The 6 Popular Hollywood Movies Showcasing AK-47
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/XiV6SBGPPYM
The 6 Popular Hollywood Movies Showcasing Ak-47
Have you ever had the experience of watching an action-packed movie filled with gunfire, espionage, and a display of tactical skills? If you have, then you are undoubtedly certain of the thrill associated with such movies. One of the most exhilarating aspects of the movies involves the equipment the protagonists and antagonists use, ranging from elaborate spy craft, as in the Bond films, to the simple assault rifles in many war-themed movies.
One of the most commonly used weapons in many movies is the AK-47 or the Avtomat Kalashnikova. Considering that the AK-47 is the standard infantry weapon for over 106 countries worldwide, it is not surprising to see the same weapon depicted quite extensively in many movies. Here are some of the popular movies showcasing the AK-47. Spoiler Alert!
1. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
Now showing on Netflix, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is one of the most prominent Hollywood movies showcasing the iconic Russian AK 47 rifle. The movie stars John Krasinski as one of the soldiers freelancing in the C.I.A. outpost in Benghazi during a regime change in Libya. In the movie, John Krasinski, who plays the character of Jack Silva, and his fellow soldiers, must find a way to defend the outpost and the diplomatic compound from relentless terrorists.
In this movie, the AK-47 is a common weapon used by soldiers from the terrorist side and the soldiers supporting the American side, the 17-Feb allies. In the movie, the efficiency of the AK-47 as an assault rifle is well illustrated.
2. Black Widow (2021)
Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, Black Widow is yet another high-grossing Hollywood movie with the AK-47 as one of the primary rifles used by various characters. The movie stars Scarlett Johansson, who plays Natasha Romanoff, a disgraced agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. who is on the run from her present and past.
In the movie, different soldiers are on guard using the AK-47s. For instance, at the beginning of the movie, as Sergei leads his family to Cuba after they are discovered as Sleeper Agents, the soldiers guarding and directing them all wield AK-47s. Additionally, as the movie draws close, some agents and soldiers from the Seventh Circle carry AK-47s as their primary weapons. They use these weapons to shoot at Natasha and her compatriots, who are flying a helicopter.
3. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Based on a true story, Black Hawk Down details the activities of a clandestine mission led by delta forces and armed soldiers in the thick of Somalia during the military upheaval. The movie has different escapades, most illustrating the mistakes and accomplishments of brave soldiers charged with capturing the leader of the armed militia in Somalia. The movie details the use of AK-47 rifles in an elaborate way. The AK47 is the primary weapon for many of the characters in the movie, including the armed Somali militia.
4. X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: First Class is the prequel to the original X-Men movie set in the mid-1960s. The film details how Charles Xavier and Magneto became friends during their efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear warfare and probably a new World War. While their aims were not the same initially, they had a mutual cause, leading to their ultimate victory towards the movie's end.
Since the movie oscillates between the Soviet Republic and the United States, it was expected that there would be instances of using the AK-47, an iconic Soviet rifle. The AK-47 is a primary weapon used by Soviet border guards, soldiers guarding the Soviet palace, and other soldiers protecting the General.
5. 7 Days in Entebbe (2018)
The movie 7 Days in Entebbe is based on a true story of the hijacking of an Israeli plane flying from Tel Aviv to Paris. The plane was hijacked by terrorists allied with Idi Amin, the former president of Uganda. The Israeli Prime Minister was against negotiations with the terrorists and preferred sending an elite team of soldiers into Uganda to rescue the hijacked individuals.
In the movie, the AK-47 is the primary rifle used by Palestinian hijackers, the Ugandan soldiers, and the Israeli elite team. Considering how popular the rifle was at the time, it is no surprise that the movie depicts many armed individuals in the movie using it.
6. The Expendables (2010)
Starring an all-star cast, The Expendables is an exceptional action film with a lot of gunfire and fighting. In the movie, soldiers from different fighting teams use the AK-47 and its various variants. For instance, some soldiers allied to General Garza used the AK-47 as a primary weapon. The Somali pirates, who are also part of the movie's antagonists, use AK-47s to capture and guard their hostages.
Final Words
The AK47 gained much popularity in the second half of the 20th century, seeping into the 21st century. The ubiquitous use of the rifle in real life influenced its portrayal in different films, as illustrated above. Generally, the popularity of the assault rifle is attributable to its ease of use, low production cost, and efficiency even in harsh climatic and geographic conditions. That explains why it is most common among people from low-income countries and terrorists or armed militia.
