Lord of War

Lord of War

Year: 2005

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Niccol

DramaThrillerCrime

In this gripping drama, Yuri Orlov, a cunning arms dealer, navigates treacherous war zones and dodges deadly foes as he caters to the world's most ruthless leaders. But with Interpol hot on his heels and his own moral compass wavering, Yuri must confront the devastating cost of his lucrative trade.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lord of War yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Lord of War (2005)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Lord of War (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s, 1991

The movie predominantly unfolds in the early 1980s, a time marked by geopolitical tensions and the proliferation of arms due to various global conflicts. The events reach a critical juncture with the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, significantly impacting the arms trade landscape and providing new opportunities for gun runners.

Location

Brighton Beach, Colombia, Liberia

Brighton Beach is a vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its Russian-speaking community and bustling restaurants. Colombia is depicted as a backdrop for drug trade, showcasing the intertwining nature of arms and narcotics markets. Liberia serves as a significant war zone, highlighting the brutal civil conflicts that involve the arms trade.

🏙️ City 🌴 Jungle 🌍 War Zone

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Main Characters – Lord of War (2005)
Meet the key characters of Lord of War (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage)

Yuri Orlov is a complex character driven by ambition and the pursuit of wealth. As a Ukrainian-American gunrunner, he navigates the murky waters of the arms trade, often justifying his actions under the guise of survival and opportunity. His moral decline is highlighted by his increasing detachment from the consequences of his trade.

💼 Businessman 💔 Ambitious 🌍 Gunrunner

Vitaly Orlov (Jared Leto)

Vitaly Orlov is Yuri's younger brother, who initially joins Yuri in the arms trade but ultimately struggles with addiction. His character represents the tragic consequences of the trade, demonstrating the toll it takes on familial relationships. Vitaly's downfall highlights the dark side of their business ventures.

🔗 Brother 🎭 Troubled ⚠️ Addicted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Major Themes – Lord of War (2005)
Explore the central themes of Lord of War (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

The theme of greed permeates throughout the film, illustrating how the pursuit of wealth can overshadow moral boundaries. Yuri's journey showcases the insatiable appetite for profit in the arms trade, often leading to dire consequences for others. It emphasizes the stark contrast between the desire for financial gain and the ethical implications of his actions.

💔 Family Bonds

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the film, particularly the relationship between Yuri and Vitaly. Their bond is tested through the trials of the arms trade, with tragic outcomes stemming from addiction and betrayal. Ultimately, the loss of family relationships underscores the collateral damage inflicted by greed and ambition.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict is a central theme, both on the global stage and in Yuri's personal life. The film depicts various wars and violence fueled by the arms trade, revealing the devastating impact on innocent lives. It poses questions about the responsibility of those who profit from war and the moral implications of their actions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Similar Movies to Lord of War
Discover movies like Lord of War that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.