

Lord of War
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Dr. Karl O. Edwards
> 3 dayLord of War is a wake up call for all people; it is a movie that emotionally effects the viewer and spotlights the reality of war that the mass media, educational systems, and social structure do not want you to understand. The first time I viewed this movie I found myself in complete disbelief that Hollywood had actually been able to release this film, because it is the ultimate Reality show: so truthful it is scary. In fact, without the cynical, often gut-wrenching, humor, the film would be too real to consider entertainment. I believe that it is this ultra realism that has lead to reviews that are, as stated by another reviewer, NAIVE--or cynical at best. That there are more reviews with four or fewer stars attests to the inability/refusal of viewers to pay attention to what they are watching. Lord of War is definitely not pure, unabashed indulgence of ones senses, but a film that requires listening and watching--engaging the film; not passing the time. As a former Combat Engineer Officer who was courted more than a few times by gun buyers and mercenaries--no I never got involved--I can assure you, like Robert D. Steele in his review, I have seen it all; and to the degree that I was ordered to abandon and bury weapons, ammunitions, and other military equipment, I was an unwilling participant in bringing war to others. The script is superb; the acting is so seamless, that it is easy to see how other reviewers describe the acting as something short of completely poor performances. Again, Robert D. Steele puts it most succinctly: This is a first rate movie with some truly extraordinary visuals and some truly extraordinary lines. It is unfortunate that politics, personal beliefs, and a general lack of interest in understanding the world we live in must overwhelm potential viewers interest, and thereby distract or prevent them from viewing, such a distinctly unique and powerful movie as Lord of War. When you watch the film, instead of thinking there is no way it could happen, stop and ask yourself: If this is really happening, what does it mean to me, my family, and my friends--not to mention nation? Then look at the research and the facts out there, and you will see that Lord of War is truly entertainment (at its best) imitating reality; that Lord of War is a movie you can watch over and over as a reality check that entertains and engages you, the viewer. Additionally, the 2-Disc Special Edition provides documentary follow-up to the statements and information made in the movie. While these features were not news to me, they have proven very beneficial for helping others who view the film as too far fetched to be true, despite their keen awareness of my past and knowledge of such events. They definitely add to the credibility of the movie for many. So, hopefully, more people will be encouraged to venture into true reality, and view this film--either for the first time, or with a new understanding of what the Lord of War is about. Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.
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Nikolai Ivanov
> 3 dayJudging from the reviews (and, say, from an endorsement by Amnesty International), most people consider this movie as a movie about arms trade, especially about private arms dealers. The main character, Yuri Orlov, is such a dealer, and the movie tells the story of his life so far, so this is indeed correct to some extent. Unfortunately, the deeper aspects of the movie are hardly appreciated. For me, this movie is about Yuri Orlov, brilliantly played by Nicolas Cage, and about the complexity of human existence in the modern world (Milan Kundera) resulting from the modern technology. The other movies directed by Andrew Niccol, the director of Lord of War, are Gattaca, S1m0ne, and In time (all are also written by him). All of them are about the effects of future technology on human existence. They do not seriously overstep the borders of what is possible according to the modern science (in contrast with legions of others sci-fi movies). In Niccols movies the more advanced future technology is only a tool for focusing attention on some things already in place. It is not surprising at all that in one of his movies Andrew Niccol deals with an existing technology. This technology, mostly the Soviet machine-gun AK-47, is about 60-65 years old. It was a real breakthrough, and if one takes into account the cost and the ease of use, it may still be the best. AK-47 is the main merchandise Yuri Orlov is trading; mostly because trading in AK-47 is the best from purely business point of view. He would trade in jet fighters or nuclear submarines, if governments wouldnt reserve this more profitable trade for themselves. Near the end of the movie (this is not a spoiler) Orlovs wife asks him why he is doing this. He answers Im good at it. Here is one of the main problems of human existence: when somebody discovers that she or he is very good at something, the desire to do this is overwhelming. One may find this something to be morally objectionable, leading to a very boring life, or whatever. The desire to do things you are good at usually wins. Yuri Orlov is going to great lengths to fight his own feeling that his business is morally objectionable. It is sad that not only he almost succeeds, but that his arguments are valid and accepted by the governments and the society (both in the movie and in the real world). By this reason he continues his business instead of being behind bars, and is doomed to be tormented by his guilt. He got into such a miserable situation not because of wars, mass killings, or genocide here or there. All of this existed during the whole history of humankind. He was put into his position by the AK-47 and by more modern technologies enabling global trading. If not these technologies, he would have a life miserable in a different sense of the word, a life with an unrequested talent. Some people dislike the movie much enough as to say that it was a waste of $5.00 because it is anti-American. It is most resolutely not. Just before the final credits it said that the most of the arms trading is done not by American arms dealers and even not by the American government (as some are inclined to think). You may watch Lord of war as a purely political movie (it is exceptionally good as such), but then you should be ready for a lot of objectionable things in it, no matter what your political position is. The movie gives no definite answers, and does not put the blame squarely on Orlov personally, USA as the universal villain, or dissolution of the USSR, for example - name your own favorite. But there are no such answers. I watched Lord of War as a movie about Yuri Orlov. This wasnt my intention. I watched it only because it was directed by Andrew Niccol. It just turned out this way. It is great as a movie about a person with strange gift (all real gifts are strange) in our complex world. The performance of Nicolas Cage is one of the best in his career. He is way too often cast into a role of a cartoon character with high level of adrenalin (he is good at this, for sure). But Lord of war is one of the movies showing Nicolas Cage as a truly great actor (he is much better as Yuri Orlov than in his Oscar-winning performance in Leaving Las Vegas). The script by Andrew Niccol is brilliant. He manages to explain a lot in a couple of phrases and a minute of screen time (watch the development of the relations of Orlov with his wife). Usually I hate the voiceover; this is the first movie in which I found the voiceover to be not objectionable at all. The movie contains some subtle references to other movies, which are hard to notice while watching it for the first time. The most important ones are to Rumble fish (Francis Ford Coppola, 1983), and to Brazil (Terry Gilliam, 1985). They indicate the proper context for this movie. May be there is one more important reference. The nemesis of Yuri Orlov, an idealistic Interpol agent, is named Jack Valentine (played by Ethan Hawke). And there is Jill Valentine, a character from Resident Evil videogames and movies. It is very hard to believe that there are people such as Jack Valentine who have so much power as he has. This character is needed for the movie by the well justified standards of screenwriting. It is hard to go without an interpersonal conflict, and without a really good person such as Jack Valentine. But he is from a videogame. Actually, Jack Valentine personifies Orlovs conscience.
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Lloyd SoCal
> 3 dayHighly watchable, but it cannot match the classic Dr. Strangelove IMO, as some have claimed. Also, unlike some other Reviewers, the 1.78 Ratio worked perfectly & filled the entire Screen of my HD Widescreen TV using an LG Blu-Ray Player. Viewing in this Ratio is far superior to the chop formats. It seems like there is no in-between for Viewers/Reviewers of this Movie. Love it or Hate it, and count me in the Love Camp. Thats not because I like the Characters or the topic: I dont. But, it is because of the spellbinding characterizations & jarring implications. There is some subtlety but it is overcome by the Blunt-Force Trauma of the story -- beginning with the absolutely stunning & unforgettable opening Bullet sequence. I doubt that I will ever forget 3 Statements from Arms Dealer Yuris (Nicolas Cages) monologues. First, that: 1 person in 12 owns a Weapon, and he (& other Arms Dealers) want the other 11 for Customers. Next, he jokes that his biggest Competitor is the President of the United States. Finally I cannot forget his (new to me) concept that The AK-47 is the real Weapon of Mass Destruction. Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed Lord of War, and highly recommend it. It is very thought provoking. Also, all-in-all, this is a very serious Movie with comedic moments. It should be on every Adults Must-Watch List -- but it is absolutely not for the young ones. Im heading off to watch it again.
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TheRealPino
02-06-2025Received this movie today. Great movie. To my surprise it came with an ultraviolet copy of the movie my code expires on 2015! 8-) When i open my package which was undamaged i noticed that my Jewel case was busted in the corner. the disc was fine but it no longer closes in that corner. please see pics below. All in all i think it was a good buy if the case wasnt busted i would have given five stars.
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Lianna
> 3 dayThe story went very fast at the beginning and then began to drag a bit, I would recommend if you are interested in the gun trade
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Robert Brown
> 3 dayNicholas Cage: Need I say more? This is now my favorite NC movie, because of his wry, understated performance. Yes, wry and understated is what I said! Ethan Hawke is a good foil, but Nick carries the movie. Nuf said!
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sergiu
> 3 dayMakes me wanna do what he did
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Chase
> 3 dayCheck out Give Me Back My Action Movies podcast to hear the guys talk about the movie!
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Bob Evans
> 3 dayThis is a fantastic movie, without a doubt one of Cages best, maybe THE best. Great performances by everyone. This movie presents a stark view of the world that is unfortunately, very accurate. War is a big business and the ultimate in consumerism. It consumes everything. Vast munitions, equipment, structures and even people are swallowed by it.
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a burns
Greater than one weekAn exciting, twisting look at the underground arms industry. Pros -Cage does a wonderful job playing the nonplussed Lord of War. He is restrained and doesnt fall into the goofy cage category of some of his recent films -Niccols script is not overly political, but still touches on the situations and motivations that drive arms dealing -gorgeous cinematography, with a standout sequence through a drug tinged city at night Cons -Cage at times seems too calm with his narration delivery