Guns in Lord of War: A Wild Movie Money-Saving Move

Czech RepublicSun Nov 02 2025
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"Lord of War, " a 2005 crime drama starring Nicolas Cage, dives into the shady world of arms dealing. The movie is known for its intense plot and questionable accuracy, but there's one surprising fact: the guns used in the film are real. The story follows Yuri Orlov, played by Cage, as he navigates the dangerous world of arms trafficking. The film's production team faced a unique challenge when they needed guns for the scenes set in Ukraine and the former Soviet Union. They were filming in the Czech Republic, and it turned out that buying real AK-47s was cheaper than getting fake ones. Director Andrew Niccol explained that using real guns was a cost-saving measure. They bought 3000 Kalashnikovs and later sold them back at a loss. This decision might seem odd, but it highlights the bizarre economics of the film industry and the arms trade. Critics have praised Nicolas Cage's performance in "Lord of War, " calling it one of his best. The film also features strong performances from Ethan Hawke and Jared Leto. While the movie isn't as well-known as some of Cage's other works, it's definitely worth a watch.