EP 18: THE BEAST OF WAR (1988) vs. TROMA'S WAR (1988)
Tanks, and Guns, and Tourists—oh my!
In this episode, we get gritty with THE BEAST OF WAR (1988), aka THE BEAST, as a vengeful group of Afghani rebels hunt a lost Soviet tank unit! It's got Jason Patric from THE LOST BOYS! We pair this forgotten gem with the unmatched madness of TROMA'S WAR (1988), where a plane-wrecked group runs afoul of AIDS-armed terrorists! Did we mention that it's madness?
It's "War is Hell," this week on CULT and CLASSIC Films Podcast!
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Host: Nate Wyckoff
Panelists: Amanda Longley & Greg Johnson
More on THE BEAST OF WAR (1988):
The Beast of War, directed by Kevin Reynolds, is a gripping war drama set in the context of the Soviet-Afghan War of the 1980s. The film shines a light on the psychological toll and moral crisis faced by both the aggressors and those resisting their invasion.
The story revolves around a Russian T-62 tank and its crew led by the hardened and ruthless commander, Daskal (played by George Dzundza). As the tank moves through the desolate Afghan landscape, tensions between the men simmer beneath the surface. They become further strained when the tank accidentally destroys an Afghan village, killing innocent civilians. The tank's skilled but conflicted mechanic, Konstantin Koverchenko (played by Jason Patric), is the moral compass of the crew. Konstantin secretly despises the atrocities committed by his fellow soldiers and harbors resentment towards the brutal tactics employed by their commander. Gradually, he becomes disillusioned with the Soviet cause.
In their relentless pursuit of a small group of Afghan Mujahideen fighters led by Taj (played by Steven Bauer), the Russian tank crew finds themselves trapped inside a steep mountain gorge. As their situation becomes increasingly perilous, tensions flare up, exacerbated by the relentless pursuit of Taj and his men seeking vengeance for the destruction of their village. Amidst the claustrophobic and intense setting, The Beast of War delves deep into the psyche of the Russian tank crew. The film explores the dehumanizing effects of war and the struggle between loyalty to one's comrades and one's own conscience. The isolated and hostile environment forces the characters to confront their own fears, prejudices, and the harrowing consequences of their actions.
As the Russian tank crew fights to survive the relentless attacks of the Mujahideen fighters, tensions within the crew reach a breaking point. Personal vendettas clash, and allegiances are questioned. Konstantin's growing dissent further alienates him from his comrades, leading to a profound and compelling internal struggle. In an explosive and emotionally charged climax, The Beast of War forces the audience to confront the devastating consequences of war. The film provides a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of conflicts and their impact on the individuals involved, regardless of their side.
With its stunning cinematography capturing the harsh beauty of the Afghan landscape and powerful performances by the cast, The Beast of War offers a captivating exploration of war's dark complexities. This gritty and visceral drama successfully demonstrates the far-reaching effects of war, challenging our notions of heroism and the innate humanity that lies within us all.
More on TROMA’S WAR (1988):
Troma's War is a cult classic action-comedy film released in 1988. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman, this satirical masterpiece takes audiences on a wild and absurd journey that parodies the conventions of war films.
The story begins when a group of American tourists finds themselves stranded on a remote tropical island after their plane crashes. Unbeknownst to them, this seemingly idyllic paradise is actually the secret base of a nefarious terrorist organization. The visitors soon realize that their survival depends on banding together and fighting against the enemy. What follows is a hilarious and over-the-top battle for survival as they encounter eccentric characters and absurd situations. From ravenous mutant lobsters to flamethrower-wielding maniacs, each obstacle pushes the group closer to the edge. As the tourists unravel the sinister plot of the terrorists, the film cleverly reflects on the absurdity of war and the violence perpetuated by both sides. Troma's signature dark humor is present throughout, with irreverent jokes and gory action scenes that simultaneously shock and entertain.
Despite its low budget, Troma's War impresses with its unapologetic audacity, intentionally cheesy special effects, and a unique blend of satire and social commentary. Lloyd Kaufman's direction strikes a delicate balance between campy humor and clever storytelling, making the film a cult favorite among fans of independent cinema. The movie's over-the-top violence and nihilistic tone may not appeal to everyone, as it purposefully pushes boundaries and embraces its B-movie roots. However, for those who appreciate unconventional cinema and have a taste for dark humor, Troma's War is an unmissable experience.
In summary, Troma's War is a satirical roller coaster ride that revels in its absurdity. It serves as both a parody of war films and a commentary on the futility of violence. With its outrageous action sequences and clever wit, this cult classic continues to captivate audiences and solidify its place in the annals of cinema history.