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The Dogs of War (1981)

The Dogs of War (1981)
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Christopher Walken stars in John Irvin's graphic adaptation of Frederick Forsythe's novel about a mercenary sent to overthrow the government of an African country. Walken is Shannon, an American soldier of fortune who has staged incidents in Central America and Africa that helped topple governments. Shannon decides to take on one more mission when American businessman Endean (Hugh Millais), working for a large mining company wanting to move into an African country, hires Shannon to scout out the terrain of the country and see if the government is weak enough to be overthrown. Shannon assumes the guise of a photographer for a nature magazine and travels through the country, meeting a wide-array of people. But the government becomes suspicious of Shannon and throws him in jail, where, between torture sessions, he meets an imprisoned dissident leader. Through his imprisonment, Shannon comes to understand more fully the struggles of the African country. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
Christopher WalkenTom Berenger, (more)
Director(s):
John Irvin
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Dogs of War

Christopher Walken stars in John Irvin's graphic adaptation of Frederick Forsythe's novel about a mercenary sent to overthrow the government of an African country. Walken is Shannon, an American soldier of fortune who has staged incidents in Central America and Africa that helped topple governments. Shannon decides to take on one more mission when American businessman Endean (Hugh Millais), working for a large mining company wanting to move into an African country, hires Shannon to scout out the terrain of the country and see if the government is weak enough to be overthrown. Shannon assumes the guise of a photographer for a nature magazine and travels through the country, meeting a wide-array of people. But the government becomes suspicious of Shannon and throws him in jail, where, between torture sessions, he meets an imprisoned dissident leader. Through his imprisonment, Shannon comes to understand more fully the struggles of the African country. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
119 mins

Complete Cast of The Dogs of War


Director(s):
John Irvin
Writer(s):
George MalkoLeonard GlasserGary de Vore
Producer(s):
Larry de WaayPatrick PalmerNorman Jewison
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Violence, Not For Children, Adult Language)
Categories:
War
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Timothy and Laura S.

    another all time classic merc. movie, if you liked the wild geese your gonna love the dogs of war!

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    Charles T.

    As another reviewer noted, this one stands with "The Wild Geese" as a great and gritty mercenary story. There are also some interesting similarities in the two films. We see the leader getting hired for the job, then going about slecting his team, obtaining weapons, and infiltrating the target. During the mission, plenty goes wrong and the team must improvise. Finally, the hired warrior realizes which is the right side in the conflict he should be on. Filmed on location in Belize -- not in Africa -- the film has a very realistic feel. Walken and others give outstanding preformances in this tough and interesting action vehicle.

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    Michael M.

    You're gonna want that cowbell...

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    Read All 11 Reviews