Rating: 
Summary: Ýhe Beast Revisited
Review: I reviewed this film last January, while waiting for my own copy. Since receiving it, I have screened it three more times. My earlier convictions about its merits are now entirely confirmed. Since my review appeared, others have written well on the same subject, and I shall not repeat points with which I concur. Instead, I would like to say something about the film's artistry, which greatly repays examination (and re-viewing). The main player in this film is the desert; the supporting actor is silence. Both are made to be powerful presences, an unrelenting backdrop to the human agents. This effect is further enhanced by the music, a superb companion to the camera work of Kevin Reynolds. Look also for the symbolic references, like the undulating sedimentary line in a jutting rock that fills the screen just as the tank takes its initial wrong-turning, and reappears as it nears the end of its journey. There is also brilliant use of the imagery of a fire-circle: the dancing holy man's beacon, the tank's desperate ring of fire against the invisible enemy, the faces of the silent Afghans in the cave's fire-light awaiting the Russian's decision (I found that the most moving moment in the film). If you like, the rotating blades of the helicopter against the blazing sun in the final sequence is a fourth instance. Finally, a word in praise both of Jason Patric and Stephen Bauer. We all agree about George Dzundza, but Patric and Bauer were leagues away from their usual Hollywood parts, and performed superbly. I even believe that Bauer - absolutely remarkable as the young Khan - was speaking Afghan; is this possible? They must have enjoyed it immensely and gave their all; I take my hat off to them. How sad they must have felt to see the film trashed by reviewers kow-towing to political expediency. I shall see this admirable film again and again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Russia's Vietnam
Review: The Beast is the Soviet equivalent of Fields of Fire or Rumor or War. Outstandingly stark portrayal of a Russian tank crew stalked by Muhajadeen in Afghanistan. Must be seen to appreciated.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding tour de force
Review: This is a remarkable film. The fact that it was suppressed in Hollywood for its political content is not suprising, but anyone who had seen this drama has come away impressed by its impact, technical detail, and characterization. The video does have some minor flaws, for example by second year of the Afghan War Soviet tanks because of their value would never have operated independent of motorized infantry. The Russian tank crew can receive AM radio broadcast in the Afghan boonies but are unable to communicate with their command units. While it was true that Soviet troops did at times defect to the Afghans, it was usually the ethnic Islamic troops from the bordering Soviet states which the Soviets used early in the war. Ethnic Russians would probably have been very reluctant to defect to the mujahdeen. But these are minor things in the overall context of the film. It is outstanding, the little things, like the Afghan advisor attached to the tank platoon, the Afghan Army was looked on in a very negative mode by the Russians, very much as the ARVN was by our military in Vietnam. The technical scenes in the tank interior were execellent, the actors had obviously been well coached on the operating procedures of a T-62 tank. Also the scenes early in the film which depict the animosity and in fighting between the Afghan clans which was one of the main reasons the Afghans were often ineffective against the Soviets. All in all a great film concerning an obscure period of history for most US citizens.
Rating:
Summary: Wow. Where did this come from... Excellent.
Review: I was watching tv at 8 in the morning on a saturday and this was on. I thought it was going to be some joke since I had never heard of it, maybe a cheap version of Rambo in Afganistan. I thought I had seen every top war movie ten times. Some joke, it is fantastic. The maltin review said the plot was predictable. Sure wasn't for me. One revelation after another. Obviously I can't say what they were and spoil it, but it is right up there in power with anything I have ever seen. I think it combines Paths of Glory with some great quest driven western. The grittyness inside and outside the tank is amazing. You feel like you are handling the tank yourself. The acting for everybody is fantastic. It is really something the way where everyone was coming from was so artfully laid out.
Rating:
Summary: The Beast
Review: I saw this movie in 1989, I have been trying to purchase it but due to its price I have not been able to, but i have good news: reel.com will be selling this in april/2000 for 12.99.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent war film
Review: I first saw this film on late-night television in 1989, and waited ten years for another opportunity, when miraculously, I found it at a local video rental. Despite its price and availability to me for rent, I shall buy it to insure that I can see it again. It is one of the best war films known to me, tightly constructed, very well acted (Dzunda is outstanding), and visually superb. It does not rely on violence for its impact, but rather on the dramatic development of conflict (and of bonding) amongst the participants. Unlike one reviewer, I found the plot compelling, with mounting tension until the final dénouement. It explores the beast in man, not to mention the Afghan women (see the Kipling citation at the outset). I would not be without it.
Rating:
Summary: A great, but politically incorrect, movie
Review: The Beast came out during the final days of perestroika with the Soviet Union and won awards and acclaim at Cannes. Our timid State Department thought this frighteningly realistic portrayal of the USSR's failures in Afganistan would annoy the Soviets and should not be seen by the U.S. public. Somehow this fine movie was not only surpressed, but actively attacked (witness Maltby's vapid review). George Dzunza was absolutely convincing as the fanatic Soviet tank commander and this movie should have won him something in Hollywood. The blackballed movie is well acted, filmed in realistic terrain and sends a piercingly universal message about all the Vietnams and Afganistans. The Beast's surpression should teach us all another lesson: George Orwell wasn't too far off. Bill Heuisler
Rating:
Summary: Planar Void
Review: I only remember parts of this movie and they were great. I really can't wait to see it again some day. I hope I live that long.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: Probably the best war movie I have ever seen. The drama is very realistic and believable and the characters draw you into the movie from the start. I haven't been able to find this movie anywhere but here....but that price....ugh!
Rating:
Summary: Well Above Average
Review: This film is not only a mark of cinematic quality at its best but it is a film that is determined to prove a point. Exploring the nature of war, spirituality and humanity, "The Beast" succeeds where so many other films of this genre fail. It pays attention to fine details, it features quality acting, it has a moral and it features an outstanding soundtrack that perfectly sets its scenes. The film is easily predictable but in the case of this film, it doesn't matter. Its positive attributes greatly out number its lesser ones. It is unfortunate that this film is so obscure. Perhaps if it wasn't, it would be available for a lesser price and on DVD.
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