The Beast of War (also known as The Beast) is a 1988 war film directed by Kevin Reynolds. The film, starring George Dzundza, Jason Patric, and Steven Bauer, is set during the Soviet-Afghan War and provides a stark and gripping depiction of conflict and survival.

The story centers around a Soviet T-55 tank crew commanded by the ruthless and cold-hearted Commander Daskal (George Dzundza). The tank, nicknamed “The Beast,” becomes separated from its unit after an attack on an Afghan village. As the crew attempts to navigate the hostile terrain and return to their base, they are relentlessly pursued by Afghan Mujahideen fighters, determined to exact revenge for the destruction of their village.

Jason Patric plays Konstantin Koverchenko, a young and idealistic tank driver who begins to question the morality of their mission and Daskal’s brutal methods. His growing disillusionment with the war and his superior leads to increasing tension within the tank crew. Steven Bauer portrays Taj, the determined leader of the Mujahideen fighters, who uses his knowledge of the land and guerrilla tactics to track and attack the tank.

The film explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the psychological impact of war. It delves into the moral ambiguities faced by soldiers on both sides of the conflict and highlights the cultural and ideological clashes between the Soviet invaders and Afghan defenders.

The Beast of War is noted for its intense and realistic portrayal of tank warfare, its strong character development, and its exploration of the futility and brutality of war. The film received praise for its performances, particularly by Dzundza and Patric, and for its compelling and thought-provoking narrative. Despite its initial modest release, the film has gained a cult following and is regarded as one of the more underrated war films of its era.