Three Kings 1999
"It's good to be king."
David O. Russell's sharp-witted 1999 action-comedy war film *Three Kings (1999)* follows a trio of disillusioned American soldiers stationed in post-Gulf War Iraq as they stumble upon a map leading to a fortune in stolen Kuwaiti gold.
Director: David O. Russell
Cast
George Clooney
Archie Gates
Mark Wahlberg
Troy Barlow
Ice Cube
Chief Elgin
Spike Jonze
Conrad Vig
Cliff Curtis
Amir Abdullah
Nora Dunn
Adriana Cruz
Jamie Kennedy
Walter Wogaman
Saïd Taghmaoui
Captain Said
Mykelti Williamson
Colonel Horn
Holt McCallany
Captain Van Meter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Three Kings (1999) about?
Set against the backdrop of the Gulf War's uneasy truce, *Three Kings* follows a group of U.S. soldiers who discover a map hinting at stolen Kuwaiti gold. Their greedy plot to claim the treasure unravels into a mission far bigger than they anticipated, forcing them to confront the moral complexities of war and their own complicity.
Who directed Three Kings?
David O. Russell, the visionary behind sharp character-driven films like *The Fighter* and *American Hustle*, helmed *Three Kings* with a balance of dark comedy and war drama.
Who stars in Three Kings?
The film stars George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze, and Cliff Curtis as the core group of soldiers navigating greed, danger, and unexpected alliances.
Is Three Kings (1999) worth watching?
Absolutely, if you crave a war movie that ditches the usual solemnity for biting humor and moral ambiguity. Clooney's charm and Russell's direction make it a standout—just be prepared for its sudden tonal shifts between comedy and stark drama.
How long is Three Kings?
The runtime is 114 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 54 minutes of non-stop twists, action, and dark laughs.
🎥 Trailer
About Three Kings (1999) — A Wild Ride of Gold, Chaos, and Redemption in Post-War Iraq
David O. Russell's sharp-witted 1999 action-comedy war film *Three Kings (1999)* follows a trio of disillusioned American soldiers stationed in post-Gulf War Iraq as they stumble upon a map leading to a fortune in stolen Kuwaiti gold. What begins as a reckless heist mission spirals into an unexpectedly profound journey of redemption and moral awakening. Blending chaotic humor with sudden bursts of brutal tension, the movie balances the absurdity of war with its stark, human cost, all wrapped in the director's signature irreverent yet sincere storytelling.
Starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube at the peak of their early-career charisma, *Three Kings (1999)* delivers a rare mix of explosive action and heartfelt character moments. Clooney's cynical but charismatic Sergeant Major Archie Gates anchors the trio, while Wahlberg and Ice Cube bring grit and humor as the restless Army reservists whose ambitions clash with the war's grim reality. With Spike Jonze as the eccentric informant and Cliff Curtis grounding the chaos with quiet intensity, the ensemble casts a spell that lingers long after the credits roll.
