Lord of War (2005)

Cage-Niccol Collaboration A Tour-De-Force

"Lord of War" is a crafty, deceptively powerful film that comes off as a black comedy, but when measured in full effect, also serves as a potent statement on world arms, cynicism, and the very human of mental conditions - rationalization.

The movie follows the career of Yuri Orlov, played by Cage, who steadily but artfully crafts a career as an arms merchant, eventually becoming one of the world's most successful at his trade. Along the way, he accumulates a trophy wife (beautifully played by Bridget Moynahan), his brother (played by Jared Leto) becomes a drug addict, he becomes rich beyond his wildest dreams, and he acquires a mortal enemy in a persistent Interpol agent, played by Ethan Hawke.

It is not an understatement to say that Yuri goes through cataclysmic changes, and loses his soul and humanity along the way. As amoral a creature as we have seen in recent films, he can make excuses and has an answer for everything he does. Cage plays him first as an ambitious hustler who gets in over his head, then as a savvy professional, and finally, as an amoral, venal, megalomaniac who only cares about himself and his business. Everything else is to be managed, lied to, and avoided.

Andrew Niccol has become quite savvy at writing and/or directing films that make very adept and pointed social commentary with films like Gattaca, The Truman Show, The Terminal, and Simone. But he may have topped himself with this film, which take a hard look at the buying and selling of arms like any other commodity. "The Lord of War" is a fine, provocative film that takes a hard look at how cheap life can become when money and power are in play. September 28, 2008

Outlaw Illegal Arms Sales Now ...

... but have some compassion on the criminals profiting, after all, it's the fault of governments and military leaders. This sums up the "deep" message of this "based on some real events" hollywood [sic] dribble.

We put off watching this one not long enough.

Oh, it is believable and there is little doubt in my mind that some similar activities do take place, but the only naive reviews, in my opinion, are the ones that see this crap as entertainment or somehow feel more enlightened by any movie, much less one that never claims to be a documentary. September 22, 2008

What an odd little message movie

Easily one of the worst movies ever. Subtle as a brick. If only weapons did not exist, it would be peace and love and sugar plum fairies all around, Ethan Hawke implies. Thankfully, this type of partisan message movie (Bush's fault!) has failed miserably the last few years. If you're seeking a leftie tirade, go for it. Otherwise, you'll hate yourself for spending a penny on this dog. September 18, 2008

Real life drama

For all they nay believers of this movie and gave 1-stars for the film for Hollywood-ism. I can assure you the truth of international arm dealing business is real. I have seen act of an acquaintance of a friend who deligently donates rolls of money to charities to wash away sin of her Jewish husband's bloody business. And yes, corruption exist in our government. September 10, 2008

Based on reality and truly scarier than one can imagine

This is yet another movie warning us of our current state of affairs in this world of war profiteering. Nicholas cage plays the roll of a War merchant who sells to anyone no matter what side they are on or who they harm. This story is based on a real life arms dealer adn real events occuring now. August 29, 2008

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