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.

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.

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.

"Lord 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 one's 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 viewer's 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.

I checked to see if this film which I rented from Netflix in HD DVD was available on Amazon in that format and it isn't. Too bad because this film is one of Nick Cage's better efforts. Produced by him as well, Cage has a great role as an Russian-American who discovers the way to wealth is thru selling arms. Of course he doesn't figure the enormous cost it will eventually lead him to but that's one of the intriguing outcomes of this absorbing film. The narrative is done in the style of Scorsese's "Goodfellows" and is effective plus the supporting cast (Jared Leto, Ian Holm, Bridget Monihan) is excellent. Anyway the transfer I saw in HD is excellent and I figure the same goes for the Blu-ray version of this film. Recommended for Cage enthusiasts!!

This is what happens when you create a fight, but won't accept responsibility for your actions. Nicolas Cage plays a gunrunner who will sell any weapon to anyone-all under the table so that the major arms selling countries like the US have plausible denial when wars begin. This movie works on many levels, as a tale of misbegotten fortune, a political thriller, and action, action, action. Some humor too. Well rounded, reality-based and attracive, this is a super buy.

Nick Cage's 2006 drama "Lord of War" collapses into oblivion the notion that contemporary Hollywood makes interesting movies. Although Cage gives this plot-less dud an admirable (sometimes funny-sometimes serious) performance. This anti-gun movie trips over itself to become anti-movie movie.

In almost everyway this movie misses the mark trying to make a point. There are so many poignant opportunities but, alas, all are ignored. The producers simply didn't get an idea. Also, there is hardly anything original with "Lord of War" (same old guns are bad clichés, the usual Africa is only a place of war and AIDs, and the typical American laws and authorities must be ignored for good to prevail, blah, blah, blah...). Is Cage really this anti-American?

Everyone knows arms dealing is bad, so why not address issues that will help to end it? This movie doesn't say anything except that the evil United States is the world's largest arms merchant. One is left to wonder, because a plot doesn't ensue to bring home any point, "so what?"

It seems that the American motion picture industry has lost it way. Too bad, there are a huge variety of original opportunities for screenplays. People want to go to the movies. But, with odd flicks like this one emerging, there's no theater-going incentive.

Don't bother with "Lord of War"... Cage is much better in his other recent work (National Treasure 1 & 2, etc). Someone tell me, when will Hollywood make good movies again?

True to life portrayal of what takes place in the "underground world" while everyone else goes about their suburban business. Here the movie shows us how the "arms dealing" involves the politician, suburbian housewife, immigrants and poor youths living in developing countries. We get to see who does most of the work, who benefits and the danger it involves for those at the less powerful end of the equation. I can't quite call this entertainment....nothing to laugh about here. The five stars are for the acting (Nicolas Cage rocks) and the story telling.

Five minutes into "Lord of War" I realized that I had seen this film before, except it starred Johnny Depp, and was about cocaine trafficking and was called "Blow". Yeah, there are a lot of similarities between "Lord of War" and "Blow", both plot-wise and in the style of the films.

"Lord of War" tells the story of Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage), a Ukrainian-American arms dealer, who brags about having sold guns to every army on Earth except for the Salvation Army. Although Orlov is a fictional character, the script is based on actual events and is so well researched that it is completely believable to the point of being scary. Orlov is a completely immoral character who is unashamed of what he is doing and the idea that people like him could actually exist is genuinely frightening.

From an entertainment point of view, "Lord of War" is not a fun film. The first half of the film, which details the rise of Yuri Orlov and his arms deals in assorted Eastern European countries is enjoyable enough, but I found the second half, in which Orlov moves into the war-ravaged African countries, to be depressing. The film is redeemed by an ending which I liked very much, but because of the scenes set in Africa, I probably won't be watching this film again in a hurry.

Nevertheless, Nicolas Cage is excellent in this film. Initially, I felt that he was just playing the same character that he has played in every other film, but Cage's portrayal of Orlov as a man whose soul has been totally destroyed by his actions, at the end of the film, is still haunting me as I write this. Overall, I preferred "Lord of War" to "Blow" because, unlike in "Blow", the makers of "Lord of War" weren't afraid to show Orlov for who he really is, a soulless man responsible for the deaths of millions.

The Good Things
*Complex, all-encompassing story that's 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 world's situation. I would definately reccomend to everybody to at least rent this movie.

"Lord of War" follows the story of a young immigrant who becomes a dealer in a shady business, rises to the top and eventually faces tragedy and loss. Sound Familiar?

Comparisons to "Scarface," in which a Cuban immigrant gains prominence as a drug lord, are not far off the mark. "Traffic" is another obvious influence. "Lord of War" also takes us deep into a business where money takes precedence over morals.

Nicolas Cage is Yuri Orlov, a Ukrainian immigrant raised in Brooklyn. After witnessing a shooting, he decides that guns are his calling. With help from his troubled brother, Vitaly (excellently played by Jared Leto), he eventually surpasses international arms dealers who shrugged him off as an "amateur" only years before. He puts it best when he says, "I sold to every army but the Salvation Army."

Cage's performance is great and drives home the fact that Yuri is just a man doing his job, and what his buyers do with his product is none of his business. He's collected and professional on the outside, but it seems that he knows what he's doing is immoral. He basically ignores that thought and continues fulfilling his purpose, although he witness events that can only occur because of people like him, such as village massacres in Africa and the use of child soldiers (since an AK-47 is so easy to use that a child can handle it).

Cage portrays a man who enjoys what he does, even if he is full of inner turbulence because of his occupation. He grows weary by the end of the 20 year period in which the movie is set, yet he's come too far to stop. Pleas from his trophy wife, Ava (Bridget Maynahan), and Vitaly do no good in the long run. Yuri becomes a lost cause, and an arrogant one at that. It's necessary to go into such detail about Yuri, since he's such a complex and charismatic character who carries the film along much of the time.

The movie is rather dark, with humor that may cause a nervous chuckle instead of uncontrollable laugher. It's more of a satire than a comedy, as some people seem to label it. Rebellions are seen as business opportunities while peace agreements are viewed as obstacles. Yuri cheers and kisses Mikhail Gorbachev's head on his television at the fall of the Berlin Wall, which opened the floodgates in the Third World black arms market. Interpol officer Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke) catches Yuri transporting his merchandise several times, but no one is arrested because of a loophole, technicality or obvious cover up. The U.S. president is called the biggest arms dealer of them all and potshots are taken at democracy. This list goes on.

"Lord of War" paints a bleak and cynical view of the world. Yuri sums up the theme of the movie when he says, "They say evil prevails when good men fail to act. What they ought to say is that evil prevails."

There are times when the movie falters. It takes awhile to really get going and sometimes the characters seem a little too upbeat, given their circumstances. Despite any minor shortcomings, the movie is still intriguing, entertaining, thought-provoking, moving, and borderline brilliant at times. The strong performances and plot, plus a unique style, make "Lord of War" one of the better movies of 2005.

Highly recommended.

This is a phenominal movie. I am a huge Cage fan so I picked it up without having seen the film before. I was very happy with it. Unfortunately it is JUST the movie on this disk and it is remeniscient of the early days of DVD where you only got the movie, then later you would be prompted to buy the special edition with special features. It would have been nice to have had some special features on this disk, it really could have been an interesting bit of extra.

Overall, a great purchase, especially if you don't care about special features.

This is a pretty good film about a man who self-actualizes the corruption that is in the deepest part of his soul as a black market arms dealer. Cage narrates this life - out only for himself, regardless of who he helps to kill - and it is effective to a degree. We witness his rise, his many ruses to avoid prison or execution, and its repercussions on his personal life. I admit, Cage's dark humor and splendidly indifferent tone are at times funny and affecting. But the best characterizations, I think, are in the people he encounters, from the cold rival arms dealer he fights to the brutal African thug who makes him rich. It is very good acting.

Nonetheless, this is Hollywood trying to display some social conscience. There is a kind of breathlessness to it, like they are revealing something to the audience, almost as reporting, but I found its sincerity rather naive. While it is good to expose audiences to this, I suppose, the tone of the film implies that none of us know about these kinds of people already. (I, for one, have been following the issue since 1982, when I read The Global Politics of Arms Sales, by Andrew Pierre, which is a great academic masterwork, or Anthony Sampson's reporting on it from the early 1980s.)

There is no way you can say airing these issues is bad. Recommended for those who haven't follwed the issue of international arms trafficing.

I recently picked up the 2 Disc SE to find that the picture was cropped to 1:78. I see the Blu Ray version is listed at the proper 2:40 ratio. What gives????

I heard that the single disc edition states 1:78 ratio on the back of the case but is actually in 2:40. Can anyone verify this?

The basic plot of the movie is that our hero (not) Yuri Orlov rises from an impoverished immigrant childhood to be a colossus of international gun-running. He provides everything from AK-47s to tanks to grenades, and he provides them to anyone with the money to pay.

I admire the creators of this picture for having the guts to openly discuss what is clearly a horrible and insane business. Nicholas Cage as Yuri is weirdly detached from the implications of his "job",and Jared Leto as his high-strung and drug-addled younger brother is wonderful as a pained voice of conscience. If I had a brother like this, I think I would become a nun with Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity or something, in a desperate bid to balance out the family karma.

The violence of Yuri's world is no-nonsense, and not for the faint of heart. This movie really made me think.

Well written, well acted. Lord of War maintains your interest easily.

Nicolas Cage plays Yuri Orlov, a first generation immigrant who rises out of poverty and uses his quick wit and glib tongue to become a wealthy arms dealer, selling weapons and munitions to anybody with the cash to buy. Yuri uses his success to buy the girl of his dreams, his beautiful home and his overall (on the outside, at least) beautiful life, but he finds out in a hurry that it's hard to maintain appearances like his, and that life can turn on a dime.

The opening sequence is one of the most interesting I've ever seen in a movie--and of course, it's a hit on YouTube. The score is great as well.

Great movie all the way around.

Glad to see there's a lot (185) reviews with a over-all 4 star rating because I seriously thought this was the most over-looked films of the last decade. It has a lot to say about the state of affairs of today. Don't miss it. If you didn't like it, watch it again and think about it being a true story.

Run for cover.

I caught this movie on a flight over the areas depicted in Lord Of War. I had only paid scant attention to it when it came out because I thought it was a subject I had no interest in. Well, this movie has you caught by the throat from the opening titles and you are so sad to see the thing end!

Since everyone else has synopsized the story, I'll just dwell on the fascinating little things such as Orlov's immunity to prosecution when he's finally caught and why. I'll let you see the movie to find out. I'm sorry the fate of the cargo plane was disclosed, because it was funny and pretty incredible. I likened it to ants finding a grasshopper's corpse.

I had never seen Jared Leto in a movie before but now I'm seeing him all over the place. Looking like a modern day Jeffrey Hunter he's so incredibly handsome, I would describe him as the next and young Brad Pitt. He did an outstanding job as Uri's duped brother haunted by conscience, something Uri just can't figure out.

Excellent movie all around, fast paced, never boring. If it had only been marketed differently I'd have paid to see it several times.

So much better than Tom Cruise & War of the Worlds!! A very eye-opening movie to those naive to the world today! (not that i am!)

The world is a dangerous place. It always has been, it always will be. Even here, in the west, with all our so called civilization and culture, it's still unsafe to walk the streets.

Take any major city, even my hometown of Calgary. There is crime. Petty crime, white collar crime, so called `victimless' crime, and of course, the daddy of them all - violent crime.

Canada prides itself in being low on the totem pole of violent crime involving firearms. But the fact remains thus - no matter where you are, there will always be a need for guns. The criminals will always be able to get guns, no matter what the police and the government tries do to about it.

In the states, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it's been said that there are more gun-shops than there are McDonalds.

The same can't be said about Canada. We've got strict rules governing weapons here in Canada. You have to apply for a F.A.C. or Firearms Acquisition Certificate. This involves a background check and other safety measures.

You even have to proof you have successfully completed a firearms safety training course or test, or have been certified as competent to use a firearm.

Pretty amazing, isn't it? What's even more amazing is, despite these strict rules, what kinds of weapons can be brought into the country. I recall reading the Calgary Sun earlier this week and looking at the picture of the weapons seized. There was an assault rifle with a GRENADE LAUNCHER!

A Grenade Launcher!

It's pretty damn clear that even in Canada, if you want a weapon, you can get it. And yet

If you're willing to pay the fees.

You can get your weapons from the criminal element, or from Gunrunners.

I guess you could almost take Lord of War to be a biography, a life story of one particular Gun runner named Yuri Orlov, a Ukrainian Immigrant to the states.

He started out his career as most criminals do. He started small. But as time passed and he gained experience, he went from being a small time runner to one who had ties in very high places, and buyers world-wide.

Although like a drug dealer, he followed a simple rule. Don't use what you sell. It served him well. Keep yourself separated from your clients. Don't get involved except to seal the deal.

Can you, however, stay neutral? Can you deal in weapons of death and destruction without feeling the ramifications, one way or another?

Can you ever get out? Can you have a chance at ever going legit?

And, the biggest question. Can you deal with the consequences of your actions? Can you sew what you've reaped, even if you've tried to stay at arms length?

Lord of War doesn't glorify Gun-runners. It doesn't show it as a glamorous lifestyle, even if the money is good.

It shows you what they deal in, and what it's used for. One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. A Hero to the people on one side, a practitioner of genocide to another.

This movie isn't sugar coated, nor does it shy away from violence.

As per usual, Nicholas Cage does a fine job of portraying a smart and resourceful criminal. And let's not forget that, he is a criminal in this movie.

One last note... as with anything, we here in North America should never take for granted what we have. Sure, there is crime, there is hunger and homelessness, but when you consider what it's like in other countries, especially the Middle East and Africa, and even parts of Europe and Asia, we've got it lucky.

After all, we could live in these countries where `Lords of War' earn their daily bread.

4 out of 5

The world will be inherited by gunrunners...everyone else is too busy killing each other.

One of the many messages Lord of War tries to get across.

Not a family movie by any means, but worth checking out because of the conflicts around the world the movie touches on - particularly in wortorn and utterly ravaged Africa.

I like this movie and thought it was definitely better on Blue Ray. Also wanted to counter the 1 star review.

"Lord of War" is somewhat entertaining but ultimately forgettable. It's hard to identify with the experiences of an international arms dealer, and the one-dimensional characterizations don't help either. I'll take Con-Air any day.

TOO BAD the movie Lord of War is not available on DVD!

Amazon lists 4 DVDs of this movie, but NONE of them is a DVD of this movie.

There are only 2 different FULL SCREEN versions -- 1 is 1.33:1 for older TVs and 1 is 1.78:1 for newer TVs -- BUT there is NOT 1 that is 2.35:1 which is the aspect ratio in which this movie was shot!

TOO BAD this actual, whole movie is not available on DVD -- only 2 PAN & SCAN versions!

BOYCOTT this bastardization of this movie!

Andrew Niccol's account of International arms dealing never fails to entertain, but, alas, doesn't hit the homerun. I have been a big fan of Niccol's previous forays in paranoia. "The Truman Show" and "Gattaca" are masterpieces. Heck, I even liked "S.I.M.O.N.E". Despite some bullseyes Niccol doesn't seem to focus his arguments here, therefore, he can't ratchet the sufficient outrage against the death merchants in our midst. What redeems the film is Nicolas Cage's charasmatic turn as Yuri who enters into arms dealing as a lark and dicovers he's just so damned good at it. A great scene in the film is where Yuri is stuck in an African village with a planeload of munnitions. With Interpol on his tail he proceeds to empty out the contents of the plane by giving it away to the natives. Not bad, but could have better.

I liked this on the whole; when the script is good and the director wrote it, things often turn out well. LOW tries to be balanced and not too preachy; the rationalizations actually make some sense. The film downplays the political connections more than is likely true, though, I'd guess (destabilization of third world countries is one of the CIA's favorite tactics, as revealed by many ex-agents in many books, as is the Agency's drug-dealing as a method of both "insurgent" funding and arms trading, as revealed in the Iran/Contra hearings).
My main qualm is with Cage, who somehow always seems to invest his characters with less brains and savvy than they deserve. It worked great in Raising Arizona but is wearing thin since then. He's kind of like the unthinking man's James Caan. Cage comes so close sometimes, but I just can't buy him all the way. Here he is solid but never transcends and takes this movie to the next level.
Leto is good, as are most of the bit players, especially some of the Africans, who have more presence than some of the stars.
LOW does get pretty violent. The violence rarely seems gratuitous, though, so its point gets made.
Worth seeing.

There are already dozens of cogent reviews about this film here so I am not going to add another one. I just wanted to say that I just saw the tail end of a clip on The Daily Show (9/14/2007) where Jon Stewart was discussing with a guest a person that the government is using to gain knowledge that actually sells leftover Russian weapons from the Cold War in the black market. Why don't they arrest him? I didn't catch that. Something about how he is protected from all sides and that he is a valuable resource. I missed the name of the person and most of the discussion. If anyone else saw it please respond with more info. And to those of you who think that there is no value in The Daily Show, I would like to say that I'm sure it is a relevant and intriguing story that I won't be able to find on CNN or Fox. And I am a news junkie who likes to flip through the news and get the perspectives of all the networks.

I don't think Cage could disappoint in a movie, out of all the movies I've seen him in he has yet to play a poor role. I have seen every movie he's been in and even though there are some disturbing ones (8mm) he has never done a poor job. This was a rather interesting movie for the topic and well put together script but I think the fact that cage was the lead he made the movie what it is. What it is would be a great movie hands down.

I would recommend this movie to anyone that likes good action and a little intrigue mixed together.

This was a very pleasant surprise, far better than I had ever hoped, filled with fabulous cinematography and riveting story about the life of arms dealer during the 1980s and '90s.. Those who appreciate an interesting story and great visuals will like this one.

Nicholas Cage was terrific as the lead character, "Yuri Orlov." I loved his narration, too. How much of what he said is true, I have no idea, but it's fascinating stuff.

I felt those visuals, combined with the outstanding acting and always-interesting story made this a good film. It also proved you don't need action every two minutes to keep a film involving for the audience. This has just the right amount of drama, suspense, action, romance and, yes, even humor.

I do have to warn some that the message is a pessimistic one: that evil always wins in the world. According to Bible of "Yuri," in the end, the meek won't inherit the earth; the arms dealers will and that evil rules, so why fight it and yourself over it? Wow, what uplifting words to live by.

Outside of Yuri's wife "Ava" (Bridget Moynahan) and the man who pursues him, "Jack Valentine" (Ethan Hawke) no one in here has much in the way of high-ground morals. At least they made the lawman an honest; that's rare in films today.

Amir Mokri is the cinematographer and Andrew Niccol, the director, who combined to make this movie look so stylish and beautiful to see. Looking at Mokri's resume, I see he's done a number of stylish films. Niccol hasn't directed much but what he has also offers interesting visuals.

Looking at the front and back cover of the DVD might make you think this is just another of these brainless action flicks, but it is not. This is solid film, despite the pessimism.

"Lord of War" is a companion to other recent fictional satires on the amorality of big business "Fast Food Nation" and "Thank You for Smoking".

Nicholas Cage plays an international arms dealer Yuri Orlov who turns a blind eye to the evil consequences of what he trades in. Cage gives one of this typical sleepy/goofy performances and manages to make a potentially unlikable character somewhat sympathetic.

The acting and the look of the film are excellent. The filmmakers have managed to go a long way on a modest budget with South Africa doubling for Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other parts of the world.

"Lord of War" is an excellent, thought-provoking expozay of international arms dealing and should be commended for raising the visibility of this important issue.

Cage is one of those actors you either love or hate. In this he does a pretty good job in convincing you to think positive about him. He does a great job playing the arms smuggler during the early 90s rising to power largely due to his connections back in his home country the Ukraine and a ruthless streak to not care who the guns are sold to.

Some may say this film is too over political and moralistic I would say not. It simply describes how arms smugglers get so rich off the misery of others. Most people I am sure know well about the illegal diamond trade that took place during some of the most bloody conflicts in West Africa and the Westerners (and Lebanese for that matter) who profited from it. The mercenaries who were former members of the apartheid South African army hired and paid in diamonds to fight dirty wars in Africa for tin pot dictators.

The film begins with Cages life in a poor area of New York. Faking a Jewish identity to escape from communist Russia his family make a modest living but Cage seeking a way out makes a few connections and gets himself into the arms trade. Soon the Soviet Union collapses and he reacquaints himself with an old relative who just happens to be high up in the old army and business goes from there.

Soon he becomes one of the major shipper of illegal arms to Liberia profiting on the misery of years of conflict.

This is a great film to watch, its not too heavy on the politics and has enough little sub plots to keep you occupied.

Great film recommended.

This by far is one of the BEST movies to come out in the past 10 years. Although the movie house probably made more money selling popcorn than from Lord of War ticket sales, this stands out as an EXTREMELY great and relevant film.



Unlike most crap that comes out today, Lord of War actually makes you feel for all of the characters, especially at the end where your left with the sense that Nick Cage's characther is going through the same emotions you are.



Totally loved this movie and now CineMax is playing it almost everyday :) The extra's on the 2nd Disc aren't that great, so just pick up the Widescreen Version - You'll love it :)

Great Acting by all who were involved -------- subject matter - violent!
Language was offensive! Do these guys [and females] ever grow up and become more literate?
Sad to realize that this goes on in this world. Probably a great terrorist supplier.

Based on actual facts? More than likely true.
The content is something we would like to deny - the ending, probably happens all the time.
Hate the thought that some of our government officials are that corrupt.

I got the message but can't say that I enjoyed the movie - will not keep, what a waste.

What I liked about this film is that in some ways, it was like a documentary. Nicolas Cage often gives monologues in films, probably because he's so good at them. In watching this film I got the impression that Nicolas Cage's character was real and what he expressed is actually what he felt. Nicolas Cage is most often cast as a troubled or conflicted character. In this film he was a little conflicted over being an international illegal arms dealer. Jared Leto played his drug addict brother who for a short time worked with him in smuggling arms to different countries.

Like most who work in jobs where what they do is at least a little questionable, he aways had a good come back argument to make himself feel better about what he's doing or rationalize it. "all my weapons have safety switches on them", "cars kill more people than fire arms", etc.

If you watch this movie taking this movie as it is intended to be taken a "black comedy" then you should enjoy it. Cage is great and the story is interesting. Some very cool visual effects are used in this good,but embellished story. Much better than I expected.