Battle in Seattle

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Actors: Ray Liotta , Woody Harrelson , Joshua Jackson , Charlize Theron , Michelle Rodriguez , Rade Serbedzija , Connie Nielsen , Channing Tatum , Ivana Milicevic , Tzi Ma , Isaach De Bankole , Martin Henderson , André Benjamin , Christopher Jacot , Jennifer Carpenter

Director: Stuart Townsend

IMDB Rate: 7 out of 10 (4303 votes)

Plot Summary:For five days in 1999, all eyes were on Seattle. Irish actor Stuart Townsend makes his directorial debut with a multi-character recreation of the World Trade Organizations ill-fated U.S. conference. If the structure recalls Crash and Babel, Townsend intensifies the you-are-there quality through well-integrated archival footage. The docudrama opens with the arrival of a group of anti-globalization activists, led by Jay (The Rings Martin Henderson), whose compatriots include Lou (Losts Michelle Rodriguez) and Django (Outkasts Andr 3000 Benjamin, who provides a welcome dose of humor). As fictional Mayor Jim Tobin (Ray Liotta, wearing a touch too much eyeliner) tries to maintain order, TV reporter Jean (Connie Nielsen) strives for objectivity, police officer Woody Harrelson attempts to carry out the mayors orders, and Dales pregnant wife, Ella (Charlize Theron, Townsends real-life girlfriend), just hopes to make it home in one piece (she gets stuck downtown at the height of the skirmish). Townsend admits he was inspired by Medium Cool, which filmmaker Haskell Wexler shot during 1968s Democratic National Convention. Paul Greengrasss Bloody Sunday also seems like a possible influence, and Greengrass regular Barry Ackroyd serves as cinematographer. If the characters rarely come alive the way they should, the action sequences easily convince, which is particularly impressive considering the bulk of filming took place in nearby Vancouver, B.C. A true labor of love, Battle in Seattle presents a more balanced view than most accounts to date--even if Townsend ultimately (and understandably) sides with the peaceful protesters and passionate Third World representatives.