A little-known consequence of the end of the Cold War was the enormous quantity of arms that suddenly became available for sale by former Soviet states to developing countries (especially in Africa) and the vast sums of money made by the arms dealers who sold them. Many believe it is the greatest heist of the otherwise century.

In Ukraine alone between 1982 and 1992 over $32 billion in arms were stolen. No culprit has ever been caught or prosecuted. Based on fact, "Lord Of War" is an action adventure story which follows the globetrotting exploits of arms dealer Yuri Oriov (Nicolas cage) through some of the deadliest war zones, Yuri struggles to stay one step ahead of a relentless Interpol agent (Ethan Hawke), his business rivals, even some of his customers who include may of the world’s most notorious dictators. finally, Yuri must also face his own conscience.