How
does China “fight terrorism?” By condemning hundreds of thousands of innocent Uyghurs
from East Turkestan to concentration camps. As for Russia, they do their utmost
to prop up terrorist-sponsoring states, like Syria and Iran. Yet, both have
permanent seats on the UN Security council, so both are part of a decidedly
fictional 5-nation anti-terrorism military force. Credibility takes a backseat
to courting the Chinese and Russian box offices throughout Mike Gunther’s Rogue Warfare, which releases today on
DVD.
As
the film opens, the unnamed POTUS puts his John Hancock on the “Rogue” military
pact with the UK, France, Russia, and China. He harkens back to the day when
all five nations aligned to fight the Axis powers (declining to mention Russia
initially sided with Hitler—ask Poland about that). They are tasked with
fighting extreme Islamist terrorist, but Gunther’s screenplay doesn’t even have
the guts to call out Daesh or Al-Qaeda. Instead, they will be tracking a
“rogue” terrorist organization known as the Black Masks.
Still,
watching the free and not-the-least-bit free worlds take on generic Islamist terror
could still be entertaining, but the inter-team dynamics seem to be carefully
calibrated to kill any joy that could come from this film. Naturally, the Brit
is a trigger-happy jerk who has utter contempt for teamwork, while Chinese and
Russian members always play well with others.
Even
more problematic, at least half the film feels like it is devoted the
terrorists’ “Supreme Leader” as he airs his grievances and screeds. Frankly,
this film starts to feel like recruiting propaganda for anti-Western terrorist
groups. It would be offensive, if it weren’t so dull.
It
is all quite a crying shame, because there is a pent-up demand for terrorism
thrillers that have respect for freedom and Western values. At least, there are
a few decent action scenes in between Supremo’s pontificating. Taipei-born
Fernando Chien does some particularly nice work as the knife-wielding Xu (from
the other China). Unfortunately, the steely Will Yun Lee is totally wasted as
Daniel, the Rogue Team leader. The same is true for Stephen Lang (who is
perfectly cast as the President). Only Chris Mulkey makes any kind of hay as
their commanding officer, Brisco.
What
a bitter disappointment. The premise is bogus and the execution is woefully
misguided. Even the ending is deeply unsatisfying. Definitely not recommended, Rogue Warfare releases today (12/3) on
DVD.