What is the Movie War Dogs Based On?
War Dogs is a 2016 American biographical crime comedy-drama film directed by Todd Phillips and written by Phillips and Stephen Chin. The movie is based on the true story of two young men, Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, who became arms dealers and shipped weapons to the Afghan government during the war.
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The Real-Life Events that Inspired the Movie
The movie War Dogs is based on a series of articles written by Guy Lawson, a journalist who investigated the story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz. Lawson’s articles, which were published in New York Magazine, told the story of how the two friends, who were once classmates at a Miami middle school, became involved in the arms trade and started a company called AEY Inc.
The Initial Stages of the Operation
In 2008, Diveroli, who was 22 at the time, and Packouz, who was 31, started AEY Inc. with a small amount of capital and a handful of employees. They marketed themselves as a legitimate company, offering a range of services including logistics and consulting. However, their primary focus was on shipping military surplus weapons to the US government and other countries.
The Afghan War Contracts
In 2009, AEY Inc. received a contract from the US Department of Defense to ship weapons to the Afghan government. The contract was valued at $50 million, and AEY Inc. was tasked with delivering military surplus weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition, and machine guns. The company used a complex network of suppliers and distributors to obtain the weapons, which were then shipped to Afghanistan.
The Fraudulent Activities
However, it soon became clear that AEY Inc. was involved in fraudulent activities. The company was not licensed to import or export weapons, and they were using fraudulent documents and fake companies to conceal their activities. Despite this, the US government continued to award AEY Inc. contracts, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Involvement of the Government
It is unclear whether the government was aware of AEY Inc.’s fraudulent activities, but it is evident that they turned a blind eye to the company’s activities. The US State Department and the US military continued to work with AEY Inc., despite their lack of experience and credibility.
The Consequences of the Fraud
In 2010, the US government suspended AEY Inc.’s contracts after discovering that the company was involved in fraudulent activities. Diveroli and Packouz were arrested and charged with fraud, and their company was shut down.
The Movie War Dogs: A Fictionalized Account
The movie War Dogs takes creative liberties with the story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz. The film adds fictional characters and events, including a plot to kill a rival arms dealer. However, the movie also stays true to the core of the story, showcasing the absurdity and chaos that ensued as a result of the duo’s reckless and illegal activities.
A Comparison of the Movie and Real-Life Events
Here is a comparison of the movie War Dogs and the real-life events:
| Movie | Real-Life Events |
|---|---|
| Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz are portrayed as close friends and partners in crime. | In reality, the two men had a complicated relationship and often clashed. |
| The movie depicts AEY Inc. as a legitimate company that was involved in a scheme to kill a rival arms dealer. | There is no evidence to suggest that AEY Inc. was involved in any such plot. |
| The movie shows the US government being aware of AEY Inc.’s fraudulent activities. | It is unclear whether the government was aware of AEY Inc.’s activities, but it is evident that they turned a blind eye to the company’s activities. |
| The movie ends with Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz being arrested and charged with fraud. | In reality, Diveroli and Packouz were arrested and charged with fraud, but their cases were eventually settled. |
The Legacy of War Dogs
The movie War Dogs has sparked debate about the role of the US government in the war in Afghanistan and the corrupt practices of the arms industry. The film has also raised questions about the motivations and actions of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, and whether they were simply misguided or corrupt individuals.
Conclusion
War Dogs is a movie based on a true story that is both fascinating and disturbing. While the film takes creative liberties with the events, it stays true to the core of the story, showcasing the absurdity and chaos that ensued as a result of the duo’s reckless and illegal activities. The movie serves as a reminder of the corrupt practices of the arms industry and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracting.
