Save your money for something good and enjoyable

An Exercise In Nonsense

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Almost no one saw this astounding movie when it came into the theaters, since it was in release so briefly it seemed like an after-thought. Even so it remains one of the best war movies made, and passing it up would be an error especially if you are a die-hard war movie fanatic.Kevin Reynolds ("water World") directs this movie expertly, with never a camera shot or bit of dialogue wasted in telling its compelling and relentless story. Once you get past the liberal use of artistic license (Russian crew members speak perfect English, with North American accents) the movie pulls you in and never lets go. The use of authentic Russian T-55 tanks (on loan from Israel, where the movie was filmed) and even a genuine Russian helicopter only heightens the story elements but never detracts from it (nobody ever says something like "See, look at all this fine Russian equipment, Dmitri! isn't this unusual?!") And what a story it is too. The movie opens with a superb action sequence: Peaceful Afghan village, suddenly we hear the "whoosh" of a shell hitting a structure and blowing it to pieces. In the next shot we are shown the source, 3 Russian tanks are attacking the village. The tank crews then proceed to devastate the place, with tank guns, machine guns, flame throwers, grenades and even poison gas. Nothing is too small to escape destruction, as the Soviets blow up the village minaret, machine-gun the live stock and even poison the well. The tank of the title (The beast") is even used as an instrument of execution for an enemy fighter.Their decimation done, the tanks then move off; two tanks go down the proper trail but "our" tank, at the orders of their mad-man of a tank commander, goes down the wrong trail. During the attack on the village, the lost tank had its radio shot out and can't communicate with their fellow Soviets and is now lost too. It is now isolated and alone, the perfect target for the Afghan mudjis sitting on a hill watching all this. They see the tank going off on its own, realize it is lost and vulnerable. So they gather their fellows, arm up with an RPG and other small arms, and follow the tank tracks in order to catch up to it and destroy it. What follows is a very tight, very taut action sequences with never a false move, plenty of interesting plot twists, and other elements that are best left unspoiled.I wish to repeat, no war movie fan should miss "The Beast" (often found retitled as "The beast of war"). In these days of CGI it's hard to believe a better war movie will come along anytime soon, if ever.

While conducting operations during the Soviet-Afghan War, a Soviet tank gets separated from its platoon and becomes the target of Mujahideen warriors who seek to destroy it before it can reach the Kandahar highway and eventual safety. Compounding their problems, the crew is led by a tyrannical tank commander by the name of "Daskal" (George Dzundza) who becomes highly suspicious of his own men and is perfectly willing to punish—or even kill—those who threaten his authority. Two men in particular are held in contempt by him: The first is an Afghan interpreter named "Samad" (Erick Avari) who is a committed communist but is too cultured and well-mannered for Daskal's liking. The second is a Soviet soldier by the name of "Konstantin Koverchenko" (Jason Patric) who demonstrates an intellectual philosophy that is totally at odds with Daskal's view of the world in general. But rather than accept these inherent differences in order to form a coherent team, Daskal wages his own war with them while also engaging a fierce and implacable Afghan enemy as well. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that I thought this film was one of the best "tank movies" I have ever seen as it captures the difficulties that a crew of this type might face in a life-and-death struggle against the harsh desert elements combined with a ferocious foe. Additionally, I especially liked the fact that the action was extremely realistic and that all of the aforementioned actors performed in an exceptional manner as well. A remarkable film!

... as do its origins as a play. William Mastrosimone's a good enough playwright but doesn't have a good grasp of screenplays. The potential's there in the idea but he makes his political points too clumsily and there are far too many convenient coincidences that would have been (were?) overlooked on a stage. Even so, the biggest problem is the miscasting of the tank commander. He's never credible, despite his acting abilities, which are considerable. He's just miscast. He's the overweight sidekick or the comic relief, not a driven, battle-hardened Soviet commander. The other mistake was filming it in Israel. While parts of Afghanistan are barren, using Israel as a stand in flattens the film and lessens the impact of the Soviet presence. Hard to explain but it's clear when you see the film that the backdrop is wrong. Not a bad film but it could have been so much better.

Director Kevin Reynolds who also created other classic flicks, Tristan + Isolde 2006, One Eight Seven 1997 and Rapa Nui 1994 has created another gem in The Beast of War.Starring Jason Patric who has also been in another classic flick, Rush 1991.Also starring George Dzundza who has also been in other classic flicks, Crimson Tide 1995, Basic Instinct 1992 and The Deer Hunter 1978.Also starring Steven Bauer who has also been in other classic flicks, Charlie Valentine 2009, Pit Fighter 2005 and Scarface 1983.I enjoyed the battle scenes and the barren settings.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic post Vietnam war flicks, Battle for Haditha 2007, Behind Enemy Lines 2001, Black Hawk Down 2001, Dirty War 2004, The Hurt Locker 2008, Invasion U.S.A. 1985, Jarhead 2005, Pretty Village, Pretty Flame 1996, Kandahar Break 2009, Lebanon 2009, Jarhead 2: Field of Fire 2014, Lone Survivor 2013, American Sniper 2014, Green Zone 2010, Eye in the Sky 2015, Jarhead 3: The Siege 2016, 13 Hours 2016, The Wall 2017, 12 Strong 2018 and Three Kings 1999.