Three Kings (1999)

Directed by: David O. Russell | 114 minutes | action, drama, comedy, war, adventure | Actors: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze, Cliff Curtis, Nora Dunn, Jamie Kennedy, Judy Greer

Just after the Gulf War is over, four American soldiers are thrown into their laps with a map showing the location of gold that Saddam stole from the Kuwaitis. The gentlemen decide on their own initiative to go get the gold in order to save a little more from the war than shoes full of sand. What starts as a childhood dream turns into a drama in which the misery of the Gulf War and the policies of George Bush are exposed.

With a Bart Simpson doll on the front of their jeep and The Beach Boys on the car radio, the search of George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube and Spike Jonze starts. The confrontation with the harsh reality soon follows. The people of Iraq rebelled against Saddam at Bush’s request and subsequently received no support in their fight against the Iraqi army. Without getting too dramatic, the foursome decide to help a group of powerless residents flee to the border. Almost all war films have the underlying message of how insane the war is and what human suffering is caused, including ‘Three Kings’.

David O. Russell knows how to stand out from the crowd with unique battle scenes, a small dose of humor and beautiful images. A good example is the relatively small exchange of fire with the Iraqi army. With each shot, the camera follows the bullet from barrel to end point and in some cases even into the body of the unfortunate. This way of filming creates a completely different rhythm in an otherwise average fight. Good use has been made of the beautiful surroundings. Who says a desert area has to look boring? A clear blue sky, a color filter and a small adjustment in the playback speed and every scene looks beautiful.

George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg make it very enjoyable to watch and Ice Cube isn’t that bad. Maybe acting was not the best career choice for the rapper but his role in this movie is still acceptable.

Perhaps ‘Three Kings’ is a bit too idealistic compared to the heroes in the lead role, the underlying idea is clear. We accept that it is administered with a spoonful of sugar because it remains a good film.