The story of a gunrunner played by Nicholas Cage, starting with his first deal and working up to his present-day multi-national trade which rakes in millions for him, even as it destroys his family. A well-constructed storyline, very entertaining, and revealing drama that delves into a trade that doesn't entirely cause but does contribute to the world's mindless violence.
Cage plays Yuri Orlov, an amoral Ukrainian-born immigrant who enjoys the game and the money, defending himself by saying he is not responsible for how the weapons are used. He's a likable, non-violent person who sells to cold-blooded killers who recognize the resemblance he fails to see. He's kind of like Ray Liotta's Henry Hill in Goodfellas, except that Hill is more honest about his motives and means.
His quick wits allow him to escape being caught as he strips a Soviet helicopter of missiles as inspectors approach so the missiles and choppers can be presented as separate legal exports. Braced by an armed fighter over Africa operating on behalf of Interpol, he sets a massive cargo aircraft down on a dirt road and the locals are invited to take all the weapons free, which they do in ten minutes as he waits for inspectors led by Ethan Hawke to arrive. When a ship sought by inspectors is intercepted on the high seas, a man with a paintbrush changes the name of the ship before the inspectors can get close enough and a phone call registers the ship.
Yuri continues to rake in money as he flies on from deal to deal, playing the game. Thirsting for an island of normalcy, and recognizing the repugnance of his trade, Yuri marries a beauty queen (Bridget Moynahan) and keeps her in the dark. She's not Henry Hill's mob wife. When she finds out, he quits but finds himself unable to adjust to selling timber. He uses the same skills but it doesn't offer the same money or the excitement of the arms trade.
Very good movie, worth viewing, a keeper.
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