Overview

Under Siege is one of the definitive ’90s action thrillers — a mix of Die Hard intensity and naval warfare. Steven Seagal stars as Casey Ryback, a former Navy SEAL turned ship’s cook aboard the USS Missouri. When a group of mercenaries led by a rogue ex-CIA agent (Tommy Lee Jones) hijacks the battleship with plans to steal its nuclear arsenal, Ryback becomes the crew’s only hope. Using his combat expertise and stealth, he launches a one-man war to take back the ship.

Highlights

Steven Seagal delivers his most iconic performance — calm, efficient, and lethal — in a role perfectly suited to his martial-arts-driven action style.

Tommy Lee Jones steals the spotlight as the eccentric and menacing villain, bringing charisma and chaos to every scene.

Gary Busey adds unpredictable energy as the unhinged executive officer aiding the hijackers.

Director Andrew Davis (who later helmed The Fugitive) crafts taut pacing, explosive set pieces, and authentic military tension.

The blend of confined-space action, strong villains, and expert hand-to-hand combat makes it one of the best Die Hard-inspired films of the decade.

Verdict

Under Siege stands as a classic of the action genre — sharp, suspenseful, and packed with explosive thrills. With Seagal at his peak and Tommy Lee Jones delivering one of his most entertaining performances, it remains a high point in ’90s action cinema.

Rating: 8.1/10