Lord of War (2005)
Strong drug use, strong coarse language, strong violence
Where there's a will, there's a weapon
Based on fact, Lord of War is an action adventure story, which follows the globetrotting exploits of arms dealer, Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage). Through some of the deadliest war zones, Yuri struggles to stay one step ahead of a relentless Interpol agent, Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke), his business rivals, even some of his customers who include many of the world’s most notorious dictators. Finally, Yuri must also face his own conscience.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 117mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: |
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (103)
103 Member
Reviews
cambob101
says
Thoroughly enjoyable, surprisingly thoughtful and thought-provoking film filled with action and the rise of an average guy who transforms himself into an international arms dealer. 4 stars
says
Based on the true story of arms dealer and "merchant of death", Viktor Bout. One of his associates, Richard Chichakli is soon to face Melbourne court. The US Govt is seeking his extradition. As for Victor Bout....Google him if you have to know. I recommend you see this movie as its an eye-opener to the reality of how things in our world unfortunately work. Beautifully shot and directed.
says
love Nicholas
Ewan
says
Great film
Khole
says
If you miss the point of the opening cinematic, you'll be bored with the film. If you get the initial message and bear that through the film you'll love it. I did.
This is not 'Snake Eyes' - its an awesome film.
Amanda
says
I fond this to be very boring,even my partner found it hard to stay interested..if you like guns then you will be interested but other than that very slow and boring.
seachange
says
Make sure you watch the making of extra.
Ironlady
says
Enjoyed this movie. Intense but a worthwhile viewing
Bren
says
Superb acting by Nicholas Cage, trading arms in the underworld and black markets. Lot of sadistic torture and killings bit hard to take and sad endings but then thats life in the fast lane
doddery76
says
a bit too long other wise very good
Patricia Duke
says
Good Movie but it did keep stoping and had to forward it
Lissa
says
Nicholas Cage always makes good watchable movies (well, nearly always). No exception.
Carmen
says
Quite a sad movie when you get to the end- not teary sad but just sad
rosie53
says
I thought this was just going to be another blokey shoot-em-up movie,but how wrong was I. A thought provoking movie based on actual events. Nicholas Cage kept us intrigued from the start, with the journey of the bullet. Quite simply he was a greedy man working for other,much more powerful greedy men. It's true, war does make a lot of people rich, but at what cost. Call me naiive but doesn't it make more sense to put all that energy & money into helping each other. Watch this movie then watch Invictus & see what I mean.
Antony D.
says
WOW
very scary movie, not because it is shocking, but because it is true.
The extra features are also worth to watch. Actually I recomend to watch the part about the international arms trade first, then watch the movie.
All people that watch this, should think about where humanity is heading.....
NICK
says
One of the best movies I have seen. I have seen it 5 times and I would gladly watch it again. It is the sad truth that wars will never stop in this world because there is a lot of greety people out there, who make a lot of money out of it.
Peter D.
says
Was mildly enjoyable - only reasonable acting
Steven
says
don't bother, luckily after the first 40 mins i did'nt, like most people said the bullet effect at the begining was ace after that it goes down hill very fast, last time i pick a move cus Nicolas cage is in it
Katrina R.
says
I enjoyed this movie and it is a hard hitting fact that this is still happening out there in our world today. I was shocked to know that this movie was based on real life events and that some of the most poweful world leaders are involed in this gun smuggling racket. I hate to think what could happen to this world if they all pissed one another off.....
I think this is a very educational dvd and i think everyone should take a look at this dvd as it certinaly and eye opener thats for sure.
Carl R.
says
One word, AWESOME
Jan K.
says
It was probably very good if you're into that type of movie - I'm not, and found it quite boring I'm afraid
Judith B.
says
Very good
Frances A.
says
Really good movie.
Laura B.
says
Nice to watch a movie as controversial as this, in a black and white approach. Makes you think about the state of the world and how they believe a gun can resolve their "problems"
Nic Cage, brilliant as always (well except for that twangy accent in Conair!)
Melinda H.
says
A thought provoking film that leaves you feeling rather sombre, this is well-made with an excellent pace. Nicholas Cage is at his best here, convincing and entertaining, likeable despite fundamentally being the worst of villains. The characters are interesting although the storyline with the brother gets rather muddied and isn't convincingly picked up again for the dramatic conclusion. Certainly not a party film or a "feel good" option, but it is a strong film, entertaining and interesting.
Mark S.
says
Decent movie, one of the best from Nic Cage for some time (and thankfully he leaves the erratic/neurotic character potrayal at home this time).
Great topic - well acted and a good cast, it's just a shame that there's a few holes in the script at times.... although it's BASED on a true events, you do find yourself saying "that wouldn't have really happened", and "people don't talk/act like that" at times...
Worth a watch - not sure on worth a watch a second time.
Henry D.
says
A great movie, gives you a cheeky if not real insight into arms trading The end of the movies says it all. Very good acting from Nicholas Cage as the smooth talking arms dealer on his way up through the ranks to getting near if not at the top of his profession. Well scripted and acted. Definitely worth watching
Miss*B
says
Quite entertaining considering the subject, well written and let's face it, Nicholas Cage is very easy on the audience's eyes!
Julian H.
says
Lindsay M.
says
I think it was a really well done movie. great camera shots excellent portrayal of a true story. Definately worth watching, its a real eye opener.
Bev B.
says
Great movie - typical Nick Cage.
Florence S.
says
not worth watching
Ruth C.
says
Kayleen F.
says
Brilliant. But what else can you say about Nicolas Cage. Very well told & more frightening.... it's truth.
Karen M.
says
Elizabeth D.
says
Jean S.
says
Should have been classed a documentary.
Scott P.
says
Good movie, very informative and an inside look at the gun trade. Well worth watching
Elizabeth C.
says
Ian G.
says
Good insight to what is happening in the real world with gun-running.
Mohamad O.
says
Susan L.
says
Prety shallow, whereas it had the opportunity to send mre of a message
Le B.
says
Great movie one of the best i've seen this year
Joahla
says
The world's most popular assault rifle in war today is the Russian made Kalashnikov aka AK-47 invented by Avtomat Kalashnikovna in 1947. Since the Russian cold war ended, there has been an abundance of war hardware available for trade by gunrunners / arms dealers selling UZI, M16, AK-47, helicopters, missles, tanks whatever. Most conflict is occuring in Sierra Leone & Liberia in West Africa, also Beirut in Lebanon. This film is based on actual events. They say there is one firearm for every 12 people on the planet. Gunrunning appears as dangerous as drugrunning.
Ashley K.
says
If you like big explosions and lots of CG this might be for you.
It's very light on plot, extremely light on acting and the writing is weak.
It's like the Clayton's of Hollywood 'Explosion Genre' films. It doesn't even do that well.
And I am so damning because there is so much material to work with, so much humanity to plumb into, such scope but it just fails miserably to deliver any depth or insight.
Wayne W.
says
"Excellent" is too strong but this is a bit better than just worth watching. If you're after fast action and gunfights, you've got the wrong movie. But if you're after something a bit more thoughtful, this is a good film helped along by some glorious (apparently) on location shots from around the world.
Andrew H.
says
Nic Cage truly carries this movie, which almost, but not quite, glamorises his evil trade. The producers went to lots of trouble to make this movie realistic and it does show.
Matthew J.
says
Great movie, I want that job
Sue J.
says
The opening sequence - the journey of a bullet from its manufacture through to its deadly final target - is very well conceived and filmed. However the remainder of the movie doesn't really live up to expectations. The premise and main themes of the film should have produced something more powerful and engaging. Nicolas Cage's performance is flat and his role fails inspire much more than mild interest. The over-use of a voiceover technique becomes ever more irritating rather than enlightening as the film progresses. It certainly may offer some food for thought - but it's a light snack not a satisfying meal.
Marie-Jo P.
says
Clare B.
says
what to say about a self-indulgent, gratuitously violent movie pretending to be sending us a warming anti-gun message... hmmm, give it a big swerve!
Mary R.
says
Mary R.
says
Malaka W.
says
great movie.good story.nice camera directions.strong and different syle of characters.this a movie which spans uot to a wider topic.
Trudy F.
says
I didn't enjoy it but my 15yr old did
James H.
says
Jim M.
says
Good story, realistic in todays world.
Michele S.
says
What a waste of time.
George B.
says
Well acted by cage, well filmed loved it
Rob G.
says
Bruce W.
says
Obvious low budget with very little special effects and action. The story line is not too bad but I'm not big on narrative for which there is a lot in the movie.
Sharon B.
says
Antony M.
says
An awesome "Hollywood" style movie with a deeper message.
Kathy W.
says
Richard B.
says
Superb screenplay and script.
Surreal, compelling, disturbing but believable.
Vick
says
An extremely scary insight into the world of firearms and how they impact on societies and the powers that be of the world. Nicholas Cage plays a great part of the loving husband, father and brother who just happens to sell guns and arms and a whole lot of them. The climax of this movie shows how power and money can overtake the simple pleasures of family and love.
J A P.
says
Wade P.
says
Kevin B.
says
surreal movie, but lessons to be learnt. IF ONLY........
Vicki S.
says
Jodie F.
says
Eye opening and thought provoking! Loved it, but make sure you don't have young children lingering around bedtime as of the language & graphic nature of opening scenes.
Briean D.
says
This film gives a true account of the present world of wars. Everyone should see this film and understand what is really going on out there.
Yvette V.
says
Didnt expect this movie to be that good, as it hasnt been discussed much in the mainstream media, but it WAS really good, and interesting till the end !!
Makis T.
says
Why do I like this movie? Maybe because it's not that often that a Hollywood movie reaches an issue that really matter. And the gun market is such a taboo subject too talk about, it's preposterous. I liked everything about the movie: Marvelous performances, realistic scenario and great brain food.
John B.
says
Unwatchable
Alexander Z.
says
A great surprise, a great script, beautifully shot and wonderfully directed. Highly recommended.
Daphne J.
says
Not as good as it could have been.
An Thien T.
says
very dissapointed
Lewis C.
says
Michael O.
says
Christian B.
says
Powerful movie, the kind that must be seen even if you feel you shouldn't. It certainly opens the eyes of us westerners and the types of things that happen in the world without us even knowing. Force yourself to see it. Outstanding performance by Cage.
Shaun O.
says
Stunning, Nicolas Cage is fabulous - a chilling tale of world arms sales
Megan S.
says
Very interesting film
Melisa K.
says
It was ok
Iain M.
says
Matt C.
says
I was recommended this movie by so many people and I think in the end I found it a little disappointing. I felt it was like many movies before it (i.e Blow) except instead of dealing in drugs, substitute guns. Goodish movie, I just expected a bit more.
Steve R.
says
Great movie
Sarah R.
says
This is a rather sobering film that lays out the bare facts, although hollywoodized of course, behind arms dealing & the world at war. I found it highly engaging & very interesting but it is by no means light viewing. I would definitely watch it again.
Patricia S.
says
Ron P.
says
Sarah C.
says
I am not a great fan of Nicholas Cage, but I thought he played the role of gun runner very well. There was an element of detachment that Cage carries off very well. The plot was good and it gave you insight into how these people justify what they do. Well worth a look.
Sharon M.
says
martyjoe67
says
Quite riveting portrayal of the life of a modern arms dealer. Well made points about the ammoral ways that must be adopted to prosper is such a 'business'. An interesting sub plot was the agent played by Ethan Hawke and how ineffectual our western law enforcement is against such international villains. Nicholas Cage was excellent in his portrayal of the main character. Overall whilst the content is really disturbing, the acting and plot is of a high standard - gripping viewing - thoroughly recommended.
sonab
says
An excellent movie with a great storyline, but 100% of the credit goes to the scriptwriter who added enough "comedy relief" to give a somewhat lighter side to what could be a dark movie thriller, especially in this day and age of war and terrorism. As usual,an outstanding performance by Nicholas Cage.
Steve
says
Lord of War is not a story for the devotees of Hollywood action genres. This is ambiguous in meaning and compelling for the viewer to understand the hidden message. War is not about taking over one's land, it's about taking over power and the lust for money making. This movie is told with subtleness that smacks hard against the side of your head when you view it with open understanding. The misconception of war being full of glory needs to be taken out of the debate, and instead having the Politicians and power/money mongers accept blame and at once cease the making of munitians.
woosie
says
It is a good black comedy. We enjoyed it. How true it is especially as wars are going on between religious today.
Chris R.
says
A straight forward look at the joys of the international arms trade. Done in Nic Cage's famous deadpan style and a wonderfully black sense of humour. Serious message, and a pleasure to watch too.
Dianne A.
says
An important theme managed reasonably well. It just didn't have the X factor. It makes you think about where humanity is at though!
Carrie M.
says
John A.
says
Lisa M.
says
Marg O.
says
Katarina F.
says
I love when a strong story is being told in a striaght forward and unsentimental way. Nicolas Cage performance made me almost agree with what he was doing. Great film. Important message.