A criminal subculture operates among U.S. soldiers stationed in West Germany just before the fall of the Berlin wall.A criminal subculture operates among U.S. soldiers stationed in West Germany just before the fall of the Berlin wall.A criminal subculture operates among U.S. soldiers stationed in West Germany just before the fall of the Berlin wall.
- Awards
- 1 win & 6 nominations
Shiek Mahmud-Bey
- Sergeant Saad
- (as Sheik Mahmud-Bey)
Noah Lee Margetts
- Rothfuss
- (as Noah)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaPremiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 9, 2001. The events that happened on 9-11 effectively killed the film's chances of distribution within the United States.
- GoofsWhen Elwood looks at Sergeant Lee's personnel file on the computer, it says his date of birth is 10/08/1954. The film is set in October 1989 which would make him 35 years old. Scott Glenn was 60 when this film was made.
- Quotes
Ray Elwood: Say, do you ever have falling dreams?
Robyn Lee: Sure, I think so.
Ray Elwood: I have the same dream all the time where its really high and I'm kind of floating and then I fall. Is that the same as yours?
Robyn Lee: Kind of.
Ray Elwood: Well, why? What happens in yours?
Robyn Lee: I wake up before I hit the ground.
Ray Elwood: I always hit. I don't wake up.
Robyn Lee: That's not normal.
- Crazy creditsThe end credits include the citation: 'The red cross emblem is an international symbol of neutral protection during armed conflicts, and its use is restricted by law. The purposes for which the red cross emblem is used by the characters in this film are clearly improper. The filmmakers wish to stress their support for proper use of the emblem, which has saved millions of lives throughout the world'.
- SoundtracksFight the Power
Written by Chuck D (as Carlton Ridenhour), Eric Sadler & Keith Shocklee
Published by Universal Music Publishing Limited and Reach Global Inc./Hammer Musik c/o Bucks Music Limited
Performed by Public Enemy
Courtesy of Def Jam/Mercury Records Limited (London)
Licensed by kind permission from the Film & TV Licensing Division
Part of Universal Music Group
Featured review
outlandish black comedy
It's 1989 Stuttgart, W Germany. Specialist Ray Elwood (Joaquin Phoenix) is a schemer in the 317th Supply Battalion on Theodore Roosevelt US Army Base. As many soldiers at the time, he was given a choice between jail and the Army. He sells Army supplies to the black market. He cooks heroine as a middle man. His commander Colonel Berman (Ed Harris) is clueless. He sleeps with Berman's wife (Elizabeth McGovern). When drugged up tankers destroy a gas station killing two truck drivers, Elwood takes advantage by stealing the weapons in the trucks. Then a new Top Sergeant Lee (Scott Glenn) arrives and he zeros in on Elwood. Elwood tries to get back at him by dating his daughter Robyn Lee (Anna Paquin).
This is an outlandish black comedy. For the first half, I was rooting against Elwood. It could be more fun if Elwood is a funnier character. Joaquin has a dead-pan delivery. This movie could be funnier. However, it's a good satirical poke at the military. Despite a couple of questionable moments with Robyn, the supporting actors are all great. I like the spiraling chaos around Elwood and what happens to him in the crazy ending.
This is an outlandish black comedy. For the first half, I was rooting against Elwood. It could be more fun if Elwood is a funnier character. Joaquin has a dead-pan delivery. This movie could be funnier. However, it's a good satirical poke at the military. Despite a couple of questionable moments with Robyn, the supporting actors are all great. I like the spiraling chaos around Elwood and what happens to him in the crazy ending.
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- Nov 29, 2015
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $15,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $354,421
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $30,977
- Jul 27, 2003
- Gross worldwide
- $2,300,684
- Runtime1 hour 38 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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