LORD OF WAR

Nicolas Cage tackles the arms industry in the latest from writer-director Andrew Niccol, LORD OF WAR. Cage is Yuri Orlov, a lower-class New Yorker who works at his family’s restaurant, dreams of landing a former high school classmate, turned model and hopes to turn his fortunes around. Yuri believes he may have found his answer in the dangerous, yet profitable industry of firearms. He begins selling in Brooklyn, but after much success, expands nationwide and then internationally. Yuri is assisted in his venture by his brother Vitaly, played by Jared Leto.

LORD OF WAR is a simplistic, but expertly crafted left-leaning examination of the international arms trade. Although LORD OF WAR bears many similarities to Ted Demme’s BLOW, it’s a more intelligent picture in its dissection of its industry, working on a practical, tactical and satirical level. It also wisely addresses its lead character without much bias, where Demme’s view of George Jung was of miscalculated sympathy. Niccol has an agenda, but LORD OF WAR’s approach to Yuri’s dealings is very business-like in nature. Although Yuri’s dealings are a bit too hands-on for plausibility’s sake, it does skillfully demonstrate the step-by-step process. Cage continues his recent trend of roles, internalizing his anger and frustration, which is a necessity for an arms dealer. LORD OF WAR avoids the tough political questions and answers of arms dealing, but still provides an entertaining piece of propaganda.

Grade: B