Three Kings (1999)

In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, 4 soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.

Director:

David O. Russell

Writers:

John Ridley (story), David O. Russell (screenplay)

Stars:

George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube

10 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Clooney	...	Archie Gates
Mark Wahlberg	...	Troy Barlow
Ice Cube	...	Chief Elgin
Spike Jonze	...	Conrad Vig
Cliff Curtis	...	Amir Abdulah
Nora Dunn	...	Adriana Cruz
Jamie Kennedy	...	Walter Wogaman
Saïd Taghmaoui	...	Captain Said (as Said Taghmaoui)
Mykelti Williamson	...	Colonel Horn
Holt McCallany	...	Captain Van Meter
Judy Greer	...	Cathy Daitch
Christopher Lohr	...	Teebaux
Jon Sklaroff	...	Paco
Liz Stauber	...	Debbie Barlow, Troy's Wife
Marsha Horan	...	Amir's Wife

Storyline

A small group of adventurous American soldiers in Iraq at the end of the Gulf War are determined to steal a huge cache of gold reputed to be hidden somewhere near their desert base. Finding a map they believe will take them to the gold, they embark on a journey that leads to unexpected discoveries, enabling them to rise to a heroic challenge that drastically changes their lives.

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Plot Keywords:

gold | gulf war | kuwait | iraq | persian gulf | 

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Taglines:

In a war without heroes they are kings

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic war violence, language and some sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Warner Bros

Country:

USA Australia

Language:

English Arabic

Release Date:

1 October 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tres reyes

Filming Locations:

Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$48,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,438,818 (UK) (3 March 2000)

Gross:

£6,090,521 (UK) (14 April 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Village Roadshow Pictures, Village-A.M. Partnership

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the celebratory scene in the tent back at base camp, several soldiers are seen to be drinking what appears to be mouthwash. During the Gulf War, Saudi Arabia's Islamic-based ban on alcohol forced many soldiers to become more ingenious in obtaining their favorite vices. In this case, they asked loved ones to send them vodka with added blue food coloring in mouthwash bottles.

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Goofs

Characters are frequently seen handling - with only moderate difficulty - armfuls of gold that should weigh several hundred pounds.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Troy Barlow: Are we shooting?
Soldier: What?
Troy Barlow: Are we shootin' people or what?
Soldier: Are we shooting?
Troy Barlow: That's what I'm asking you!
Soldier: What's the answer?
Troy Barlow: I don't know the answer! That's what I'm trying to find out!

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Crazy Credits

For Sergeant Major Jim Parker, 1946 - 1998

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Connections

References The Wild Bunch (1969)

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Soundtracks

"Flesh & Bone"
Written by Thomas Newman
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

User Reviews

I Was Surprised

I avoided this film for some time because I have a strong dislike of war films, particularly relatively recent wars. Too bad for me. I finally rented it because of the impressive works I've seen by Mr. Russell. This is not a war film, even though it takes place during a war, and in a war zone. This is a film of humanity. Like many other films that I find excellent, this film deals with the human condition on many levels. There's pathos, humor, love, violence, ad infinitum. You'd get a sterilized version of what this film shows on the evening news. It shows that our soldiers, just as ourselves, are human, with all our frailities. And, I believe, it gives an honest account of what life is like for the people of the Middle East.

Fine acting by truly fine actors, great cinematography, and a very intelligent script make this a must see film.