Lord of War MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -3 1/2

In this action-adventure drama based on fact, arms dealer Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage) tells the story. The film traces his life from the days of his first deal to the extravagant means to which he goes to meet a famous model (Bridget Moynahan) who later becomes his wife. He deals with ruthless dictators and warlords. Yuri is good at what he does and always manages to stay one step ahead of authorities and the Interpol agent (Ethan Hawke). He lives two lives - one as a husband and father and the other as a cold-hearted man who equips evildoers with weapons. All is going well for Yuri - he is well connected and makes more money than he could have imagined - until his wife begins to look more closely at his activities and threatens to bring his world crashing down.

This is a sobering and sometimes gruesome look at the world of weapon dealing. Young children carry automatic weapons, and, in one scene, women and children are shown being hacked to death by machetes. In most cases, the violence is implied as the camera turns away just before the violent acts and then shows the aftermath with blood on the walls and ground. Upon meeting his future wife, Yuri says, "Most relationships are based on lies. So why not begin with lies". The suggestion is made that evolution is the cause of evil because, in early development, the human embryo looks like a reptile. In his own defense, Yuri claims that the president of the U.S. is the biggest arms dealer of all. In order to make his point stronger, the writer clearly does not try to sanitize this dirty subject. Foul language, violence and several occurrences of graphic sex make this film unacceptable.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: Lions Gate