War Dogs: Truth, Cast, and a Look at the Plot

War Dogs, released in 2016, is a biographical dark comedy crime film that tells a somewhat fictionalized version of the real-life story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, two young men who became arms dealers during the Iraq War. The film provides a darkly humorous and often unsettling look at the world of international arms dealing and the consequences of chasing the American Dream.

The Cast:

The film boasts a strong cast led by:

Jonah Hill as Efraim Diveroli: Hill delivers a memorable performance as the brash, opportunistic, and ultimately morally bankrupt Efraim. His portrayal captures the character’s relentless ambition and willingness to cut corners.
Miles Teller as David Packouz: Teller plays the more relatable and conflicted David, a struggling massage therapist who gets drawn into Efraim’s world. He represents the audience’s perspective, gradually realizing the ethical implications of their business.
Ana de Armas as Iz: de Armas portrays David’s girlfriend, Iz, who is kept in the dark about the true nature of David’s work. She represents the moral compass and the cost of David’s choices.
Bradley Cooper as Henry Girard: Cooper makes a cameo as the shadowy arms dealer Henry Girard, a character shrouded in mystery and danger, further emphasizing the high stakes of the arms trade.

Based on a True Story? The Reality Behind the Film:

War Dogs is based on a 2011 Rolling Stone article titled “Arms and the Dudes” by Guy Lawson. While the core narrative is rooted in the real-life events of Diveroli and Packouz securing a $300 million contract to supply weapons to the Afghan National Army, the film takes liberties with certain details for dramatic effect. The core elements, such as the acquisition of the contract, the issues they faced, and their eventual legal troubles, are all based in reality. However, some events are exaggerated or fictionalized to enhance the entertainment value.

Plot Review: A Descent into the World of Arms Dealing

The plot follows David Packouz, a young man struggling to make ends meet in Miami during the Iraq War. He reconnects with his childhood friend, Efraim Diveroli, who is running a small arms dealing business. Initially hesitant, David is lured by the promise of quick money and joins Efraim. They start small, bidding on minor government contracts. However, they soon discover a loophole that allows them to compete for larger deals. They exploit this loophole and win a massive $300 million contract to supply weapons to the Afghan National Army.

As they navigate the complex and dangerous world of international arms dealing, they encounter corrupt officials, shady intermediaries, and increasingly precarious situations. The pressure mounts, and the moral compromises they make take a toll on their friendship and their personal lives. David begins to question the ethics of their work, while Efraim becomes increasingly reckless and consumed by greed. The film culminates in a dramatic showdown and exposes the dark underbelly of the global arms trade, ultimately showing the consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral decay that can accompany the pursuit of wealth.

War Dogs is a compelling and entertaining film that offers a glimpse into a world rarely seen. While it takes some creative license with the true story, it raises important questions about the ethics of war profiteering and the human cost of conflict.