Actor
Jon Voight
Actor
Awards
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1999
— Best Actor
Key opinion
Enemy of the State is widely regarded as a gripping and prescient action thriller that effectively utilizes Tony Scott's dynamic directing style. While some critics point to minor screenplay implausibilities, the consensus highlights its enduring relevance regarding surveillance, bolstered by strong performances from Will Smith and Gene Hackman.
| Direction | Tony Scott’s high-energy direction and kinetic visual style successfully maintain constant tension throughout the narrative. | |
| Acting | Will Smith and Gene Hackman deliver compelling performances that provide both charisma and gravitas to the high-stakes conspiracy plot. | |
| Culture | The film’s focus on pervasive government surveillance and the erosion of privacy feels increasingly plausible and prophetic in the modern digital age. | |
| Runtime | The film's runtime is a point of contention; some viewers appreciate the relentless pace, while others find the film overlong and prone to sagging. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is praised for its thought-provoking premise, though it faces criticism for relying on occasional plot conveniences and character inconsistencies. |