The Beast of War - Revision history

WZHBot: Bot: Adding DEFAULTSORT.

2023-07-29T16:57:13Z

Bot: Adding DEFAULTSORT.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 29 July 2023
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	The Afghans have a long history of gunsmithing villages, especially since the British invasion of 1838. This was a time when smoothbore flintlocks were actually more common than rifled muskets and the percussion cap firearm was a relatively new invention. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfields in the country are obvious left overs from both World Wars, but the film takes place in 1981, in the third year of the Soviet invasion. Moustafa's group of scavengers are the best armed fighters in the area, because they steal all the weapons from fallen Soviet soldiers. In 1981, most of the Afghan tribesmen would have a mix of antique weapons and some captured Soviet weaponry. Things have changed a lot since then. The 1980s saw a huge influx of aid and help by Western powers (like the U.S.) and other countries that (at the time) were at odds with the USSR, like the People's Republic of China. After 2001, countries like Iran and Syria funneled tons of weapons to any anti-US proxy force (like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban). The Afghan tribesmen of today's conflicts are no longer the quaintly villagers armed with vintage rifles of past years. They are much more heavily armed with modern weapons, mostly supplied by Iran via the Taliban through Pakistan. Too many viewers have this antiquated view of Afghanistan.		The Afghans have a long history of gunsmithing villages, especially since the British invasion of 1838. This was a time when smoothbore flintlocks were actually more common than rifled muskets and the percussion cap firearm was a relatively new invention. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfields in the country are obvious left overs from both World Wars, but the film takes place in 1981, in the third year of the Soviet invasion. Moustafa's group of scavengers are the best armed fighters in the area, because they steal all the weapons from fallen Soviet soldiers. In 1981, most of the Afghan tribesmen would have a mix of antique weapons and some captured Soviet weaponry. Things have changed a lot since then. The 1980s saw a huge influx of aid and help by Western powers (like the U.S.) and other countries that (at the time) were at odds with the USSR, like the People's Republic of China. After 2001, countries like Iran and Syria funneled tons of weapons to any anti-US proxy force (like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban). The Afghan tribesmen of today's conflicts are no longer the quaintly villagers armed with vintage rifles of past years. They are much more heavily armed with modern weapons, mostly supplied by Iran via the Taliban through Pakistan. Too many viewers have this antiquated view of Afghanistan.
	[[Image:TB-KiplingQuoteA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The opening screen of the film.]]		[[Image:TB-KiplingQuoteA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The opening screen of the film.]]

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Beast of War, The}}

	[[Category:Movie]]		[[Category:Movie]]
	[[Category:War]]		[[Category:War]]

WZHBot: WZHBot moved page Beast of War, The to The Beast of War over redirect: Bot: Fixing title according to new titling rule.

2023-07-28T19:45:27Z

WZHBot moved page Beast of War, The to The Beast of War over redirect: Bot: Fixing title according to new titling rule.

← Older revision	Revision as of 19:45, 28 July 2023
(No difference)

Wuzh: /* Short Magazine Lee-Enfield */

2019-12-17T05:12:27Z

Short Magazine Lee-Enfield

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:12, 17 December 2019
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	[[Image:TB-AK47BFA 02a.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another villager waiting with an AKS-47. Again, the Israeli BFA is visible.]]		[[Image:TB-AK47BFA 02a.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another villager waiting with an AKS-47. Again, the Israeli BFA is visible.]]

	== ~~Short Magazine~~ Lee-Enfield ==		== Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* ==
	A [[~~Lee-Enfield rifle series\|Short Magazine~~ Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III*]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears "badal" (revenge) to Allah when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]) to repair the damaged [[RPG-7]] launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.		A [[Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III*]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears "badal" (revenge) to Allah when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]) to repair the damaged [[RPG-7]] launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.
	[[Image:SMLE.jpg\|thumb\|none\|450px\|Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* - .303 British]]		[[Image:SMLE.jpg\|thumb\|none\|450px\|Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* - .303 British]]
	[[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the raid by the Soviets.]]		[[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the raid by the Soviets.]]
	[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj (center) with his SMLE at the ready as Moustafa's group arrives.]]		[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj (center) with his SMLE at the ready as Moustafa's group arrives.]]

Spartan198 at 14:41, 12 December 2019

2019-12-12T14:41:50Z

VanTu at 14:22, 12 December 2019

2019-12-12T14:22:40Z

Show changes

Leigh Burne: Sp.

2019-10-03T09:01:30Z

Sp.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:01, 3 October 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]		[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]

	'''''The Beast of War''''', or as it's widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and ~~relentless~~ pursued by Mujaheddin fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T55 tank was well obsolete in the Soviet army ,by the time frame of this film, it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie.		'''''The Beast of War''''', or as it's widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentlessly pursued by Mujaheddin fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T55 tank was well obsolete in the Soviet army ,by the time frame of this film, it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie.

Jcordell at 03:42, 11 September 2019

2019-09-11T03:42:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:42, 11 September 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]		[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]

	'''''The Beast of War''''', or as it's widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentless pursued by Mujaheddin fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T55 tank was well obsolete in the ~~Russian~~ army by the time frame of this film, ~~however~~ it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie.		'''''The Beast of War''''', or as it's widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentless pursued by Mujaheddin fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T55 tank was well obsolete in the Soviet army ,by the time frame of this film, it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie.

Laqueesha at 19:18, 16 February 2018

2018-02-16T19:18:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 16 February 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]		[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]

	'''''The Beast of War''''', or as it's widely known to American viewers under the ~~U.S.~~ release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentless pursued by Mujaheddin fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T55 tank was well obsolete in the Russian army by the time frame of this film, however it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie.		'''''The Beast of War''''', or as it's widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentless pursued by Mujaheddin fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T55 tank was well obsolete in the Russian army by the time frame of this film, however it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie.


Line 16:		Line 16:
	[[Image:TB-AK47STankCrewsA.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|601px\|Soviet tankers Golikov ([[Stephen Baldwin]]) and Kaminski ([[Don Harvey]]) dismount while holding folding stock AKS-47s. What initially confused viewers into thinking that these were [[AK-47#AKMS\|AKMS]]s was the extended (Israeli style) blank adapters on the muzzle of the rifle. From a distance they look like the slant compensators of the [[AK-47#AKM\|AKM]] series of rifles. But these are milled receiver '''original''' AKS-47s, the only type of AK seen in the movie.]]		[[Image:TB-AK47STankCrewsA.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|601px\|Soviet tankers Golikov ([[Stephen Baldwin]]) and Kaminski ([[Don Harvey]]) dismount while holding folding stock AKS-47s. What initially confused viewers into thinking that these were [[AK-47#AKMS\|AKMS]]s was the extended (Israeli style) blank adapters on the muzzle of the rifle. From a distance they look like the slant compensators of the [[AK-47#AKM\|AKM]] series of rifles. But these are milled receiver '''original''' AKS-47s, the only type of AK seen in the movie.]]
	[[Image:TB-AK47SA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|601px\|Golikov ([[Stephen Baldwin]]) and Kaminski ([[Don Harvey]]) each hold a folding stock AKS-47 as Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) interrogates an Afghan villager]]		[[Image:TB-AK47SA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|601px\|Golikov ([[Stephen Baldwin]]) and Kaminski ([[Don Harvey]]) each hold a folding stock AKS-47 as Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) interrogates an Afghan villager]]
	[[Image:AK47-PolyTechLegend.jpg\|thumb\|400px\|none\|Poly Technologies AK-47 - 7.62x39mm. Though ~~U.S.~~ productions would use the Poly Tech Legend rifles, most Israeli productions would probably use real milled receiver AK-47s from IDF inventory.]]		[[Image:AK47-PolyTechLegend.jpg\|thumb\|400px\|none\|Poly Technologies AK-47 - 7.62x39mm. Though US productions would use the Poly Tech Legend rifles, most Israeli productions would probably use real milled receiver AK-47s from IDF inventory.]]
	[[Image:TB-AK47FullStockMilledA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Mujahideen fire on the tank with fixed-stock AK-47s]]		[[Image:TB-AK47FullStockMilledA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Mujahideen fire on the tank with fixed-stock AK-47s]]

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	===Historical perspective===		===Historical perspective===
	When ''The Beast of War'' was being filmed in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate, but the quaint perception of the mountain tribes of Afghanistan as 'victims of Soviet oppression' is now out of date. Views of Afghanistan, its peoples and the outer tribal areas have changed in recent years with the current ~~U.S.~~ involvement in the country and the radicalization of the mountain regions towards militant Islam. An attempt to paint the Russian invasion (1980-1988) as a mirror of the American action in Vietnam (1965-1973) seems awkward and glosses over the very real differences.		When ''The Beast of War'' was being filmed in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate, but the quaint perception of the mountain tribes of Afghanistan as 'victims of Soviet oppression' is now out of date. Views of Afghanistan, its peoples and the outer tribal areas have changed in recent years with the current US involvement in the country and the radicalization of the mountain regions towards militant Islam. An attempt to paint the Russian invasion (1980-1988) as a mirror of the American action in Vietnam (1965-1973) seems awkward and glosses over the very real differences.

	The Afghans have has a long history of village gunsmithing, especially since the British invasion of 1838. This was a time when smoothbore flintlocks were actually more common than rifled muskets and the percussion cap firearm was a relatively new invention. The Short Magazine Lee Enfields in the country are obvious left overs from both World Wars, but the film takes place in 1981, in the third year of the Soviet invasion. Mustafa's band of scavengers are the best armed fighters in the area, because they steal all their weapons from fallen Soviet soldiers. In 1981 most of the Afghan tribesmen would have a mix of antique weapons and ''some'' capture Soviet weaponry. Things have changed a lot since then. The 1980s saw a huge influx of aid and help by western powers (like the U.S.) and other countries that (at the time) were at odds with the USSR, like Mainland China. After 2001, countries like Iran and Syria funneled tons of weapons to any ~~Anti~~-~~U.S.~~ proxy force (like Al Qaeda and the Taliban). The Afghan tribesmen of today's conflicts is no longer the ''quaintly armed with 'vintage rifles' villagers'' of past years. They are much more heavily armed with modern weapons, mostly supplied by Iran via the Taliban through Pakistan. Too many viewers have this antiquated view of Afghanistan.		The Afghans have has a long history of village gunsmithing, especially since the British invasion of 1838. This was a time when smoothbore flintlocks were actually more common than rifled muskets and the percussion cap firearm was a relatively new invention. The Short Magazine Lee Enfields in the country are obvious left overs from both World Wars, but the film takes place in 1981, in the third year of the Soviet invasion. Mustafa's band of scavengers are the best armed fighters in the area, because they steal all their weapons from fallen Soviet soldiers. In 1981 most of the Afghan tribesmen would have a mix of antique weapons and ''some'' capture Soviet weaponry. Things have changed a lot since then. The 1980s saw a huge influx of aid and help by western powers (like the U.. and other countries that (at the time) were at odds with the USSR, like Mainland China. After 2001, countries like Iran and Syria funneled tons of weapons to any anti-US proxy force (like Al Qaeda and the Taliban). The Afghan tribesmen of today's conflicts is no longer the ''quaintly armed with 'vintage rifles' villagers'' of past years. They are much more heavily armed with modern weapons, mostly supplied by Iran via the Taliban through Pakistan. Too many viewers have this antiquated view of Afghanistan.

Ominae: /* Fake DShK Heavy Machine Gun (Browning M2) */

2017-11-22T12:16:37Z

Fake DShK Heavy Machine Gun (Browning M2)

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:16, 22 November 2017
Line 85:		Line 85:

	[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. '''The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.'''		[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. '''The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.'''


	[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]		[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]
	[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|~~40px~~\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x109mm]]		[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x109mm]]
	[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun]]		[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun]]
	[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. Note the flat feed tray cover and the absence of the charging handle under the spade grips at the rear of the weapon]]		[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. Note the flat feed tray cover and the absence of the charging handle under the spade grips at the rear of the weapon]]

Evil Tim: INNOVATIVE SPELLINGS

2017-11-22T10:10:29Z

INNOVATIVE SPELLINGS

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:12, 17 December 2019
Line 40:		Line 40:
	[[Image:TB-AK47BFA 02a.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another villager waiting with an AKS-47. Again, the Israeli BFA is visible.]]		[[Image:TB-AK47BFA 02a.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another villager waiting with an AKS-47. Again, the Israeli BFA is visible.]]

	== ~~Short Magazine~~ Lee-Enfield ==		== Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* ==
	A [[~~Lee-Enfield rifle series\|Short Magazine~~ Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III*]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears "badal" (revenge) to Allah when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]) to repair the damaged [[RPG-7]] launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.		A [[Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III*]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears "badal" (revenge) to Allah when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]) to repair the damaged [[RPG-7]] launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.
	[[Image:SMLE.jpg\|thumb\|none\|450px\|Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* - .303 British]]		[[Image:SMLE.jpg\|thumb\|none\|450px\|Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* - .303 British]]
	[[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the raid by the Soviets.]]		[[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the raid by the Soviets.]]
	[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj (center) with his SMLE at the ready as Moustafa's group arrives.]]		[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj (center) with his SMLE at the ready as Moustafa's group arrives.]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:16, 22 November 2017
Line 85:		Line 85:

	[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. '''The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.'''		[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. '''The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.'''


	[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]		[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]
	[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|~~40px~~\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x109mm]]		[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x109mm]]
	[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun]]		[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun]]
	[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. Note the flat feed tray cover and the absence of the charging handle under the spade grips at the rear of the weapon]]		[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. Note the flat feed tray cover and the absence of the charging handle under the spade grips at the rear of the weapon]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 12 December 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]		[[Image:Thebeast.jpg\|thumb\|right\|right\|300px\|''The Beast of War'' (1988)]]

	'''''The Beast of War''''', or widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentlessly pursued by Mujahideen fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified ~~T55~~ tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the ~~T55~~ tank was well obsolete in the Soviet army, by the time frame of this film, it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western film.		'''''The Beast of War''''', or widely known to American viewers under the US release title of '''''The Beast''''', is a 1988 war film that followed a Russian tank crew during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan that finds itself separated from their fellow tankers and relentlessly pursued by Mujahideen fighters. The film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern landscape, and more importantly, Israeli armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T-55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. While the T-55 tank was well obsolete in the Soviet army by the time frame of this film, it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western film.

	{{Film Title\|The Beast of War}}		{{Film Title\|The Beast of War}}
Line 85:		Line 85:

	== Fake DShK (Browning M2HB) ==		== Fake DShK (Browning M2HB) ==
	[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet ~~T55~~ tank, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crew member Samad (Erick Avari) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit the Mujahideen. The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.		[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T-55 tank, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crew member Samad (Erick Avari) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit the Mujahideen. The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.
	[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|370px\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x108mm]]		[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|370px\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x108mm]]
	[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|450px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]		[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|450px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]
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	=Trivia Special=		=Trivia Special=
	==Russian ~~T55~~ Tank==		==Russian T-55 Tank==
	The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified ~~T55~~ tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. The ~~T55~~ tanks were well obsolete by the time frame of this film, however it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western film. When the film was made in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate. A nice example of a real authentic Soviet armored vehicle in a Western film. Actually an Israeli Ti-67 tank, standing in for a ~~T55~~ (the same tank except for a larger main gun), there are numerous beautiful shots of the tank in action and get a real understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the vehicle. An armored vehicle lover's dream. At one point, Koverchenko and Taj take advantage of the limited elevation range of the tank's main gun, a notorious weakness of Soviet tanks operating in the mountains of Afghanistan.		The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T-55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) as well as the authentic Soviet weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. The T-55 tanks were well obsolete by the time frame of this film, however it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western film. When the film was made in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate. A nice example of a real authentic Soviet armored vehicle in a Western film. Actually an Israeli Ti-67 tank, standing in for a T-55 (the same tank except for a larger main gun), there are numerous beautiful shots of the tank in action and get a real understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the vehicle. An armored vehicle lover's dream. At one point, Koverchenko and Taj take advantage of the limited elevation range of the tank's main gun, a notorious weakness of Soviet tanks operating in the mountains of Afghanistan.
	[[Image:TB-Soviet-T55M-TankA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A Ti-67 tank on the move.]]		[[Image:TB-Soviet-T55M-TankA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A Ti-67 tank on the move.]]
	[[Image:TB-TankTraversingA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A Ti-67 tank scanning for targets during the village raid.]]		[[Image:TB-TankTraversingA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A Ti-67 tank scanning for targets during the village raid.]]
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	When ''The Beast of War'' was being filmed in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate, but the quaint perception of the mountain tribes of Afghanistan as 'victims of Soviet oppression' is now out of date. Views of Afghanistan, its peoples and the outer tribal areas have changed in recent years with the current US involvement in the country and the radicalization of the mountain regions towards Islamic militants. An attempt to depict the Russian invasion (1980-1988) as a mirror of the American action in Vietnam (1965-1973) seems awkward and glosses over the very real differences.		When ''The Beast of War'' was being filmed in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate, but the quaint perception of the mountain tribes of Afghanistan as 'victims of Soviet oppression' is now out of date. Views of Afghanistan, its peoples and the outer tribal areas have changed in recent years with the current US involvement in the country and the radicalization of the mountain regions towards Islamic militants. An attempt to depict the Russian invasion (1980-1988) as a mirror of the American action in Vietnam (1965-1973) seems awkward and glosses over the very real differences.

	The Afghans have a long history of gunsmithing villages, especially since the British invasion of 1838. This was a time when smoothbore flintlocks were actually more common than rifled muskets and the percussion cap firearm was a relatively new invention. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfields in the country are obvious left overs from both World Wars, but the film takes place in 1981, in the third year of the Soviet invasion. Moustafa's group of scavengers are the best armed fighters in the area, because they steal all the weapons from fallen Soviet soldiers. In 1981, most of the Afghan tribesmen would have a mix of antique weapons and some captured Soviet weaponry. Things have changed a lot since then. The 1980s saw a huge influx of aid and help by Western powers (like the U.S.) and other countries that (at the time) were at odds with the USSR, like ~~Mainland~~ China. After 2001, countries like Iran and Syria funneled tons of weapons to any anti-US proxy force (like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban). The Afghan tribesmen of today's conflicts are no longer the quaintly villagers armed with vintage rifles of past years. They are much more heavily armed with modern weapons, mostly supplied by Iran via the Taliban through Pakistan. Too many viewers have this antiquated view of Afghanistan.		The Afghans have a long history of gunsmithing villages, especially since the British invasion of 1838. This was a time when smoothbore flintlocks were actually more common than rifled muskets and the percussion cap firearm was a relatively new invention. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfields in the country are obvious left overs from both World Wars, but the film takes place in 1981, in the third year of the Soviet invasion. Moustafa's group of scavengers are the best armed fighters in the area, because they steal all the weapons from fallen Soviet soldiers. In 1981, most of the Afghan tribesmen would have a mix of antique weapons and some captured Soviet weaponry. Things have changed a lot since then. The 1980s saw a huge influx of aid and help by Western powers (like the U.S.) and other countries that (at the time) were at odds with the USSR, like the People's Republic of China. After 2001, countries like Iran and Syria funneled tons of weapons to any anti-US proxy force (like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban). The Afghan tribesmen of today's conflicts are no longer the quaintly villagers armed with vintage rifles of past years. They are much more heavily armed with modern weapons, mostly supplied by Iran via the Taliban through Pakistan. Too many viewers have this antiquated view of Afghanistan.
	[[Image:TB-KiplingQuoteA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The opening screen of the film.]]		[[Image:TB-KiplingQuoteA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The opening screen of the film.]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:10, 22 November 2017
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	A [[Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)\|Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III*]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears ''badal'' (revenge) to Allah when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko to repair the damaged RPG-7 launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.		A [[Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)\|Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III*]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears ''badal'' (revenge) to Allah when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko to repair the damaged RPG-7 launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.
	[[Image:SMLE.jpg\|thumb\|none\|350px\|Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* .303 British]]		[[Image:SMLE.jpg\|thumb\|none\|350px\|Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* - .303 British]]
	[[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the Soviet raid]]		[[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the Soviet raid]]
	[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj (center) with his SMLE at the ready as Mustafah's group arrives]]		[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj (center) with his SMLE at the ready as Mustafah's group arrives]]
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	Another weapon used by the Mujahideen is an [[FN FAL#IMI Romat\|IMI Romat]], an Israeli version of the [[FN FAL]]. The Mujahideen seen carrying it ends up drinking from a watering hole that had been filled with poison by the tank crew lying in wait nearby.		Another weapon used by the Mujahideen is an [[FN FAL#IMI Romat\|IMI Romat]], an Israeli version of the [[FN FAL]]. The Mujahideen seen carrying it ends up drinking from a watering hole that had been filled with poison by the tank crew lying in wait nearby.
	[[Image:Fal13-1-.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|400px\|IMI Romat 7.62x51mm NATO]]		[[Image:Fal13-1-.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|400px\|IMI Romat - 7.62x51mm NATO]]
	[[Image:TB-IsraeliHBARA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An IMI Romat being carried by a Mujahideen moments before drinking from a poisoned watering hole]]		[[Image:TB-IsraeliHBARA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|An IMI Romat being carried by a Mujahideen moments before drinking from a poisoned watering hole]]

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	Another weapon employed by the Mujahideen is an [[RPD Light Machine Gun\|RPD light machine gun]].		Another weapon employed by the Mujahideen is an [[RPD Light Machine Gun\|RPD light machine gun]].
	[[Image:RPD-Light-Machine-Gun.jpg\|thumb\|none\|350px\|RPD light machine gun 7.62x39mm]]		[[Image:RPD-Light-Machine-Gun.jpg\|thumb\|none\|350px\|RPD light machine gun - 7.62x39mm]]
	[[Image:TB-RPD-RIdgeA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Not clearly seen in most sequences, one of the Mujahideen pursuing the tank is carrying and firing an RPD light Machine gun. A nice detail is the non-disintegrating belt flowing out of the side of the receiver.]]		[[Image:TB-RPD-RIdgeA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Not clearly seen in most sequences, one of the Mujahideen pursuing the tank is carrying and firing an RPD light Machine gun. A nice detail is the non-disintegrating belt flowing out of the side of the receiver.]]

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	A soldier accompanying the helicopter crewmen carries an [[SVD Dragunov]] as his weapon of choice, but is only seen after the helicopter crew is dead, having ingested the poisoned water left behind by their fellow Russians. Note: there is an obvious continuity error. The SVD rifleman's helmet is off in some shots and on in other shots. Note: This ''could'' be an SVD variant built locally (like the modern day 'Tabuk') but the details are hard to verify.		A soldier accompanying the helicopter crewmen carries an [[SVD Dragunov]] as his weapon of choice, but is only seen after the helicopter crew is dead, having ingested the poisoned water left behind by their fellow Russians. Note: there is an obvious continuity error. The SVD rifleman's helmet is off in some shots and on in other shots. Note: This ''could'' be an SVD variant built locally (like the modern day 'Tabuk') but the details are hard to verify.

	[[Image:SVD Rifle.jpg\|thumb\|none\|350px\|SVD Dragunov 7.62x54mm R]]		[[Image:SVD Rifle.jpg\|thumb\|none\|350px\|SVD Dragunov - 7.62x54mm R]]
	[[Image:TB-SVDA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The tank crew returns to the watering hole to find the helicopter crew dead, including a soldier with an SVD Dragunov]]		[[Image:TB-SVDA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The tank crew returns to the watering hole to find the helicopter crew dead, including a soldier with an SVD Dragunov]]
	[[Image:TB-SVD3A.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A soldier lies dead with an SVD Dragunov at his side. '''''Continuity break:''' From this angle, the soldier's helmet is off his head and laying on the ground several feet away.'']]		[[Image:TB-SVD3A.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A soldier lies dead with an SVD Dragunov at his side. '''''Continuity break:''' From this angle, the soldier's helmet is off his head and laying on the ground several feet away.'']]
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	== Fake DShK Heavy Machine Gun ==		== Fake DShK Heavy Machine Gun (Browning M2) ==

	[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. '''The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.'''		[[Browning M2\|Browning M2HB heavy machine guns]] are seen impersonating [[DShK heavy machine gun\|DShK heavy machine guns]] in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad ([[Erick Avari]]) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. '''The use of a Browning M2HB is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.'''

	[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|~~275px~~\|DShK heavy machine gun 12.7x109mm]]
			[[Image:BrowningM2HB.jpg\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Browning M2HB - .50 BMG]]
			[[Image:DSHK.jpg\|thumb\|none\|40px\|DShK heavy machine gun - 12.7x109mm]]
	[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun]]		[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun]]
	[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. Note the flat feed tray cover and the absence of the charging handle under the spade grips at the rear of the weapon]]		[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|600px\|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2HB, masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. Note the flat feed tray cover and the absence of the charging handle under the spade grips at the rear of the weapon]]
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	The [[Makarov PM]] makes a few appearances in the film. Daskal carries one as his sidearm, and Mustafah ([[Chaim Girafi]]) carries one as well, using it to end the suffering of one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a booby trap left by the crew of the tank.		The [[Makarov PM]] makes a few appearances in the film. Daskal carries one as his sidearm, and Mustafah ([[Chaim Girafi]]) carries one as well, using it to end the suffering of one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a booby trap left by the crew of the tank.

	[[Image:MakarovPM.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|Makarov PM 9x18mm Makarov]]		[[Image:MakarovPM.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|Makarov PM - 9x18mm Makarov]]
	[[Image:TB-MakarovDZundaA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Cmdr. Daskal pulls his Makarov PM on Koverchenko when he defies Daskal]]		[[Image:TB-MakarovDZundaA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Cmdr. Daskal pulls his Makarov PM on Koverchenko when he defies Daskal]]
	[[Image:TB-MakarovAA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Mustafah chambers his Makarov PM before killing one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a Soviet booby-trap]]		[[Image:TB-MakarovAA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Mustafah chambers his Makarov PM before killing one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a Soviet booby-trap]]
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	== Tokarev TT-33 ==		== Tokarev TT-33 ==

	Following the raid on the village, several Afghans who weren't around during the raid return to find the devastation, including a group of scavengers led by Taj's cousin Mustafah, who discards several weapons in a gesture of peace as he approaches Taj, though Taj still finds him packing a		Following the raid on the village, several Afghans who weren't around during the raid return to find the devastation, including a group of scavengers led by Taj's cousin Mustafah, who discards several weapons in a gesture of peace as he approaches Taj, though Taj still finds him packing a [[Tokarev TT-33]], grabbing it and holding it on him.
	[[Tokarev TT-33]], grabbing it and holding it on him.

	[[Image:TT-33.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|Tokarev TT-33 7.62x25mm Tokarev]]		[[Image:TT-33.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|Tokarev TT-33 - 7.62x25mm Tokarev]]
	[[Image:TB-TokarevTT33A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj holds a Tokarev TT-33 on Mustafah after finding it hidden on him]]		[[Image:TB-TokarevTT33A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Taj holds a Tokarev TT-33 on Mustafah after finding it hidden on him]]
	[[Image:TB-Tokarev2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Mustafah tries to convince Taj to join him against the Soviets while staring down the barrel of his own TT-33]]		[[Image:TB-Tokarev2A.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Mustafah tries to convince Taj to join him against the Soviets while staring down the barrel of his own TT-33]]
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	A boy who runs with the Mudjahideen carries an [[Enfield No.2]] revolver as his weapon.		A boy who runs with the Mudjahideen carries an [[Enfield No.2]] revolver as his weapon.

	[[Image:White Enfield No2 Mk I.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|Enfield No.2 Mk.I .38 S&W]]		[[Image:White Enfield No2 Mk I.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|Enfield No.2 Mk.I - .38 S&W]]
	[[Image:TB-Webley-PistolA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A boy fighting alongside the Mujahideen fires an Enfield No.2 Mk.I at the Soviets]]		[[Image:TB-Webley-PistolA.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|A boy fighting alongside the Mujahideen fires an Enfield No.2 Mk.I at the Soviets]]

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	The [[RPG-7]], equipped with a PGO-7 scope, plays a pivotal role in the film, first being used by Soviet soldiers during the raid on the village (including being used to blow up a mosque by Koverchenko at the beginning of the film) then is captured by the Mujahideen who intend to use it to take revenge ("badal") on a Soviet tank that is lost in the Afghan desert after the murderous raid. The Afghans initially have poor luck using the weapon, even damaging it to the point it won't fire, though a defector from the tank's crew, Konstantin Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]), is able to repair it using parts from a Lee-Enfield rifle sight spring, and is given the responsibility of firing the weapon at the tank, though ends up only blowing off the end of the tank's main gun barrel.		The [[RPG-7]], equipped with a PGO-7 scope, plays a pivotal role in the film, first being used by Soviet soldiers during the raid on the village (including being used to blow up a mosque by Koverchenko at the beginning of the film) then is captured by the Mujahideen who intend to use it to take revenge ("badal") on a Soviet tank that is lost in the Afghan desert after the murderous raid. The Afghans initially have poor luck using the weapon, even damaging it to the point it won't fire, though a defector from the tank's crew, Konstantin Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]), is able to repair it using parts from a Lee-Enfield rifle sight spring, and is given the responsibility of firing the weapon at the tank, though ends up only blowing off the end of the tank's main gun barrel.

	[[Image:Rpg-7.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|350px\|RPG-7 ~~40mm~~ with PGO-7 scope and PG-7VM rocket]]		[[Image:Rpg-7.jpg‎ \|thumb\|none\|350px\|RPG-7 with PGO-7 scope and PG-7VM rocket - 40mm]]
	[[File:Beast88 09.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|During the opening raid, Konstantin Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]) loads a rocket propelled grenade into his launcher.]]		[[File:Beast88 09.jpg\|thumb\|none\|600px\|During the opening raid, Konstantin Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]) loads a rocket propelled grenade into his launcher.]]
	[[Image:TB-RPG 01a.jpg\|thumb\|none\|601px\|Koverchenko takes aim at the minaret (tower) of a mosque with an RPG-7 during the village raid. Vaguely seen is the guide wire connected to the rocket on the launcher.]]		[[Image:TB-RPG 01a.jpg\|thumb\|none\|601px\|Koverchenko takes aim at the minaret (tower) of a mosque with an RPG-7 during the village raid. Vaguely seen is the guide wire connected to the rocket on the launcher.]]
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	During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants mans a [[B-10 recoilless rifle]] mounted on a hill overlooking the village and attempts to engage the attacking tanks, nearly scoring a hit on one before the emplacement is destroyed when the tank returns fire, the gunner diving clear just in time to save himself.		During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants mans a [[B-10 recoilless rifle]] mounted on a hill overlooking the village and attempts to engage the attacking tanks, nearly scoring a hit on one before the emplacement is destroyed when the tank returns fire, the gunner diving clear just in time to save himself.

	[[Image:B-10-82mm-recoilles-rifle-batey-haosef-1-1.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|B-10 recoilless rifle 82mm]]		[[Image:B-10-82mm-recoilles-rifle-batey-haosef-1-1.jpg\|thumb\|none\|300px\|B-10 recoilless rifle - 82mm]]
	[[Image:TB-B10GunA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|602px\|An Afghan villager takes aim at attacking Soviet tanks with a B-10 Recoilless rifle.]]		[[Image:TB-B10GunA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|602px\|An Afghan villager takes aim at attacking Soviet tanks with a B-10 Recoilless rifle.]]
	[[Image:TB-B10Gun2A.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|602px\|The villiager looks through the B-10's sights at his target.]]		[[Image:TB-B10Gun2A.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|602px\|The villiager looks through the B-10's sights at his target.]]
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	[[Image:TB-TankMissingTrackA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The Ti-67 tank immobilized after losing a track to an avalanche of boulders]]		[[Image:TB-TankMissingTrackA.jpg‎\|thumb\|none\|600px\|The Ti-67 tank immobilized after losing a track to an avalanche of boulders]]

	=== Soviet Helicopter (aka ''Aerospatiale SA.321K Super Frelon'')===		=== "Soviet" Helicopter (aka ''Aerospatiale SA.321K Super Frelon'')===

	The Russian helicopter that discovers the tank crew when they're trapped in the dead-end valley and is later seen at the poisoned watering hole is in fact a French-built '''Aerospatiale SA.321K ''Super Frelon''''', most likely used due to its resemblance to the Russian-made Mi-8 Hip or Mi-6 Hook helicopter. One of these also appears to airlift Koverchenko.		The Russian helicopter that discovers the tank crew when they're trapped in the dead-end valley and is later seen at the poisoned watering hole is in fact a French-built '''Aerospatiale SA.321K ''Super Frelon''''', most likely used due to its resemblance to the Russian-made Mi-8 Hip or Mi-6 Hook helicopter. One of these also appears to airlift Koverchenko.