Under Siege, released in theaters on October 9, 1992 is one of the signature action films of the ‘90s, a tense, explosive thriller that transformed Steven Seagal from martial arts star into a mainstream hero. Director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive) crafts a suspenseful, tight narrative where ordinary settings and extraordinary skills collide—making for some of the decade’s most iconic big-screen mayhem.
The story unfolds aboard the USS Missouri, a battleship on its final voyage before decommissioning.
Casey Ryback (Seagal), a cook who is preparing a celebration for the captain—and quickly finds himself in the crosshairs when Commander Krill (Gary Busey) brings on board a musical act and caterers, who turn out to be mercenaries led by the flamboyant and lethal ex-CIA operative William Strannix (Tommy Lee Jones).
Their plot: seize the ship and sell its nuclear-armed Tomahawk missiles to the highest bidder, plunging the world into chaos.
With the crew locked away and most officers murdered, Ryback escapes confinement and employs his secret history as an elite Navy SEAL. He forms an unlikely alliance with Jordan Tate (Erika Eleniak), a performer meant for the party, and moves through the ship’s decks using knives, explosives, kitchen tools, and sheer ingenuity.
In a relentless series of battles and sabotage, Ryback systematically thwarts the terrorists, unravels Krill and Strannix’s plot, and finally faces the deadly duo in edge-of-your-seat confrontations.
Through tense cat-and-mouse games and ingenious improvisation, every moment elevates the stakes without ever feeling forced, culminating in a showdown that cements Seagal’s legend as an action hero.
Seagal brings stoic intensity and physical confidence to Ryback, making him an unexpectedly charismatic defender.
Jones is gloriously unhinged as Strannix, blending menace and black comedy.
Patrick O’Neal, Colm Meany, Andy Romano, Dale Dye, Nick Mancuso, Bernie Casey, Dennis Lipscomb, Raymond Cruz and Tom Wood round out the cast.
Davis keeps action tight, blending fast-paced shootouts and innovative set pieces with crisp editing.
The confined setting of a battleship amplifies the film’s suspense, using claustrophobic corridors and high-tech weaponry for an unrelenting, creative series of confrontations.
Tommy Lee Jones in Under Siege (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Under Siege
Under Siege grossed $15.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would remain atop the box office for four weeks en route to grossing $156.6 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Under Siege earned Academy Award nominations for Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Sound.
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory was released on July 14, 1995, with Seagal returning as Ryback. Romano, Mancuso and Dye all reprised their roles in the sequel that failed to duplicate the original’s success.
Legacy
Under Siege is widely considered the finest film in Seagal’s career and its success cemented Seagal as an action staple and inspired countless imitators, but few matched its blend of clever plotting, memorable villains, and sheer entertainment.
Even decades later, the film holds its place as both a time capsule of ‘90s action cinema and a high-water mark for contained thrillers—proving sometimes the cook is the deadliest man on board.
