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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

In a war without heroes they are kings

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Drama | War

---

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 scene where the three soldiers enter the secret room in the bunker with the stolen stuff and TV sets in it, you can see Capt. Said (Saïd Taghmaoui) watch the opening credits of the French movie La Haine on a screen. That was the first real movie he had a role in, also under his real name Said.

---

Goofs

When the milk truck is entering the village and the Iraqi Soldiers blow a hole in the trailer, the first trailer tire "turns" to steer the trailer towards the wall.

---

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!

---

Crazy Credits

For Sergeant Major Jim Parker, 1946 - 1998

---

Connections

Referenced in Battlefield: Bad Company (2008)

---

Soundtracks

"Zurna-Tabl-Naqqare"
Performed by Iraqi Traditional Group
Courtesy of King Records

User Reviews

A beautiful war movie, if that's possible

I have to admit first I was born without the gene that understands why countries go to war. I don't understand who is fighting, why they are, the whole concept is a mystery to me. On a moral level its extremely offensive and completely unpleasant for all involved. So by extension its hard to watch a war movie because I go in already confused.

But I know a good movie when I see one, and this is a very good movie in many ways. This movie has a heart, some fantastic acting and something worthwhile to say. It was not hard to watch or understand, especially since, like I said, I don't always get it. But I will be watching this one again. At times it felt like a documentary. All the acting is so natural, no one makes a false move and you can't say that about most movies.

And I also didn't know Infiniti made a convertible!

8/10