Customer Reviews

The Beast

5 star:		(73)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's not surprising that this controversial movie isn't that well-known, but after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, watching this movie is even more important. The movie begins with a devastating Soviet tank attack on a quiet village in Afghanistan, during which a rebel prisoner is shown being run over by one of the T-62 tanks (one of the most grusome scenes in the history of cinema!). After "mopping up" the pitiful resistance, one of the Soviet T-62 tanks becomes separated from the rest and in no time at all is lost in the brutal desert, where Afghani rebels led by Taj (Steven Bauer, in an incredible performance) stalk the tank with the goal of destroying "the beast".

The commander of the lost T-62 is Daskal (George Dzundza), a tyrant who's so psychotic he has one of his own tank crewman machine gunned for being "a traitor" (which he wasn't of course).
The tank driver, Koverchenko (Jason Patric) can't stand Daskal's madness any longer, and when his insubordination to Daskal goes too far he is tied up and left to die alone in the desert. The Afghani rebels find Koverchenko and prepare to kill him, but he begs for mercy and his life is spared by Taj. Taj gives him the option of joining the rebels in their determined hunt of "the beast", and Koverchenko readily accepts. Taj and Koverchenko learn to trust one another as they close in on the tank (which is quickly running out of fuel) for the kill, leading to an explosive confrontation.

Despite the fact that Americans play Soviet tank crewmen and speak English, I found this movie very thought-provoking and gripping from beginning to end. The casting couldn't have been better and the performances are outstanding, as is the chilling atmospheric music by Mark Isham. The cinematography is simply stunning, and the battle scenes are very graphic and intense. It's too bad that the dvd is full-screen only and contains hardly any special features, because a great film like this certainly deserves a special edition dvd. Still, it's at least very inexpensive, and this is a movie that no war movie fan should be without!

"When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
and the women come out to cut up your remains,
just roll to your rifle and blow out your brains,
and go to your God like a soldier." -Rudyard Kipling

The political climate at the time of this film's release in 1988 made it impossible for it to obtain the distribution it deserved; the movie itself, taking place during the first full year of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, centers around a Soviet tank crew who are commanded by a miserable officer who is a veteran of the Old School...and the Old War (his details of his exploits as a child in Stalingrad against the Nazis are both chilling and exceptionally revealing). He has no regard for the lives of the people in whose country his armies are "guests" (the government in Kabul at the time was well- supported by Moscow), and he has neither regard for anything he perceives as weakness among his own troops, nor time to listen to anyone who would interfere with his command of them. This leads to the action that ultimately adds the twist of "Badal" (Islamic term for "revenge") as the tankers become lost in a box canyon and attempt to elude Mujahideen (Islamic freedom fighters) as they return to their column.
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I know it's an insignificant and meaningless consequence to the actions of September 11, 2001 here in the United States...but I believe this movie should be reassessed and far more appreciated. The decision to allow the Soviets to speak not in the traditional thickly-accented English that can be expected from most intrigue movies, but instead with American dialects (any of these guys could have been extras in "A Bronx Tale") was inspired at the time, and it very effectively humanized an enemy that we in America had been indoctrinated to believe were "an Evil Empire". And in truth, the first scene of the armored attack of an Afghan village pretty much supports this categorization...but as the movie runs its course, you start to wonder.
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The Afghans, in contract, speak their native tongue (with subtitles). This is an incredible feat, particularly pulled off by Steven Bauer ("Manolo", from "Scarface") as the young Khan who inherits his position after his elders are killed during Soviet interrogation. The Afghans religiously see their obligation to destroy the Soviets as divine will, and are thoroughly merciless in their attempts to do so. A group that begin the movie as oppressed but gallant freedom fighters slowly reveal themselves to be little short of brigands, literally (at least in the case of their women) thirsty for the blood of their invaders.
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Of course, today things are different. Today we as Americans are only beginning to understand the horror that the conflict in Afghanistan was (and continues to be). Today we as a country ask ourselves what we were thinking when we pledged our support to the Mujahideen that eventually begat the Taliban in an attempt to thwart an "Evil Empire" who, for some reason, wanted to control the most worthless patch of land on this planet.
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Therefore, I say with great conviction: Watch this movie...and when you find yourself wondering if it's right to feel one way or the other for one side or the other, then you find yourself understanding a little more about what war really is.

"The Beast" is a uniquely stirring film combining brutal realism with a moving portrayal of the human foundation of war. Set in Afghanistan in 1981, the film follows a Soviet tank crew that participates in the vengeful destruction of an Afghan village then becomes lost in the high desert. Running parallel to the story of the Russians is that of the Afghans who have survived the slaughter of their town and set out to take revenge on the Soviets. The story is a beautifully terrible tapestry of the tangled web of war. The Soviets destroy the village in revenge for (presumed) attacks by Afghan rebels--with whom the villagers have a blood feud. The divided Afghans unite to take revenge. The five-man Soviet tank crew proves divided in character and in skills. All the tank crew scenes reflect a scripting and directing realism so effective you can smell the diesel and spent propellant. The plot is driven by very human decisions and interactions. The near-miraculous turns in plot are made believable through meticulous attention to characterization. Underlying the plot is the powerful religious theme of the good underdog triumphing over the evil giant, as exemplified by David's triumph over Goliath. "The Beast" is a true rare gem worth seeing a dozen times.

I first saw this film on late-night television in 1989, and waited ten years for another opportunity, when miraculously, I found it at a local video rental. Despite its price and availability to me for rent, I shall buy it to insure that I can see it again. It is one of the best war films known to me, tightly constructed, very well acted (Dzunda is outstanding), and visually superb. It does not rely on violence for its impact, but rather on the dramatic development of conflict (and of bonding) amongst the participants. Unlike one reviewer, I found the plot compelling, with mounting tension until the final dénouement. It explores the beast in man, not to mention the Afghan women (see the Kipling citation at the outset). I would not be without it.

Perhaps the most underappreciated film of the 80's, the Beast stands out as a solid war epic, with heart, action and beautiful imagery. Set during the Soviet Union's brutal war against Afghanistan, the Beast chronicles one tank's attempts to get back to friendly lines. The conscience of the tank crew is a young soldier played by Jason Patric. Increasingly put off by the atrocities against civilians that his hardened tank commander (wonderfully played by a rather lean George Dzundza!) has them all commit, he is forced out of the tank and left to die in the Afghan desert. While waiting to die, he is set upon by the rebels, who spare his life, and accept his aid in going after his comrades' tank! There was a lot to like about the Beast. Good acting all around. Fine attention to military detail. Suspenseful, well-done action scenes. Haunting score by Mark Isham. And amazing, razor-sharp cinematography by Douglas Milsome. The images of the desert are haunting and beautifully composed. END

After seeing this movie for the first time, I drew so many comparisons between this movie and Apocalypse Now, which I had considered the best war movie ever made. Both showed the madness of and heartlessness of war. Marlon Brando and George Dzundza played superb psychos who followed or enlarged their orders. Martin Sheen and Stephen Baldwin played soldiers who finally agreeded that war is insane. Whereas Martin Sheen eventually kills the beast (Marlon Brando), Stephen Baldwin attempts to do the same. Jason Patrick and Steven Bauer play the other two tankers and are so similar to the other river boat soldiers in Apocalypse Now. Whereas Martin Sheen's ship mates learn too late about the absurdity of war, Jason Patrick and Steven Bauer manage to... The Afghan's show true spirit as they wage a personal war against the T-62, while the tank crew wage a personal war against their commander, who would kill them rather than leave his tank to be destroyed. The action is terrific and the supporting cast is excellent, especially the female Afghan's. They are just as tough, if not tougher than the males. To the famales, revenge is sweet. Whereas the men would just as soon shoot the enemy, the females would rather take their time and extract their own justice on the tank crew. Perhaps the longest living memory of the movie surrounds the music. I do not recall ever feeling so alone listening to the music. It was eerie and defined the lonliness of Afghanistan. The single shrill of the music really defined the arrid land and at time,the hopelessness, of the struggle. But they never gave up. I hope that you feel the same, concerning the music. I compare it to some of that of Tangerine Dream. Eerie but worth remembering. I would give the edge to The Beast strictly for the music. It is or was about time that Russia's Vietnam was portrayed back in 1988. By all means, see this movie and enjoy the music. Both are first rate and extremely haunting. You will remember both.

I reviewed this film last January, while waiting for my own copy. Since receiving it, I have screened it three more times. My earlier convictions about its merits are now entirely confirmed. Since my review appeared, others have written well on the same subject, and I shall not repeat points with which I concur. Instead, I would like to say something about the film's artistry, which greatly repays examination (and re-viewing). The main player in this film is the desert; the supporting actor is silence. Both are made to be powerful presences, an unrelenting backdrop to the human agents. This effect is further enhanced by the music, a superb companion to the camera work of Kevin Reynolds. Look also for the symbolic references, like the undulating sedimentary line in a jutting rock that fills the screen just as the tank takes its initial wrong-turning, and reappears as it nears the end of its journey. There is also brilliant use of the imagery of a fire-circle: the dancing holy man's beacon, the tank's desperate ring of fire against the invisible enemy, the faces of the silent Afghans in the cave's fire-light awaiting the Russian's decision (I found that the most moving moment in the film). If you like, the rotating blades of the helicopter against the blazing sun in the final sequence is a fourth instance. Finally, a word in praise both of Jason Patric and Stephen Bauer. We all agree about George Dzundza, but Patric and Bauer were leagues away from their usual Hollywood parts, and performed superbly. I even believe that Bauer - absolutely remarkable as the young Khan - was speaking Afghan; is this possible? They must have enjoyed it immensely and gave their all; I take my hat off to them. How sad they must have felt to see the film trashed by reviewers kow-towing to political expediency. I shall see this admirable film again and again and again.

THIS MOVIE WAS RECOMMENDED TO ME AS A "MUST SEE" IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND AFGHAN TRIBAL CULTURE. I BOUGHT IT FOR THAT REASON, NOT KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT IN TERMS OF THE ACTUAL QUALITY OF THE MOVIE ITSELF. I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. IT WAS WELL ACTED, BEAUTIFULLY FILMED, AND (IMPORTANT TO ME) REALISTICALLY PORTRAYED. HAVING A MILITARY BACKGROUND MYSELF, I RESENT MOVIES THAT "HOLLYWOODIZE" FIGHTING SCENES (UNREALISTIC TACTICS, USE AND EFFECT OF WEAPONS, ETC). THIS ONE DIDN'T. THE FIGHTING WAS REALISTIC, ALTHOUGH - TRUTH BE TOLD - THERE ACTUALLY ISN'T A LOT OF FIGHTING PER SE.

ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME GORE, IT WASN'T GRATUITOUS, BUT ONLY SHOWN AS NECESSARY TO THE PLOT. ON ONE LEVEL THE MOVIE COULD BE CONSIDERED "A RELATIONSHIP MOVIE" (SORRY GUYS!). THE STORY BEGINS WITH A RATHER GRUESOME SCENE (BASICALLY THE WORST IN THE MOVIE) OF A SOVIET TANK PLATOON CONDUCTING "VILLAGE CLEARING" OPERATIONS AGAINST AN AFGHAN PASHTUN TRIBAL VILLAGE. IN THE AFTERMATH OF THAT OPERATION, ONE TANK BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE PLATOON. THE REMAINDER OF THE MOVIE DEALS WITH THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF THE MEMBERS OF THAT TANK TEAM, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN THE COMMANDER (WHO IS SLOWLY LOSING TOUCH WITH REALITY) AND ONE OF HIS MEN (WHO HAS NOT LOST TOUCH WITH HIS OWN MORALITY AND HUMANITY - AND THUS RESENTS THE BARBARIC ACTS AND ATTITUDES OF HIS COMMANDER).

THE LARGER PLOT PITS THE LOST TANK AGAINST A GROUP OF MUJAHIDEEN WHO HAIL FROM THE RAZED VILLAGE, BUT HAD BEEN ABSENT DURING THE VIOLENCE - AND NOW SEEK REVENGE. IT IS BASICALLY A GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE WITH THE TANK BEING CAST, UNCHARACTERISTICALLY, AS THE MOUSE. CAUGHT, AS IT WERE, IN A HUGE TRAP (A MASSIVE CANYON WITH ONLY ONE ENTRANCE). THE TANK MUST EVADE THE MUJAHIDEEN, THE PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE OF THEIR TANK BECOMING INCREASINGLY A PRISON.

I RECOMMEND THE MOVIE. IT DEALS SENSITIVELY WITH THE HUMAN AND PERSONAL ISSUES OF WAR, WHILE NEITHER ROUNDING THE ROUGH EDGES FOR THE SAKE OF PALATABILITY, NOR EMPHASIZING THE GRUESOME FOR THE SAKE OF MARKETABILITY TO A PARTICULAR DEMOGRAPHIC.

This is great, underrated war film. But a warning about this DVD edition. The package states that the disc contains both full and widescreen versions of the film. However, when my copy arrived, it contained a single sided DVD with only the full screen version. This isn't Amazon's fault, as I'm sure they based their listing on the package info. So be advised, you won't be getting the widescreen version.

This movie is great! ... I have since watched it over and over. Some reviews I have read focus on the tactical mistakes and lack of a "real" Russian helicopter in the film. The interesting thing about this is, war is chaotic. Sometimes tactics go out the window when faced with flying bullets. Even if the Russians used Motorized Rifle units as escorts for their armor, there's no saying that armor NEVER ventured out on their own. Heck, maybe this armored unit was part of a larger force that was simply making a reconnaisance-in-force. Also, the helicopter used in the movie was NOT that much different than the Mi-8 which, as it turns out, looks exactly like the one in the movie. If you don't believe me, check it out. Anywho, being a veteran and knowing how the rules of war are almost always broken, the so-called tactical "mistakes" made in the movie are easily overlooked. The main point of this movie is to give the viewer a feeling of the brutality of war and how it changes ordinarily sane people, into first monsters, callous to their nature, then fearful refugees to the carnage they created. This movie is both entertaining and yet, emotionally invoking. You get the sense that the real "enemy" is not the Mujahadeen pursuers, but the maniacal tank commander, driving his men to the brink of destruction. The last thing I'd like to say about this movie is its WONDERFUL soundtrack. The music definitely sets the mood. Now, if only I could find the soundtack. Arista records doesn't seem to know where to find it. I wish I knew!

Buy this movie, you won't be disappointed!