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Where to Watch "The Beast of War"

7.3

Directed by

Kevin Reynolds

Lila Sommers
Lila Sommers
· 4 min read

Who's in it?

George Dzundza

George Dzundza

Jason Patric

Jason Patric

Steven Bauer

Steven Bauer

Stephen Baldwin

Stephen Baldwin

Don Harvey

Don Harvey

Kabir Bedi

Kabir Bedi

Erick Avari

Erick Avari

Chaim Jeraffi

Chaim Jeraffi

Shoshi Marciano

Yitzhak Ne'eman

"The Beast of War" (often simply referred to as "The Beast") is a war film set during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Released in 1988, the movie was directed by Kevin Reynolds.

Synopsis:

The film revolves around the crew of a Soviet T-55 tank that becomes separated from its unit during the early days of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. As the crew navigates the harsh Afghan terrain, they are pursued by Afghan rebels (Mujahideen).

The story delves into the psychological and physical toll of warfare, the clash of cultures, and the brutal landscape of both the environment and the human soul.

Cast and Characters:

  • Commander Daskal (George Dzundza): The tank's ruthless commander, whose sanity starts to unravel as the story progresses.
  • Koverchenko (Jason Patric): The tank's driver, who begins to question the morality of their mission and Daskal's leadership.
  • Taj (Steven Bauer): The leader of the Afghan rebels, who seeks revenge after his village is destroyed by the Soviets.
  • Kaminski (Don Harvey): A crew member of the tank, loyal to Daskal but conflicted by the unfolding events.

Where to Stream

United States (US):

There are currently no streaming offers in the US.

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  • Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV.

Australia (AU):

There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.

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  • Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube.

United Kingdom (GB):

There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.

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  • Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Chili, Microsoft Store, YouTube.

Germany (DE):

There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.

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  • Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Chili.

Brazil (BR):

There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.

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  • Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video.

Spain (ES):

There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.

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  • Buy: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video.

France (FR):

There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.

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  • Buy: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, LaCinetek, Universcine, Amazon Video.

Canada (CA):

There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.

  • Stream: None
  • Buy: Apple TV, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video.

Production Details:

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the screenplay was written by William Mastrosimone, who adapted it from his own play, "Nanawatai." The film was shot in Israel, which doubled for the Afghan landscape.

One of the significant challenges was the realistic portrayal of tank warfare and ensuring the authenticity of the Afghan setting and culture. The production used real T-55 tanks, adding to the film's realism.

Reception and Awards:

Critical reception: "The Beast of War" received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised its gritty realism, intense performances, and unique perspective on war, others felt it lacked depth in character development.

Audience reception: The film has garnered a cult following over the years, especially among war movie enthusiasts. Its portrayal of the rarely depicted Soviet-Afghan conflict makes it stand out in the genre.

While "The Beast of War" didn't win major film awards, its realistic portrayal of tank warfare and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in combat situations has been recognized and appreciated in various film circles.

Trivia and Fun Facts:

  • The film's portrayal of the Soviet-Afghan conflict is unique, as Hollywood rarely touched upon this particular war during the 1980s.
  • The title "The Beast" refers not only to the tank itself but also to the beastly nature of war and the primal instincts it awakens in individuals.
  • The film emphasizes the Pashtunwali code, an ancient traditional code of the Pashtuns, which plays a significant role in the story's development.
  • Despite its war setting, the film delves deep into the psychological aspects of its characters, making it as much a character study as a war film.

"The Beast of War" remains a distinctive entry in the war film genre, offering a unique lens into a lesser-explored conflict and the universal themes of morality, survival, and the human cost of warfare.

Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

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