What Happened to Bashkim in War Dogs? The Tragic Fate Explained

Have you ever watched “War Dogs” and found yourself wondering about what happened to Bashkim? You’re not alone This Albanian arms dealer character from the 2016 dark comedy-drama left many viewers with questions about his ultimate fate. Let’s dive into the story of Bashkim and uncover the truth behind this enigmatic character’s journey

Who Was Bashkim in War Dogs?

Bashkim, portrayed by actor JB Blanc in the film, was an Albanian arms dealer who became entangled with the film’s main protagonists, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. These two young Americans, played by Miles Teller and Jonah Hill, were small-time arms dealers who scored a massive $300 million contract with the Pentagon to supply weapons for the war in Afghanistan.

As the story progresses Bashkim becomes a crucial figure in their shady dealings particularly when the main characters needed to fulfill their contract and turned to less-than-reputable sources.

The Context: War Dogs’ Real-World Inspirations

Before we get into what specifically happened to Bashkim, it’s important to understand the context of the film. “War Dogs,” directed by Todd Phillips, is based on a true story that was detailed in a Rolling Stone article titled “Arms and the Dudes” by Guy Lawson.

The film follows David and Efraim as they navigate the dangerous world of international arms trafficking during the Iraq War. Their journey from small-time hustlers to major players in the arms trade forms the backbone of the story, with several characters like Bashkim representing the human cost of their ambition.

Bashkim’s Role in the Film

Bashkim wasn’t just a random character – he played a pivotal role in the arms dealing operation. When David and Efraim needed to fulfill their massive contract, they turned to various suppliers, including Bashkim, who helped them source ammunition from Albania.

The Albanian connection became crucial to their business plan, as they needed to repackage Chinese ammunition to make it appear legitimate for U.S. military contracts. Since Chinese ammunition was banned due to an embargo, this repackaging scheme was highly illegal.

The Tragic Fate of Bashkim

So what exactly happened to Bashkim in “War Dogs”? The truth is both shocking and serves as a crucial turning point in the film.

Bashkim meets a brutal and tragic end as a direct result of his involvement with David and Efraim’s illegal activities. Though the film doesn’t explicitly show his death on screen, it’s strongly implied that he was killed by Henry Girard (played by Bradley Cooper), a notorious arms dealer on the U.S. terrorist watchlist who becomes involved in their operation.

The film suggests that Bashkim was eliminated because he knew too much about the illegal repackaging of Chinese ammunition. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous world the protagonists had entered and the real human cost of their greed.

The Scene That Reveals Bashkim’s Fate

While the film doesn’t show Bashkim’s death explicitly, there’s a chilling scene where Henry Girard meets with David in a car and casually mentions that he had to “clean up” the situation in Albania. The implication is clear – Bashkim has been killed to tie up loose ends and eliminate any witnesses to their illegal operation.

This revelation comes as a shock to David, who begins to realize the true nature of the business he’s gotten himself involved in. It’s a pivotal moment that forces him to confront the real consequences of their actions beyond just making money.

Why Bashkim’s Character Matters

Bashkim serves several important purposes in the narrative:

1. Moral compass – His fate highlights the ethical bankruptcy of the arms trade
2. Consequence – He represents the human cost of David and Efraim’s greed
3. Reality check – His death serves as a wake-up call for David about the dangerous world they’ve entered
4. Plot catalyst – His elimination contributes to the eventual downfall of the operation

His character, though not extensively developed, is crucial to the film’s exploration of morality and consequence in the murky world of international arms dealing.

Common Misconceptions About Bashkim

There are some misconceptions about Bashkim’s character and fate that are worth addressing:

1. Misconception: Bashkim’s fate is left ambiguous in the film.
   Reality: While not explicitly shown, the film makes it clear through dialogue that Bashkim was killed.

2. Misconception: Bashkim was just a minor character.
   Reality: Despite limited screen time, his role is pivotal to both the plot and the moral themes of the film.

3. Misconception: Bashkim was directly killed by the main characters.
   Reality: It’s implied that Henry Girard, not David or Efraim, was responsible for Bashkim’s death.

The Real-Life Inspiration

While “War Dogs” is based on true events, it’s worth noting that the character of Bashkim, like many in the film, is a fictionalized version of real people involved in the arms scandal. The film takes creative liberties with the story, and many character arcs were dramatized for theatrical effect.

In reality, the scheme to repackage Chinese ammunition did involve Albanian connections, but the specific fate of individuals involved differs from what’s portrayed in the film. The real-life case was complex and involved multiple international players.

What Bashkim’s Story Teaches Us

Bashkim’s tragic end in “War Dogs” serves as a powerful reminder of several important lessons:

• The arms trade has real human consequences beyond profit margins
• Entering illegal activities can lead to violent outcomes, even for those on the periphery
• Greed often blinds people to the moral implications of their actions
• In the world of illegal arms dealing, loyalty is often fleeting and disposable

His character, though fictional, represents the very real collateral damage that can occur in the pursuit of wealth through illegal means.

Behind the Scenes: JB Blanc as Bashkim

Actor JB Blanc brought depth and authenticity to the character of Bashkim despite limited screen time. His portrayal helped establish the character as more than just a plot device, giving viewers a sense of the real people caught up in international arms scandals.

Blanc’s performance captures the complexity of a character who is simultaneously a willing participant in illegal arms dealing while also becoming a victim of the more powerful players in the game.

Fan Theories About Bashkim

Some viewers have developed theories about Bashkim that go beyond what’s explicitly stated in the film:

1. Some believe he may have been working with government authorities
2. Others think he might have tried to double-cross Henry Girard
3. A few fans speculate he survived but was forced into hiding

While these theories are interesting, the film strongly implies that Bashkim was killed as a result of his involvement in the illegal ammunition scheme.

Comparing Bashkim to Other Characters

When we look at Bashkim alongside other characters in the film, we see interesting contrasts:

This comparison highlights how Bashkim, while not innocent, pays the ultimate price while some of the more culpable characters survive.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Bashkim in War Dogs

Bashkim’s character and fate in “War Dogs” might be a relatively small part of the overall story, but they serve as one of the most powerful elements of the film’s moral message. His death represents the moment when the fantasy of easy money through arms dealing collides with the brutal reality of that world.

For viewers, Bashkim’s fate is a reminder that films based on true stories often represent real human suffering and consequences. While we might be entertained by the exploits of David and Efraim, characters like Bashkim remind us of the true cost of war profiteering.

In the end, what happened to Bashkim in “War Dogs” is more than just a plot point—it’s a sobering reminder of how greed can lead to tragedy and how easily some people can disregard human life in the pursuit of profit.

So next time you watch “War Dogs,” pay special attention to Bashkim’s character. His brief but important role adds depth to what might otherwise be seen as just another wild tale of American hustlers striking it rich. His story matters, and his fate serves as the moral center of a film about the absence of morality in the arms trade.

Have you watched “War Dogs”? What did you think about Bashkim’s character and what happened to him? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The true story behind the movie War Dogs features David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who are both now out of prison and living civilian lives. Packouz, now a successful entrepreneur and musician, invented a drum machine called the BeatBuddy and founded the music technology company Singular Sound. He also co-founded the War Dogs Academy, which helps businesses secure government contracts.

At the end of the film War Dogs, David Packouz (Miles Teller) confronts Henry Girard (Bradley Cooper), who offers David a briefcase full of money to stop asking questions about a deal in Albania and the fate of his driver, creating an ambiguous ending about whether David will accept the money and the implications for their future. This final scene is a fictional addition for dramatic effect;

In the movie War Dogs, the letters “AEY” do not stand for anything, as Efraim Diveroli, one of the characters, tells a new employee.