The Fourth War

The story begins in a frigid landscape where Colonel Jack Knowles, portrayed by Roy Scheider, is introduced as a decorated war hero. His reputation is built upon his unparalleled courage, especially during the Vietnam War, where his gung-ho attitude earned him respect.

As tensions rise, Knowles finds himself caught in a personal vendetta against his Soviet rival, Colonel Valachev, played by Jürgen Prochnow. This rivalry intensifies, overshadowing the geopolitical realities of the tense border between West Germany and Czechoslovakia.

The narrative takes a dark turn when Knowles witnesses the tragic fate of a Czech asylum seeker at the hands of Soviet soldiers. This horrifying event serves as a catalyst, forcing him to confront the gruesome realities of the conflict surrounding him.

Driven by grief and anger, Knowles transforms his sense of duty into an obsessive campaign against the USSR. He undertakes dangerous night missions to target enemy installations with unyielding fervor, showcasing a reckless disregard for his own safety.

Knowles' reckless behavior puts him at odds with Lieutenant Colonel Clark, his methodical second-in-command played by Harry Dean Stanton. Clark’s attempts to temper Knowles’ fervor highlight the growing tension within their command structure.

As Knowles spirals deeper into his obsession, General Hackworth, portrayed by Dale Dye, urgently calls for him to cease his dangerous strategies. Knowles, however, remains fixated on his goal of revenge, further escalating the conflict.

The feud between Knowles and Valachev escalates, pushing them toward a catastrophic confrontation. Their personal vendetta now threatens to spiral out of control, impacting the fragile balance between East and West.

The tension culminates in a brutal hand-to-hand combat standoff on a desolate frozen lake. Surrounded by armies equipped with assault rifles, tanks, and helicopters, Knowles and Valachev face off in a desperate fight for dominance.

As the battle subsides, both Knowles and Valachev are confronted with the staggering mass destruction their rivalry has wrought. The heavy cost of their obsessive feud becomes evident as they take stock of the ruins left in their wake.

Oblivious to the broader implications of their actions, the once-proud colonels are forced to acknowledge the dangerous precipice they have approached. Their relentless pursuit of vengeance has pushed the delicate balance between East and West to the brink of calamity.

In the aftermath of their violent encounter, Knowles and Valachev confront each other, realizing that their rivalry has implications beyond their personal hatred. There is a moment of clarity where they come to terms with the potential for war ignited by their actions.

The film concludes as both colonels reflect on the war and its devastation, their personal vendetta ultimately exposing the fragility of peace. The once clear line between right and wrong becomes blurred as they face the grim ramifications of their choices.