Three Kings (1999)
George Clooney, Ice Cube, Jamie Kennedy
In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, 4 soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.
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R, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed by:
David O. Russell
Release Date: Oct 01, 1999
DVD Release Date: Sep 04, 2001
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Basically a remake of Kelly's Heroes set in Iraq & minus the moments of comedy.
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. ... (read more) 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.
I can't pinpoint why it is that I can't seem to find enjoyment in watching films that talk place in the desert, let alone war films set in the middle east. I will say that this film is definitely on the short list of films that have crossed the thres... (read more) I can't pinpoint why it is that I can't seem to find enjoyment in watching films that talk place in the desert, let alone war films set in the middle east. I will say that this film is definitely on the short list of films that have crossed the threshold. With that being said, I think this movie is still a little overhyped and underutilizes a few of it's major players (Here's looking at you Spike Jonze). The film started out strong with the plot to steal the gold, but once they being to actually go through with it and one thing lead to another, the story just seemed to flop for me. I would've preferred the simple story of the soldiers rather than the huge antiwar twist in the second half. Not that antiwar is a bad things, I just didn't care for the way it was approached here. It just killed the story. There's not much I can criticize other than that. Great visuals and and acting. It's worth a viewing...
A good film that exposes the hypocrisies and consequences of war. I don't think the trio of protagonists should be completely off the hook toward the end, but this raises some pretty important ethical questions. The acting is pretty good, and the c... (read more) A good film that exposes the hypocrisies and consequences of war. I don't think the trio of protagonists should be completely off the hook toward the end, but this raises some pretty important ethical questions. The acting is pretty good, and the cinematography is gorgeous. I can't always tell what is meant to be satirical and what is supposed to be taken seriously- I guess an exploration the duality of mankind can include a couple of slow-motion explosions.
Love CSI? Get a kick out of today's modern details of the workings of the human body? Then thank the makers of this movie- they used this technique to show the damage to the human body a bullet causes..
And even the film itself is amazing
I applaud David O. Russell for creating a film that is roundly stylized, poignant, and absurd. The four characters, all opportunists with their own justification, are perfectly drawn and perfectly cast. Wahlburg turns in a good performance, a rare fe... (read more) I applaud David O. Russell for creating a film that is roundly stylized, poignant, and absurd. The four characters, all opportunists with their own justification, are perfectly drawn and perfectly cast. Wahlburg turns in a good performance, a rare feat by the actor, but he lands one it's pretty remarkable. The progression of the characters from rogue thieves to silent heroes is an uplifting work of fiction about the persistence of decency amidst capitalism. The film frequently and gracefully transitions from the comedy of an effortless war to the drama of an effortless war, all under Newton Thomas Sigel's genius photography of the blistering Saudi desert and an array of impressive post-production effects. A very creative and original war movie, widdling down the politics of the US's middle-eastern influence with witty and comedic symbolism.
Critic Reviews
It has the freedom and recklessness of Oliver Stone or Robert Altman in their mad-dog days, and a visual style that hungers for impact.full review
It's George Clooney's best showcase to date -- a picture that is as strong as the war itself was dubious and one-sided.full review
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