Lord of War [Blu ray] :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Cage-Niccol Collaboration A Tour-De-Force

2008-09-28
"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.

Outlaw Illegal Arms Sales Now ...

2008-09-22
... 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.

What an odd little message movie

2008-09-18
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.

Real life drama

2008-09-10
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.

Based on reality and truly scarier than one can imagine

2008-08-29
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.

When Are Viewers Going To Understand? This IS A Magnificant, Must See, True "Reality" Show!

2008-06-07
Lionsgate Lord Of War (Blu-ray)
Chance leads Yuri Orlov to discover his one talent - illegal arms dealing.With his brother's help, he reaches the top of the trade, supplying anyone whose check clears. His skills and quick wits bring him everything he's ever wanted - and help him elude a persistent Interpol agent. But at the peak of his prowess, he discovers his customers might demand more than he can give... and those he's trying to protect could become deadly liabilities.

Lord of War is HD DVD!!

2008-05-20
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!!

Superb Cautionary Tale

2008-05-10
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.

When Will Hollywood Make Good Movies Again?

2008-04-19
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?

Eye Opening!

2008-04-10
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.