Lord of War

I like Nicholas Cage movies, although the Weatherman is not what I would classify as a movie, more like a huge train wreck, were bodies and all were caught on film and then labeled as the Weatherman. More or less, most his Nick Cages movies are pretty good. He is a good overall actor and is one of the few men that can handle the lead role in a movie and be basically the sole good character in an entire production such as I felt was the case in 8mm. I wanted to see Lord of War when it came out in the theaters, but since I never got that chance I had to wait until it came out on DVD and lets just say that Im glad that I waited and didnt pay 8 bucks, and instead rented it for $3.99 at Blockbuster. Not to say that Lord of War is a bad movie, because it isnt, but what I think really hinders most of Cages movies is that they are one-dimensional. The development of the storyline of LOW is good and pretty basic. And action scenes are decent, but what really gets me about this film is that it jumps around from one story line to the next. At one point in the movie Cages character is selling his first machine gun in the bedroom of a hotel, the gentlemen buying the gun from Cage takes the gun out of the case and holds it to Cages head, as if we to display that is a very dangerous business to be in. I think that is a given, considering that it is illegal arms dealing and every body that are going to encounter in this business is breaking the law of every country throughout the world that has a legit government. The next thing you know Cage is at a worldwide conference of arms, and arm smuggling. What struck me is how he went from small time, one gun at a time dealer to rubbing arms with the big wheels of the business just like that. I would have liked a little bit more detail of how you become the Lord of War. Of course, just like in any business contacts are the most important aspect and that is defiantly true it the arm running business as this movie plainly shows. But I believe that there is not enough detail in the movie of how the relationships are started, maintained and carried out in a business, which could land you years behind bars throughout most of the world. Cage is simply too cool throughout the movie in a business that probably gets a lot of people killed each year. And to me that coolness factor played well in a movie like Matchstick Men, when the stakes were relatively low(a few million dollars) versus this movie where he played the middleman by selling weapons that killed thousands of people in many countries throughout the world. To me, this movie needed a leading man more like out of the Harrison Ford type, rigid, rough, strong and could be a totally nice guy that would blow your brains out if he needed to. The type of guy that you could trust if you were going to make a deal with him, but that you would not mind taking out because he was a totally jerk and you didnt care for him in the first place. LOW is a three and half star movie that could have had better story development, character development and perhaps could have been rolled into two movies considering that the subject of the movie is a large one. But then again, how many other movies are about American men of Russian decent selling gun on a worldwide level? Not many, and that is why I think a better job could have been done making this one.

This is one of those movies that if I see is on, I will sit down and continue watching it like Ive never seen it before. The whole story is absolutely incredible and also fascinating that it is inspired by someone out there....

A fictional movie about real life events. Captivating all throughout. If you are looking at the reviews. You owe it to yourself to give it a watch.

The Good Things *Complex, all-encompassing story thats thrilling and interesting throughout. *Very strong, thought-provoking themes (especially concerning the moral implications of gun trafficking, the corruptive nature of crime, world governments role in worldwide violence, and many other eye-opening topics). *Lots of memorable scenes and imagery that reinforce the various themes. Good filming style. *Excellent characters. Nicholas Cage provides both witty humor and bleak moral commentary. *Some parts are exceptionally detailed and realistic; it is clear that the filmmakers did their research. Good writing. *Good sound and music design. The Bad Things *Some themes really are convoluted, especially regarding the main character. Even though he looses everything, he never really suffers any legal punishment and never learns from his mistakes, and continues to smuggle guns. *Not sure if the film is really politically or socially accurate. I could summarize this as Scarface with guns instead of drugs, but such a comparison is really too simple. Although Yuri (Nicholas Cage) has many of the same traits as Tonny Montanna, he is a very different character, full of wit and wisdom that contrasts with his lack of morality. This film also differentiates itself with vivid settings (both physical and political), a strong filming style, and some very revealing themes. This film portrays many of the problems in developing countries, and explores the issues surrounding them. By the end of it, it leaves you bleakly pondering about the worlds situation. I would definately reccomend to everybody to at least rent this movie.

By no means am I a huge fan of Nicolas Cage but this is by far one of his better movies.

trash

I thought it was a good movie.i saw it for the first time when it came to theaters, so its been awhile. Just finished it & I still dig it ! Nicholas Cage & Ethan Hawke in the gun running business,with Hawke running off the rails (coincidentally by doing lots of em) with a drug problem,causing friction between brothers and potentially ruining Cages business. He is soon pitted against some of the fiercest enemies that he deals with. Lot of story telling,lots of action. All in all of you like war movies then get this,its an excellent film. The vast cast is good,acting is top notch,and man...theres So many gorgeous weapons. Buy it,I got mine for 4$(including shippi mg)

Upon my sons recommendation I watched Lord of War. I had never heard of the movie so I was a little skeptical. I found the movie extremely well done and enjoyed it. As disturbing as the portrayal of the arms business was, I was even more captivated by the fact that what was in the movie seemed that it could be very reflective of real life. I would recommend the movie.

well since i read this morning that they finally arrested to my dismay the inspiration to this film victor bout, this is going to be an even more classic than i initially thought! they obv took several steps to disguise his real identitiy in the film. but wow... i cant believe the bulltrash our government did to catch this guy.... i mean the reality is he knows too much and theyre going to silence him... the best way they know how, humiliation and isolation. worse then assassination. great great great movie, an eye opening true story made even more real by the re-arrest of the real victor bout....BUY IT NOW .. weather ur a christian minister, a judge, a cop, a doctor, a construction worker, a drug dealer, or a teenager THIS MOVIE WILL TEACH U THINGS ABOUT REALITY AND LIFE!!!!!! a insightfull look into the correlation between black ops and other completely immoral government world politics and business.........and the best part is its a true story... like blow and casino, only IMMENSELY MORE RELEVANT

This movie wastes all the potential of a great story. Horribly mis-cast, Nicolas Cage just doesnt have the gravitas to play a gun dealer. Hes often up-staged by lesser character actors who do a great job. The story begins in NYC with Cages character realizing he can make money selling guns. From there its off to the races as he makes ever bigger deals, including some with his uncle who happens to be a general in the Ukraine, when the Soviet Union collapses and theres tons of guns, tanks, and helicopters to be had for the price of a bribe. Cage drags along his addict of a little brother as hes pursued by a determined interpol agent who shows up from time to time. Cage frequently escapes in the most absurd ways. Theres the typical love interest, again, wasted potential and story time. Most amazing is that this movie comes from the same director as Gattaca and The Truman Show. Clearly the man knows what hes doing. One has to wonder, what was he thinking, making this piece with a good actor but in the wrong role? Save your money and petition for a re-make with heavy duty people who can carry the heavy load of a gun runner risking it all. The only saving grace is the first few minutes as you see bullets being made. One of the best opening title sequences ever. After that…. yawn and giggle.