Nicolas Cage’s “Lord of War” Deserves Another Look Before Sequel Premieres
The 2005 drama film “Lord of War” is a movie that seems to go unnoticed. Despite having an outstanding performance by Nicolas Cage, a smartly written script that shows the horrors of weapons dealing, and unforgettable scenes, it somehow slips under the radar. Its writer and director, Andrew Niccol, who also wrote “The Truman Show,” based the film loosely on real-life arms dealer Viktor Bout.
A Unique Film with Unforgettable Scenes
The movie is worth checking out before the sequel hits the screens. The film showcases Cage’s acting talent, and the strange journey his character, Yuri Orlov, a globe-trotting “Merchant of Death,” undertakes to provide warlords worldwide with the weapons they need to continue their violence. Despite his larger-than-life career, Yuri Orlov is much more restrained, offering Nicolas Cage a chance to shine in a character that he brings to life.
The film is a captivating exploration of the illegal purchase and sale of weapons. Yuri Orlov’s pursuit takes him to numerous countries and introduces him to some unusual characters. He goes through some bizarre and unforgettable moments on his journey, such as his encounter with a wanted man named Andre Baptiste Sr., whose intensity and way of thinking are both bizarre.
New Layers for Audiences to Dig Into
The film’s plot delves into Yuri Orlov’s illegal sale of a massive cache of weapons used to commit war crimes during the Lebanon War in 1982, and he sells weapons to both sides, which helps him acquire massive wealth. He ends up marrying a supermodel, having a kid, and placing his brother/business partner Vitaly in rehab a few times before becoming one of the world’s most significant arms dealers. Yuri Orlov and Vitaly’s Ukrainian origins and their dealings with the Soviet Union feel particularly poignant today, given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Recently, the sequel “Lords of War” was announced via a press release in May and is set to start filming in the fall of 2023. While a release date is yet to be confirmed, audiences have ample time to watch “Lord of War” before the sequel arrives.
Availability of “Lord of War”
Interested viewers can watch “Lord of War” on Cinemax and DirectTV with an active subscription. The movie is also available to rent for $3.99 on various digital platforms such as Apple, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube. One can also purchase a copy for $7.99, which is reasonable if the desire to watch Nicolas Cage snort brown-brown and hang out with hyenas again and again arises.
Final Verdict
“Lord of War” is an exceptional film worth revisiting before the sequel hits the screens. Its plot is still relevant almost two decades since its release, and it offers unique insight into the illegal trade of weapons across borders.
Its historical accuracy adds another layer of enticement and educative value to it, making it an ideal watch for those who haven’t seen the movie before. In summary, our advice is that we re-watch “Lord of War” and ready ourselves for the highly anticipated sequel.
<< photo by Vladimir Palyanov >>
