Men of War, starring Dolph Lundgren and based on a script by John Sayles, maybe the action star’s best work of the 1990s. It is now available on Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment.
The Film
The biggest delight in reviewing anything is the honest-to-God discovery. Rarely does it happen. You find something and even if you’re open-minded – 99 times out of 100 you’re going to know if it hits or not. That 1 out of 100 is where the magic of being a film critic comes into play. That 1% of the time is that “honest-to-God discovery” and hits the “lizard brain”.
Men of War is that 1% for me.
Directed by Perry Lang and written by John Sayles is an action drama that’s long long-used action film that’s the template of how to make a mid-level action character drama. Sayles’ script pushing character and drama over action rewards the viewer with a film that could have been a cliché-ridden piece of Cannon Produced nonsense. Moreso than giving Dolph Lundgren his best role of the 90s, it’s work and consideration of the characters that would normally be “target practice” that Sayles’s script does, that elevates it to something special.
Lundgren is great as the grizzled burnt-out Merc but its BD Wong and Charlotte Lewis as two of the villagers in the film that truly shine. Lewis whose work here isn’t simply the “exotic love interest”. The way that her character evolves and opens up about who she is and her part on the island is wonderfully astute and never feels like some sort of polemic that it could have been. Wong makes a meal out of his character upstaging everyone with his fast-talking Po. The way Po deals with Lundgren’s Nick and his team of second-rate Mercs who want him and the village to give up the land rights of their tiny, beautiful island for money is clever and adroit in a way that films of this ilk never are. When Po does reveal in the final third his true character it’s a moment that will make an audience laugh with glee.
Men of War is not just a brooding character piece but a truly rousing piece of action cinema. One that takes its time to set the table. However, once the table is set and the stakes are raised – Men of War earns its name. The harrowing and thrilling showdown makes each death and each victory on the field of war matter. This isn’t just a well-executed action film it’s an all-around great film. One that deserves to be discovered.
The Transfer
The transfer is a beautifully imperfect perfect picture. There’s something to the image that appears to be remastered but not restored that gives the film an added oomph. Men of War on Blu-ray feels and looks like it’s been transferred from a well-loved, often screened but impeccable kept 35mm print. There are slight imperfections, flecks of dirt … that work FOR THE FILM. It gives that midnight movie feel to the entire film. The image retains the sharpness and clarity one expects but the look with those added imperfections, again I’ll say this to be clear, adds to the film’s charms and that loving 35mm print look.
The Extras
They include the following;
- Introduction by Director Perry Lang
- An Unsafe Place: Making Men of War
- Raw Footage / Dailies of Select Scenes
- Photo Gallery
- Theatrical Trailer
Introduction by Director Perry Lang (0:36) – an all-too-brief introduction to the film and the location where they filmed.
An Unsafe Place: Making Men of War (12:53) – this archival making-of featurette is quite comprehensive at only 13 minutes hosted by Lundgren collaborator Jeremie Damoiseau. It covers the inception – work of John Sayles; the preproduction – attaching Lundgren, changes made by the producers to the script, the director that almost made the picture; production in Thailand – shooting in real 35mm Anamorphic, the difficulty with getting to the locations and the trouble that held for the production, a few anecdotes from the production and just how dangerous the shoot was; and release of the film – how Miramax (as per usual) botched the release after buying from Sony; and more.
Raw Footage / Dailies of Select Scenes (9:44) – pulled from a VHS dub of dailies this consists of various pieces of raw footage from the Opening Scene; hiring the crew; the bazooka distance scene; the fight at the club; the final showdown. Each of the scenes that are covered features some alternate shots and moments. Unfortunately, this does not have any of the production sound and plays with the score from the film.
Photo Gallery (7:36) – the gallery consists of 91 production stills, poster art, and behind-the-scenes photographs that run automatically with the score from the film. The gallery can be paused but unfortunately does not have navigation features.
Theatrical Trailer (1:47)
The Final Thought
Men of War is a true cinematic surprise, though armed with a Sayles script, it should not shock any cineaste. Highest possible recommendations!!!