The Dogs of War (1981): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Dogs of War is a 1981 action drama directed by John Irvin, starring Tom Berenger, Christopher Walken and Paul Freeman. It is partly based on The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $5.5 million worldwide. Critics gave it 56 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- John Irvin
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- United Artists Corporation
- Based on
- The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Dogs of War About?
The premise of The Dogs of War without spoilers, adapted from The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Amidst a violent rebellion, mercenaries Jamie and Drew are hired by a powerful corporation to overthrow a tyrannical government in the nation of Zangaro. While Drew carries out the mission, Jamie is captured and endures brutal captivity and torture. He witnesses the suffering of the people and begins to question his allegiances, ultimately finding a new purpose. Jamie turns against his employers and joins the fight alongside the people of Zangaro, seeking freedom and justice.
The Dogs of War Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- mercenary
- africa
- dictator
- military
- soldier
- revolution
- military dictator
- freedom fighter
- jail cell
- warrior
- anti hero
- war hero
+38 more Show fewer
- rocket launcher
- exploding car
- guerilla warfare
- battlefield
- battle
- machine gun
- gunfight
- military training
- violence
- firearm
- based on novel
- army
- vietnam war veteran
- shoulder holster
- job
- bare chested man
- businessman
- loner
- west africa
- invasion
- puppet regime
- last plane out
- husband wife relationship
- brutality
- alcoholic
- dictatorship
- bribery
- posing as a nature photogapher
- british multintional company
- economics
- african dictatorship
- fictional country
- colonel the military rank
- husband wife reconciliation
- overthrowing a tyrant
- indecisiveness
- wartorn country
- american in africa
The Dogs of War Cast
Tom Berenger leads the cast, with Christopher Walken and Paul Freeman. Directed by John Irvin; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Director John Irvin
Also Starring in The Dogs of War
· 6 moreMore from John Irvin
More films directed by John Irvin, best-rated first: Hamburger Hill, The Boys & Girl from County Clare, Next of Kin and Raw Deal.
The Dogs of War Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Dogs of War 56 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 56 Metascore
User score 5.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 57% User score
See on TMDB
The Dogs of War Plot Summary
What happens in The Dogs of War from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
As Jamie Shannon, a character portrayed by Tom Berenger, and his team—Drew, Derek, Michel, Terry, and Richard—make their escape from Central America, they encounter an unexpected proposition from Endean, a shrewd British businessman representing a powerful tycoon. Endean’s company has set its sights on the untapped resources of Zangaro, a small African nation under the tyrannical rule of President Kimba.
Full summary
The whole story of The Dogs of War, scene by scene
The Dogs of War Box Office
The Dogs of War grossed $5.5 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$5.5M
- US & Canada
- $5.5M
The Dogs of War Trailers & Videos
5 videos: 2 trailers and 3 clips.
- Trailer Classic Trailer
- Clip James Gets Offered A Job
- Clip Security Check Scene
- Clip Shannon Gets Questioned By President Kimba's Men
How Well Do You Know The Dogs of War?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who plays the lead character Jamie Shannon?
Cars in The Dogs of War
22 cars on screen, including the 1968 BMW 2002 and the 1977 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Stretched Limousine.
-
1968 BMW 2002 Important role -
1977 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Stretched Limousine Important role -
1969 Citroën Type HY Important role -
1960 Ford M151 'MUTT' Important role
The Dogs of War Also Known As
20 alternative titles, including “The Dogs of War (1980)” and “Krigshundarna”.
- Also known as
-
- The Dogs of War (1980)
- Krigshundarna
- 戦争の犬たち
- I mastini della guerra
- Les Chiens de guerre
- Die Hunde des Krieges
- Los perros de la guerra
- A háború kutyái
- Псы войны
- Dødens Drabanter
- Cães de Guerra
- 战争猛犬
+8 more Show fewer
- Žoldáci
- Psy wojny
- Кучетата на войната
- Sodan koirat
- 암살부대
- Пси війни
- สัตว์สงคราม
- İt Dalaşı
Seen The Dogs of War?
Movies Like The Dogs of War
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Hounds of War, War Dog and War Dogs.
The Dogs of War FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of The Dogs of War, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Dogs of War?
The Dogs of War runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).
When was The Dogs of War released?
The Dogs of War was released on February 13, 1981.
Who directed The Dogs of War?
The Dogs of War was directed by John Irvin.
More films by John Irvin Who is in the cast of The Dogs of War?
The Dogs of War stars Tom Berenger, Christopher Walken and Paul Freeman, among 10 credited actors.
How much did The Dogs of War make at the box office?
The Dogs of War grossed $5.5 million worldwide.
How is The Dogs of War rated?
The Dogs of War has 56 on Metacritic and 57% on TMDB.
Is The Dogs of War based on a book?
Yes. The Dogs of War is partly adapted from The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth.
Does The Dogs of War have a post-credit scene?
No. The Dogs of War has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
