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Summary: The beast (of war) was?
Review: I found out this film went straight to video (due to a studio upheaval..?)which explains the virtual absense of PR. However, certain people must've caught on to this great film despite the false start because I've seen it playing quite a number of times on a wide range of channels, since the first time catching it in high school. At the film's end, you might ask yourself...well, the Afghan rebels refered to the tank as "the beast" (if I remember correctly) but what/who was really the beast here (at least a true SOB)? If you like war films, you should especially enjoy this one. Just wished it was on DVD.
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Summary: A marvelously written, directed, and cast war/anti-war film.
Review: "The Beast" is a uniquely stirring film combining brutal realism with a moving portrayal of the human foundation of war. Set in Afghanistan in 1981, the film follows a Soviet tank crew that participates in the vengeful destruction of an Afghan village then becomes lost in the high desert. Running parallel to the story of the Russians is that of the Afghans who have survived the slaughter of their town and set out to take revenge on the Soviets. The story is a beautifully terrible tapestry of the tangled web of war. The Soviets destroy the village in revenge for (presumed) attacks by Afghan rebels--with whom the villagers have a blood feud. The divided Afghans unite to take revenge. The five-man Soviet tank crew proves divided in character and in skills. All the tank crew scenes reflect a scripting and directing realism so effective you can smell the diesel and spent propellant. The plot is driven by very human decisions and interactions. The near-miraculous turns in plot are made believable through meticulous attention to characterization. Underlying the plot is the powerful religious theme of the good underdog triumphing over the evil giant, as exemplified by David's triumph over Goliath. "The Beast" is a true rare gem worth seeing a dozen times.
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Summary: Tank Boy!
Review: Probably one of the top 5 war movies in my book. I've heard it described as "Das Boot" in the desert and I think that is the best short description of the movie. All of the performances are excelent and the story unfolds perfectly, building the tension all the way thru. My only regret is that my local video stores no longer carry the movie and it's not available on DVD (or even video for a reasonable ammount). If you ever see this movie on the shelves, do yourself a favor and watch it.Now, which lame-brained studio exec do I write to and demand the movie be released on DVD? (When you see the movie you'll understand the "Tank Boy" reference)
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Summary: THE Tanker Movie
Review: As an ex-tanker I can say this movie is as good as it gets for film. Gives a unique view into a unique conflict and a great feel for what being a tanker is all about.
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Summary: David and Goliath in the Afghan desert
Review: Red Army tank, part of a tank battalion that slaughters an entire Afghan village, is cut off from their comrades and is lost in the Afghan desert. A band of surviving Mujahadeen freedom fighters recover an RPG launcher and some RPG's and take out after the lost tank. On the surface this sounds predictible, but it's not- this is more a movie about the clash of completely different cultures set against the backdrop of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. An OUTSTANDING movie- I found each part to be exceedingly well- acted and the actors seemed to be perfectly casted. It has a military theme, of course, but addresses the concept of revenge within the framework of religion and also the simple concept of human dignity in the face of extreme hardship. As a war movie I rate THE BEAST right up at the top of my list with FULL METAL JACKET and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN- but it's a deeper movie than those two. Watch this movie with an open mind- it'll make you think.
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Summary: Very good representation of Russian weapons and equipment.
Review: As with all the other posts here, I too agree that this is a very good and overlooked film. It is both a film about war and about spirituality. Also what I really appreciated were the attention paid to the technical details. All the weapons were well researched, from the Russian underfolder Kalashnikov's to the Enfield's and RPG's used by the Afgan's. The scenes inside the tank were so detailed I almost believe I could now drive one of those T-34's. Even the yellow canister of poison used at the watering hole was true to life. If you like Russian military equipment, you will love this film.
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Summary: Awesome
Review: Think Das Boot, Stalingrad with this one. Realistic mostly, well-made, but also about soldiers as people. If I recall right, this was originally a play (I saw this when it came out). Now, if the price'll just come down...
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Summary: Forgotten gem
Review: One of the pleasures of being a film junkie is discovering films like "The Beast." Top of my list of underappreciated war films in the past twenty years, it would probably surprise many that the same director of "Waterworld" and "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" could produce such a beautiful statement on war. His name is Kevin Reynolds. I wish he could've made more films like this.
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Summary: The realism totally eclipses any staged aspects
Review: This is one case, at least, where the amateur critics have it right over the pros (cf Matlin review). The characters are depicted with such a degree of realism that you forget they are actors. The cinematography and musical score are excellent. There is nothing slow, ponderous or even predictable about this film. The dualities abound: the wide open spaces and the claustrophobia in the tank; the high tech materials of the pursued and the primitive weapons of the pursuers; the brutality of war and the occasional bonding among human beings. One of the top war films of recent times and a good lesson about human nature.
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Summary: Little known and great film
Review: This movie caught me totally by suprise. I watched this movie from beginning to end without wanting to get up. This the best film of it's kind I have ever seen. A little disturbing at times, but absolutely brilliant. I didnt know much about the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, And I realize this movie was somewhat fictional, And I was totally immersed in it from start to finish. Definitely check this one out. Five star film all the way, Jason Patrick does a great job.
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