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Enemy of the State

"It's not paranoia if they're really after you."

1998-11-20 Action 2hr 12m

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.

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Enemy of the State
Amazon Video

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Storyline

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.

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Cast

Will Smith

Will Smith

Robert Clayton Dean
Jon Voight

Jon Voight

Reynolds
Regina King

Regina King

Carla Dean
Jason Lee

Jason Lee

Daniel Zavitz
Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet

Rachel Banks
Stuart Wilson

Stuart Wilson

Congressman Albert
Laura Cayouette

Laura Cayouette

Christa Hawkins
Ian Hart

Ian Hart

Bingham
James Le Gros

James Le Gros

Jerry Miller
Dan Butler

Dan Butler

Shaffer
Jack Black

Jack Black

Fiedler
Anna Gunn

Anna Gunn

Emily Reynolds
Rebeca Silva

Rebeca Silva

Marie the Nanny
Carl Mergenthaler

Carl Mergenthaler

Mike (Law Firm)
Mattias Kraemer

Mattias Kraemer

Gas Station Cashier
Lillo Brancato

Lillo Brancato

Young Worker
John Capodice

John Capodice

Older Worker #1
Vic Manni

Vic Manni

Vic (Old Mobster)
Ivana Miličević

Ivana Miličević

Ruby's Sales Clerk
Patsy Grady Abrams

Patsy Grady Abrams

Accident Bystander
Beatriz Mayoral

Beatriz Mayoral

Reynold's Nanny
Kasey Lynn Quinn

Kasey Lynn Quinn

Reynold's Daughter
Allison Sie

Allison Sie

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John Cenatiempo

John Cenatiempo

Young Mobster #1
Frank Medrano

Frank Medrano

Bartender
Dennis Sean Fahey

Dennis Sean Fahey

Cop with Ambulance
Lennox Brown

Lennox Brown

Tunnel Maintenance Worker
Martin Bosworth

Martin Bosworth

Bike Messenger
Nancy Yee

Nancy Yee

Mrs. Wu
Troy A. Cephers

Troy A. Cephers

ANA Hotel Security
Carlos Gómez

Carlos Gómez

FBI Agent
Arnie Alpert

Arnie Alpert

FBI Agent
Greg Collins

Greg Collins

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Doug Roberts

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Larry King

Larry King

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Warren Olney

Warren Olney

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Penny Griego

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Eric Keung

Mambo Kitchen Worker #1
David Han

David Han

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Mandy Kriss

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Reporter #1
Noel Werking

Noel Werking

Reporter #2
Sam De Crispino

Sam De Crispino

Reporter #3
Rhonda Overby

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Field Reporter #1
Lillie Shaw Hamer

Lillie Shaw Hamer

Field Reporter #2
Brenna McDonough

Brenna McDonough

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Daniel Cano

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Hallway Lawyer
Joy Ehrlich

Joy Ehrlich

Mom In Diner
Eric Olson

Eric Olson

Aide #1
Steve Uhrig

Steve Uhrig

Electronics Store Employee
Michael James Walker

Michael James Walker

Union Official
Jackilyn Ward

Jackilyn Ward

Pintero's Sister
Jason Welch

Jason Welch

Pintero Kid #1
Joshua Ward

Joshua Ward

Pintero Kid #2
Pete Sutton

Pete Sutton

Dean House Cop
Tom Quinn

Tom Quinn

Tunnel Technician
Robert O'Rourke

Robert O'Rourke

FBI Observer #1
John Allendorfer

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FBI Observer #2
Henry Sandler

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FBI Observer #3
Chris Holt

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Chris Holt
Andre Blair

Andre Blair

Stand-In for Mr. Smith
Greg Goossen

Greg Goossen

Stand-In for Mr. Hackman
Seth Green

Seth Green

Selby (uncredited)
Tom Sizemore

Tom Sizemore

Boss Paulie Pintero (uncredited)
Brian Markinson

Brian Markinson

Brian Blake (uncredited)
Philip Baker Hall

Philip Baker Hall

Mark Silverberg (uncredited)
Jason Robards

Jason Robards

Congressman Phillip Hammersley (uncredited)

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Movie Reviews

Reviews for Enemy of the State
reviewer avatar

A Review by YouShouldKnow 9

Written by YouShouldKnow on 2017-10-25

What was just a movie then is quickly becoming reality now. With the erosion of our rights and privacy online, this movie should have served... read more

What was just a movie then is quickly becoming reality now. With the erosion of our rights and privacy online, this movie should have served as a harbinger of a world we do not want to live in. We are introduced to the same arguments politicians, the wealthy and the agencies brought forth after the terror attacks we endured. The exact same rhetoric is used in this film ("if you have nothing to hide..."). At times, it looks like the real world emulates fiction or worse, this film was a blue print. From a protagonist unaware or unwilling to see the state of affairs, who's unwittingly caught in the path of bad guys, to what might then have been a tinfoil hat wearing, paranoid conspiracy theorist, but would now (post Snowden) be a a very concerned citizen, this film has what it needs to tell a good story. What's great too is the ending, which is bittersweet. It reflects pretty well what goes on in the highest spheres where the working class has little to no influence. All in all, a great film for everybody.

reviewer avatar

A Review by Wuchak 8

Written by Wuchak on 2018-06-02

Fast-paced surveillance-oriented action/thriller with Will Smith, Gene Hackman and Jon Voight RELEASED IN 1998 and directed by Tony Scott... read more

Fast-paced surveillance-oriented action/thriller with Will Smith, Gene Hackman and Jon Voight RELEASED IN 1998 and directed by Tony Scott, "Enemy of the State” is an action/crime/thriller starring Will Smith as a DC lawyer who unknowingly apprehends evidence of a serious crime involving a formidable politician (Jon Voight) and is subsequently targeted by his NSA goons (Jack Black, Seth Green, etc.) and heavies (Scott Caan, Jake Busey, etc.). He ultimately partners with an ex-NSA surveillance curmudgeon (Gene Hackman). The quick-editing is akin to other popular action flicks of the era, like “Armageddon” (1998), but it’s done expertly and there are enough lulls in the relentless action and character-developing moments to prevent it from being overkill. The surveillance element and Hackman bring to mind Coppola’s “The Conversation” (1974), but the story moves way faster, has more thrills and the characters are more interesting. Lisa Bonet (Jason Momoa’s babe) is stunning as the protagonist’s secret connection and former woman-on-the-side while Regina King is capable as the wife. There are several teases of ravishing women on the periphery. This is a gripping, action-packed thriller that has quality characters and is entertaining throughout. The creators took the time & effort to throw in inspired little gems, like “Baby” the friendly orange & white cat (I have a cat just like him). Smith and Hackman have great conflict-habituated but respectful camaraderie. THE MOVIE RUNS 2 hours, 12 minutes and was shot in Baltimore & Phoenix, Maryland; Washington DC; and Southern Cal (L.A., West Hollywood and Pasadena). WRITER: David Marconi. GRADE: A-

reviewer avatar

A Review by John Chard 9

Written by John Chard on 2020-07-18

The government's been in bed with the entire telecommunications industry since the forties. They've infected everything. Enemy of the Sta... read more

The government's been in bed with the entire telecommunications industry since the forties. They've infected everything. Enemy of the State is directed by Tony Scott and written by David Marconi. It stars Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Regina King and Lisa Bonet. Music is by Harry Gregson-Williams and Trevor Rabin, and cinematography by Dan Mindel. A lawyer becomes targeted by a corrupt politician and his N.S.A. goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a politically motivated murder. Superb action thriller, we find Tony Scott on fine story telling form, backed up by Smith (how great to see the actor and not the star) and the always awesome Hackman adding his character driven gravitas to the stew. We are frighteningly drawn into a very real hi-tech world, which in turns becomes thought provoking and intriguing. Scott knows how to work an action scene and edge of the seat sequences, and he doesn't disappoint here. The running time of 2 hours 10 minutes is arguably a touch too much, but there is never any moments of extraneous sequences or pointless filler, the screenplay ensures that all conversations and character activities mean something, and therefore should be noted. A hot buck roll call of rising actors are in on the fun, namely Barry Pepper, Scott Caan, Jake Busey, Jamie Kennedy and Jack Black, which leaves us with a smart and thrilling pic that's served at a breakneck pace. Enemy of the State delivers wholesome genre entertainment. 9/10

reviewer avatar

A Review by Geronimo1967 6

Written by Geronimo1967 on 2022-07-08

Poor Jason Lee ("Zavitz") has only the smallest of parts in this film, yet in the few minutes he is on screen (before he is squished in a ro... read more

Poor Jason Lee ("Zavitz") has only the smallest of parts in this film, yet in the few minutes he is on screen (before he is squished in a road accident) he manages to dump unsuspecting lawyer "Dean" (Will Smith) into an whole world of pain. Why? Well we already know what happened regarding the mysterious death of "Congressman Hammersley" (Jason Robards) but unfortunately for the killers, a video camera used for monitoring bird life caught them in the act. "Zavitz" managed to pass the tape to "Dean" and soon the considerable resources of the NSA are shutting down his credits cards, testing his already precariously balanced marriage and setting him up for a fall as they desperately try to retrieve this incriminating evidence. Luckily, though, he alights on maverick "Lyle" (Gene Hackman) and they start to come up with a strategy to fight back and trap their nemesis "Reynolds" (Jon Voight). There are a few sub-plots - but essentially this is just a vehicle for Will Smith to do what he always does and there is nothing remarkable about that. Hackman joins late and does inject a little class into this otherwise by-the-numbers political thriller that serves as a conspiracy theorist's wet dream and sees Voight just reminding me of his "Mission Impossible" (1996) persona. I did quite like the premiss of the ending, but it really bordered on the spoof upon execution. Nobody can sustain it for 2¼ hours, it sags often and even the tag-team pursuit scenes and the slowest self-destruct sequence I think I've ever seen really don't invigorate it. Watchable on the television on a wet winter's night, but nothing more memorable than that I'm afraid.

reviewer avatar

A Review by mooney240 7

Written by mooney240 on 2022-10-28

**Enemy of the State is an underrated action thriller that might not innovate the genre but definitely entertains!** A paranoid conspirac... read more

**Enemy of the State is an underrated action thriller that might not innovate the genre but definitely entertains!** A paranoid conspiracy action thriller with Tony Scott flair. Scott has directed some of my favorite movies, and while this one isn’t on the top of my list, it’s still a fantastic suspense espionage flick with all the government secrecy of Jason Bourne but without most of the action. Will Smith and Gene Hackman struggle to escape the tightening net of corrupt government officials and mercenaries and can only survive by using their own surveillance and subterfuge against them. Enemy of the State might not bring anything new to the genre, but it is one of the better wrongfully accused crooked politician movies out there. While the technology of the film was advanced at the time, it is now dated, but thankfully, it doesn’t distract much from the overall film. From the director of Top Gun and Man on Fire, Enemy of the State is an entertaining, fast-paced thriller with a hint of Christmas.

reviewer avatar

A Review by SoSmooth1982 8

Written by SoSmooth1982 on 2023-05-15

I love a good conspiracy movie. Especially when it's a well thought out one. This movie was well thought out and had the perfect actors to d... read more

I love a good conspiracy movie. Especially when it's a well thought out one. This movie was well thought out and had the perfect actors to do it.

reviewer avatar

A Review by RalphRahal 8

Written by RalphRahal on 2025-01-30

Enemy of the State is an intense thriller that still holds up today, maybe even more so with how technology and surveillance have evolved. T... read more

Enemy of the State is an intense thriller that still holds up today, maybe even more so with how technology and surveillance have evolved. The pacing is spot-on, keeping things moving without feeling rushed or dragging. Sure, the technical details are wildly inaccurate, but that doesn't really matter when the movie is this engaging. Watching it now, a lot of what seemed far-fetched back in 1998 doesn’t feel as impossible anymore, which makes it even more compelling. Will Smith carries the film effortlessly, balancing charm, panic, and determination in a way that keeps you invested. Then there's Brill, played by Gene Hackman, who adds that perfect mix of paranoia and experience, making their dynamic one of the highlights. The cinematography does a great job shifting perspectives at just the right moments, pulling you into the feeling of always being watched. It’s not flawless, and there are some odd creative choices here and there, but nothing that takes away from the experience. The sound design and score are decent, though nothing particularly memorable, which works fine since it doesn’t take anything away from the film. What really makes Enemy of the State work is its energy and tension, it never lets up, and it keeps you engaged the whole way through. If you’re into high-stakes thrillers with a strong cast and a story that feels more relevant now than when it first came out, this one is definitely worth revisiting.

Read Full Review (The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely those of the reviewer.)
A Review by YouShouldKnow

What was just a movie then is quickly becoming reality now. With the erosion of our rights and privacy online, this movie should have served as a harbinger of a world we do not want to live in. We are introduced to the same arguments pol...

reviewer avatar

A Review by YouShouldKnow 9

Written by YouShouldKnow on 2017-10-25

What was just a movie then is quickly becoming reality now. With the erosion of our rights and privacy online, this movie should have served as a harbinger of a world we do not want to live in. We ...

read more
reviewer avatar

A Review by Wuchak 8

Written by Wuchak on 2018-06-02

Fast-paced surveillance-oriented action/thriller with Will Smith, Gene Hackman and Jon Voight RELEASED IN 1998 and directed by Tony Scott, "Enemy of the State” is an action/crime/thriller starring ...

read more
reviewer avatar

A Review by John Chard 9

Written by John Chard on 2020-07-18

The government's been in bed with the entire telecommunications industry since the forties. They've infected everything. Enemy of the State is directed by Tony Scott and written by David Marconi. I...

read more
reviewer avatar

A Review by Geronimo1967 6

Written by Geronimo1967 on 2022-07-08

Poor Jason Lee ("Zavitz") has only the smallest of parts in this film, yet in the few minutes he is on screen (before he is squished in a road accident) he manages to dump unsuspecting lawyer "Dean" (...

read more
reviewer avatar

A Review by mooney240 7

Written by mooney240 on 2022-10-28

**Enemy of the State is an underrated action thriller that might not innovate the genre but definitely entertains!** A paranoid conspiracy action thriller with Tony Scott flair. Scott has directed ...

read more
reviewer avatar

A Review by SoSmooth1982 8

Written by SoSmooth1982 on 2023-05-15

I love a good conspiracy movie. Especially when it's a well thought out one. This movie was well thought out and had the perfect actors to do it....

read more
reviewer avatar

A Review by RalphRahal 8

Written by RalphRahal on 2025-01-30

Enemy of the State is an intense thriller that still holds up today, maybe even more so with how technology and surveillance have evolved. The pacing is spot-on, keeping things moving without feeling ...

read more