Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Face/Off
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 39
  3. Negative: 4 out of 39

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    10 out of 10
    Rate this:
    out of 10
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

  3. Characters remaining: 5000 out of 5000

view
per page
  1. erica
    Nov 20, 2010
    10
    movies too often try to be realistic, the big brother of movie form. Face off, is a movie that moves beyond realism to the sublimely ridiculous. The fantasy of a five year old on crack. What sort of genuisly muddled mind come up with a plot that simutaneoulsy dumbs and enthrawls a watchers mind? John Travolta shines in a way you would never expect, but possibly this means he shines in nicholas cages skin. How am i to review when i am so confused. This confusion is the genuis, the genuis is the twist and turn the yes and the no of the watchers mind. The idea of identity, the idea of it being lost with ones name and body, the value of face. The value of ones face lost. What is really important? what really are you beyond the skin, face off to your expectactions, face off to the revelations, face off, because this movie asks, beyond face, what do you have to prove?… Expand
  2. NancyB.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    I'm a middle aged woman and this is my favorite movie of all time. The acting by Travolta and Cage is brilliant, as they assume each other's mannerisms and intonation. John Woo's directing is lively, yet thoughtful and poetic. I have been left with several enduring images, such as Cage alighting from the car with his overcoat blowing in the breeze as he saunters to the beat of the music. That single image makes it clear that he is a bad guy who feels on top of his universe. The action scene of shooting at the penthouse is bloody and violent, yet artful. I think this is Travolta's best work ever. Joan Allen as his wife was a great casting choice. His daughter's transformation throughout the film was fun to watch. I think the reason I loved this film is that it is an interesting story, well-acted, superbly directed and it shows the emotional side of the characters as well.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. [Anonymous]
    Sep 25, 2005
    9
    Damn near perfect action movie. In the days of Matrix bullettime, this one holds its own ground. When the action isn't rolling, there's something else filling the screen, particularly the way Troy and Archer fill the gaps in each other's lives. Cage and travolta are perfect in each other's roles, or themselves, or...just watch it! Nearly puts Mi2 to shame.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. MattC.
    Oct 6, 2005
    0
    How many poor souls this movie has hoodwinked! Epic hams Cage and Travolta maul the scenery; they do not act as much as make spectacles of themselves. The plot is riveted with as many bulletholes as there are at the end of a cliched Woo action scene. Once second Cage is on an oil rig in the ocean-- the next he is on dry land. Enough with the doves, Woo; it's tired.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  5. JodyM.
    Dec 5, 2006
    9
    This is one of my favourite movies of all time, sure it may be cliched, but I still love it. The action was intense and the story was solid. And Matt, if your going to give it a zero, please justify. You have to some extent, but come on! A zero!?!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. PatC.
    May 4, 2006
    7
    The most startling thing is Travolta and Cage playing each other as they swap roles in the movie. I don't remember much else about the movie, just that those boys can act!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. Gray
    Oct 7, 2005
    9
    Easily the best of Woo's American works. Emotionally powerful as well as being chock full of great action scenes.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. Gripa1992
    Dec 8, 2011
    9
    The fact that this movie is listed as a crime thriller is a crime in of itself, because Face/Off is easily one of the best comedies the 1990's has to offer. The movie is full of so many rediciulous elements that are so damaging to the senses, it's impossible to turn away. If you take this film seriously as a drama you will become so blind with fury that you'll drown your own children in a bath tub filled with beef entrails and your sister in-law's placenta because of the hanis writing, directing, and acting...and/or share the intellectual capacity of an autistic blueberry bush. Based solely on the merit of comic relief and sheer entertainment, Face/Off scores a 9 in my book for reasons that are beyond our tangible world.… Expand
prev next
Page:
  • 1

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    90
    Woo's third Hollywood movie, Face/Off, is the first to balance his visual imagination with the emotional intensity of his Hong Kong films.
    Read full review
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    The high-tech stuff is flawlessly done, but the intriguing elements of the movie involve the performances.
    Read full review
  3. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    75
    Woo, who is known and appreciated for his unique stylistic approach to violence and bloodshed, creates a kinetic ballet of bullets and explosions that drives the adrenaline level through the roof.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »