In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, four soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, four soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, four soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.
- Awards
- 8 wins & 19 nominations
- Captain Said
- (as Said Taghmaoui)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaSayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini, who plays an Iraqi defector, who sells Major Gates cars stolen from Kuwait, was, in real life, tortured and kicked in the eye by Saddam Hussein's security forces, blinding him in that eye. Like many advisors and extras in the film, he is an actual refugee from Iraq.
- GoofsWhen Troy was shot, the kevlar flak vest he wore would not have provided proper protection from a bullet. Had he been wearing the military interceptor vest, this may have stopped a round from an Ak-47.
- Quotes
Archie Gates: What's the most important thing in life?
Troy Barlow: Respect.
Archie Gates: Too dependent on other people.
Conrad Vig: What, love?
Archie Gates: A little Disneyland, isn't it?
Chief Elgin: God's will.
Archie Gates: Close.
Troy Barlow: What is it then?
Archie Gates: Necessity.
Troy Barlow: As in?
Archie Gates: As in people do what is most necessary to them at any given moment.
- Alternate versionsThe Australian theatrical release omits a brief close-up of a woman being shot in the head by one of Saddam's soldiers in order to obtain an 'MA 15+'. The scene was restored for the VHS and DVD releases re-rated 'R 18+'.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: Double Jeopardy/Jakob the Liar/Mumford (1999)
- SoundtracksI Just Want to Celebrate
Written by Nick Zesses and Dino Fekaris
Performed by Rare Earth
Courtesy of Motown Record Company, L.P.
Under License from Universal Music Special Markets
When I first saw the trailer for this I knew nothing about it from the way it was marketed I had assumed it was going to be a modern day `Kelly's Heroes' with bright comedy and good action scenes. On first viewing I was disappointed but interested. On second viewing I now see what this film was about and how badly marketed it had been. The plot is no comedy but is really an extreme anti-war film that condemns America's approach to the Gulf War.
When our characters go after the goal they go in a gung-ho manner, seeking only riches and not interested in the plight of the people. This is how America went in not to protect the people but because of the impact the invasion was having on oil prices and reserves. The anti-war message is also hammered home in the gross close-up shots of how a bullet damages a body.
It's only in the final half hour that the film goes a little wrong looking for an ending that isn't depressing in a subject that really can't have a `happy' ending and please American audiences. It has other weaknesses some of the scenes are off subject , meaningless or just don't work. However for the majority this is a surprisingly good film that makes points that aren't seen in Hollywood films (and if this whole flag waving thing continues much longer, we won't see a counter opinion for quite a while).
The cast are good and deserve praise for choosing this film. Clooney and Wahlberg both add a large box office draw while for Jonze this made up a great summer of exposure. Ice Cube again shows that not all rappers have to do rubbish hip hop comedies to get into movies.
Overall this was betrayed by it's own marketing department and many people may not have liked it for that reason. However this is an intelligent anti-war film that has flaws but should be given respect for it's honesty and bravery.
- bob the moo
- Jul 26, 2002
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Spoils of War
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $75,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $60,652,036
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $15,847,636
- Oct 3, 1999
- Gross worldwide
- $107,752,036
- Runtime1 hour 54 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1