Beasts of No Nation (2015) User Reviews

"If this war is ever ending, I cannot be going back to doing child things".

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 31 March 2016]

Definitely not a film for the timid or sensitive. College campuses airing the film will require safe zones. The film would have had more poignancy I believe, if it were actually based on a true story, though I have no doubt the atrocities shown in the film are representative of warring factions in opposition to each other in various places on the planet. The inhumanity and barbarism that one group of people can inflict on another convinces me that there is no possibility for the cherished 'peace on earth' that many of us dream and pray for.

For an independent film this picture features exceptional cinematography and outstanding performances. It's probably a toss up as to who delivered the stronger portrayal, Idris Elba as the Commandant or Abraham Atta as the child soldier Agu. Principally told through the thoughtful narrative of Agu, the viewer agonizes along with him as his band of mercenaries terrorizes opposition forces and grow disillusioned over a never ending mission. The hopelessness of their cause is best expressed through the dying words of Two I-C - "This was all for nothing".

There is value in watching films like this so one does not grow complacent in a world that can often be brutal and discouraging. However the film offers only the slightest of consolation for it's principal protagonist Agu, who detachedly relates his story as a child exposed to unimaginable horrors. The challenge he issues to the viewer is to hear his story without imagining him a beast or a devil, as the circumstances of his life have unintentionally trapped him in that corner.

I Feel Almost Obligated to Watch Films Like This

[evanston_dad · 8/10 · 13 February 2016]

I've heard more than one person say that they can't watch a movie like "Beasts of No Nation." It's a sentiment I understand. After all, who really wants to watch a movie about child soldiers recruited to become killers in savage African civil wars? But these things are happening, and the bare minimum I can if I want to respect myself as a citizen of the world is to watch movies about it, and fictional ones at that. This isn't even a documentary.

And if people can get past the premise, they will find themselves watching a gripping film. A tough one, yes, and one that might make your stomach churn. But it's extremely well made, with excellent performances from child actor Abraham Attah and Idris Elba, as the child protagonist and the leader who recruits him, respectively. This young child experiences a multitude of things, any one of which would permanently scar virtually anyone. And the film doesn't offer a contrived happy-ish ending to reward us for sitting through the suffering, which is one of the things I most appreciated about it. Because let's be honest; is there even a remote chance that stories like the one told here could end happily?

In this year of bickering about the whiteness of the Oscars, this film and its lack of nominations being held up repeatedly as an example, I can at least feel like I did my part -- you don't get much further away from white Hollywood and the stories it likes to tell than this film.

Grade: A-

To be remembered as one of the better war films of the decade.

[Sergeant_Tibbs · 8/10 · 15 October 2015]

Originally known for his first two films Sin Nombre and Jane Eyre, Cary Fukunaga was put on the map for most by his audacious work on the first season of HBO's True Detective last year, unconventionally directing every episode. He got all-time worthy performances from Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey and boasted a palpable bleak mood from his photography, earning an Emmy for the episode "Who Goes There" with that captivating long take. He could do whatever he wanted after that, and so, tip toeing past comfortable studio gigs that may or may not have landed on his desk, he ventured out to the African jungles with Idris Elba for the most stressful shoot since Apocalypse Now. Catching malaria, filling in for an injured camera operator, and constantly rewriting the script due to the actors dropping out, the haphazard conditions shows on the film for better and for worse.

Coppola's film is an apt point of comparison for the effect of Beasts of No Nation, as well as Platoon and The Thin Red Line. Battered by explosions and gunfire, you come out of the film wearing the same thousand yard stare as its characters. At that point, it's easy to forget the delights of the first ten minutes as Abraham Attah's Agu playfully hustles his living, selling shells of television sets with his friends. It's not a perfect life, but the energy is reminiscent of the less dangerous sections of City of God. It's only from that light that the darkness hits hardest and invests you in Agu's plight and losses. However, this is as rocky as the roller-coaster gets. The next 2 hours is an absorbing barrage of misery and brutal dilemmas. The narrative thread is very loose, and perhaps some is lost in translation with the character's thick accents, but this is part of its point, especially in utilising child soldiers who won't know the ins and outs of what's going on anyway.

This aimlessness of the mission and the way that the war is so much bigger than the soldiers and battalions demonstrates that there is no way into peace from war. The kids are fighting for a future that they won't be able to find solace in, neither from eventual living and economical conditions, nor inner peace from the atrocities they've committed. These bleak ideas hit hard. And like Malick's The Thin Red Line, a relationship with God in war is challenged. It's questioned whether it's possible or fair to have spiritual happiness after such sins. There is very poor foresight in war, and after only briefly touching a jarring scene where they visit the higher ups, it benefits no-one on the battleground. The film never preaches these messages, instead relying on the fact that we know how heartbreakingly true it is despite how far removed most of us will be.

Abraham Attah absolutely disappears into his role. He's not showy, but just completely immersed in the film whether he's soaking in events or lashing out against them. He's easily the biggest discovery here. However, I expected great things from Elba after the hype and while he is good, it wasn't the tour de force performance I anticipated. That's just not how the character ended up being written. He has memorable moments but he teeters undefinably on the line between a manipulative villain and a manipulative mentor. He's no doubt an opportunist, but the film doesn't explore his character to the full extent, and the most dramatic moments are quite familiar as they're staples in other war films. Beasts stands out by having such a young boy other end of those dilemmas. Elba is perhaps too polished to go with the inherent rawness of the rest of the cast.

Fukunaga's cinematography is quite good, not boasting the same tricks as True Detective, but also clearly battling against the elements. It certainly has atmosphere. The style favours ambient music over montages of the war scenes and while that makes it flow together it also means that its surprises fall by the periphery. I can imagine that this will play well on Netflix, granted you give it full attention on a big HD television. The cinema projection does suffer from added graininess but that is rarely a problem via the internet and should compliment Fukunaga's cinematography a little more. I imagine that it will garner a divided reaction, with some finding it too hard to bare through the whole thing, but I can't imagine it getting much Oscar traction based on passion alone. It will be a pleasant and worthy surprise if it does score any nominations. At least an admirable effort that will be being remembered as one of the most notable war films of this decade.

8/10

Read more @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com/)

'Beasts of No Nation' has the best performance by a child actor that I've ever seen.

[joey-ziemniak · 11 October 2015]

Child actors are a dime a dozen, yet Abraham Attah is something else. He transcends the category and remains such a demanding presence throughout the entire film, matching even Idris Elba's poise. His character's transformation is just one of the remarkable feats of storytelling that Beasts of No Nation graces us. A gripping account of modern day war seen through a child's eyes, Beasts of No Nation is easily one of the best of the year.

The first thing you'll notice is how beautiful the film is. The stark landscapes of West Africa draw you in, and the color palette for the film is quite something. Director and cinematographer Cary Fukunaga makes sure you remember the reality of this not-so-fictional story, paralleling Agu's family life and how his world was flipped upside down when he joined a group of mercenary fighters. Initially, Agu has no choice and uses them as an escape and a way to reunite with his mother, but the ruthless commandant (Elba) changes him.

The writing is fantastic as you see the war through Agu's eyes, and it's not pretty. This kind of situation is almost completely unfamiliar for most audiences, and Fukunaga manages to supplement fear for grace. He never lets us forget the harsh realities of war, touching on familiar themes like family but going a step further by making it personal for Agu. As the film is his story through and through, the adult details of war are kept to a minimum. The audience is just like Agu, unaware of exactly why there is fighting but rolling with it because it's his only choice. There's no strategic battle scenes, no planning on a map or signing peace treaties, as we are thrust into moments just like Agu is.

When the violence does break out, it's brutal and harrowing. Young actor Attah is ferocious yet sympathetic, and he brings these battle sequences down to earth. The creative risks that Fukunaga takes with these sequences might come across as pandering, yet they make sense cinematically and come across as action poetry. There's a certain lyricism to the war torn villages and jungles of the continent, and it's beautiful and unforgettable.

There isn't much dialogue in the film, but when there is it's brilliant. The unnamed commandant's ideology becomes clearer as the film goes on, and it reaches a disturbing peak. Fukunaga contrasts him with the initially innocent Agu and the two are at odds yet retain respect for one another. There are times when Agu could simply point a gun at the commandant and be done with it, but there's a humanity to the film that respects all lives. War isn't pretty, and Beasts of No Nation knows that. Yet this risky piece of entertainment remembers to be a film first and everything else second. The result is a rhythmic work of art with one of the best young performances I've seen.

Raw and Real

[bradencn · 10/10 · 16 October 2015]

I was sceptical of watching this film at first. It looked like a low budget, and amateur attempt for Netflix to get bigger in their original film business. I went to IMDb to see what people had to say, noticed it got decent reviews and decided to give it a shot. Let me say, this is one of the best films I have ever seen within this genre.

Without spoiling anything, I will say that this is about the general civil warfare that exists in Africa, something most western, shelterd Americans have never even fathomed and have only learned about through movies. The film doesn't specify what part of Africa it is, but you know it is something that is real.

Netflix doesn't hide anything about the realities of what happens to families, children, fathers, and brothers, as well as the numbness the war leaders (on both sides, really) have toward excessive and brutal violence. Imagine: the film shows all of this through the eyes of a boy, probably only 12 years old. He is forced into a mercenary squad after his family is torn apart, and he experiences something that is even darker than hell itself.

That young boy, played by Abraham Attah, puts on a performance I have never seen before in a child actor. Given the mature content of the film, it is quite unbelievable that the torn emotions any child would have, given this situation, is so clearly displayed and authentic. Every scene just tore at my soul; I wondered if it was really acting. And he wasn't the only one; women, children, and the "extras" in the film: are these people really doing their first major film? Each scene left me speechless.

The emotional involvement I had with this film as a viewer is astonishing. I felt ashamed at myself for thinking my life had problems, for thinking my life was hard. I felt foolish realizing my immaturity in life, and felt embarrassed for us as America in general, for caring so much about things so materialistic and shallow, when people in Africa (and other parts of the world, no doubt), are fighting for their lives every day, being torn apart by corrupt leaders and greed.

To compare this film, it is similar to The City of God and Blood Diamond, but in an of itself, it is certainly unique. It's a masterpiece.

Rare event

[toby-brace · 10/10 · 18 December 2015]

It's not often that a film induces a genuine change of heart in me, but this one did. I used to simply hate and despise the raggedy rebel armies of West Africa with their child soldiers, their cruel atrocities and apparent primitive mindless violence towards civilians in general. But this film showed me a side to them that I had never considered. I found myself feeling sorry for them, and the cynical way in which they were used. I realized that they must also have courage, and discipline, and belief in the cause. Like any fighters, they must advance into deadly danger. The lead actor is a child, yet more than holds his own with Idris Elba, a great actor by any measure. By the end I was shaken. I will not forget this film. And I will never think the same way again about the tragic and pointless wars of Africa.

An interesting movie

[charleswjoke · 6/10 · 30 October 2015]

The problem about a film on a child soldier in Africa is that child actors are hard to direct and are usually not good actors. That cannot be said for Abraham Attah who embodies his character and makes us feel all his pain as the movie progresses. The first part of the movie where everything is good is all the more heartbreaking when everyone gets shot down. We slowly see how a child's mentality can be twisted and controlled by a charismatic but ultimately shallow Idris Elba who as always kills it in his role. The action sequences remind me who directed the movie as the controlled chaos is very Fukunaga and he excels at those scenes. They all have emotional motive and impact and are very realistic. The problem that the movie has are too many minor plots and minor characters take too much screen time. The commander's second and command and Agu's foil/ friend are well utilized but extend the movies long screen time. The ending was a bit of a letdown as Agu and the army leaves the commander in the jungle without any real payoff.

methodically brutal

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 15 February 2017]

Agu is a young boy in an unnamed African nation in the midst of a civil war. There are no services or school for him and his young friends. His father is a local leader. He lives in a buffer zone protected by Nigerian peacekeepers until the peace collapses. Government forces massacre the local population. Agu escapes as his father and brother are killed. He is captured by a rebel force led by Commandant (Idris Elba) who grooms him to be a child soldier.

This is a methodical depiction of the brutalization of a childhood. Idris Elba has a commanding powerful presence. The kid is an appealing performer. That's why his corruption is so demoralizing. It's a harsh, heart-breaking movie. It's a Netflix movie that is cinematic in quality. The plot is pretty simple and the kid's journey is relatively straight forward. Fukunaga delivers an unflinching look into this slice of the world.

War is rough.

[deathhawk · 7/10 · 16 September 2016]

I kept putting this film off when I would see it listed on Netflix. I am not sure why, because it was very enjoyable. I won't claim to have very much knowledge in the area of African civil war, but the movie seemed to convey the story in a way that was understandable for me. The relationship between all the characters was full of an unsettling comradery, which for me definitely made the movie. It was well filmed, well directed, and well acted overall. The only negatives, and they aren't even that negative, are that in some parts I had an issue understanding the accent and had to rewind, not that often mind you. The second was I felt it could have been just a little more dark in regards to the culture of the rebels, I have seen some documentaries on the subject, and those people are/were ruthless. They did touch on some of the things, drug use, cannibalism, etc. So it was gritty, but I prefer super gritty, maybe just me though. Therefore it gets a 7/10 check it out.

Not like a baby, like an old man

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 15 October 2015]

Greetings again from the darkness. Cary Joji Fukunaga has quickly established himself as an expert storyteller with his previous writing and directing of SIN NOMBRE (2009), JANE EYRE (2011) and the fascinating and conversation-sparking first season of "True Detective" (he did not direct the much-maligned Season Two). He goes even deeper and darker this time by adapting Uzodinma Iweala's novel about a child soldier.

When first we meet Agu, he is but an enterprising and fun-loving kid who thrives on mischief such as trying to sell "Imagination TV" – the empty shell of a console TV, complete with Agu and his buddies acting out scenes for those who peer through the picture tube opening. Agu describes himself as "a good boy from a good family", and we believe him.

Somewhere in Africa is all we know about the location, and soon enough Agu's village is under siege and he is separated from his mother, and forced to stay behind with the men – including his father and big brother. More terror forces Agu alone into the forest until he is brought into a mostly young group of rebel forces led by the Commandant (Idris Elba). It's around this time that Agu begins "talking" to God through voice over narration that allows viewers to understand what's going on inside Agu's head – often quite contrary to what is happening on the outside as he transforms from mischievous kid to dead-eyed child soldier. When Agu stops speaking to God, we understand that he believes he no longer deserves to be heard, but his words to the universe (directed to his mother) let us know, this boy has not yet lost his soul.

Though we never understand the war, or even who is fighting whom, this uncertainty is designed to help us better relate to Agu. He may be a tough-minded soldier, but we also never forget that he is mostly a little boy hoping to re-connect with his mother. Idris Elba plays the Commandant as part father-figure, part war lord, and part cult leader. He is a menacing presence one moment and a soothing voice of reason the next. When we (and Agu) learn the full story of his multiple sides, we are both sickened and disheartened. It's the performances of both Elba and newcomer Abraham Attah (as Agu) that make this such a devastating and fascinating movie to watch, and it's the filmmaking of Fukunaga that keeps our eyes glued to the screen when we would just as soon turn away.

Good film, but needed something more.

[keelhaul-80856 · 6/10 · 4 October 2017]

I was wavering on rating this film 6 or 7. It had the potential to be a 9 or 10, and based on all the hype and netflix trailers, I hoped that it would be.

There are plenty of brutal and heart-wrenching moments, and Idris Elba is a talented actor that I enjoyed as the warlord molding the kid army.

However, I feel that there is some confusion and missing holes in this film, that somehow leave it disjointed. It seems to slow down half- way through, and missed out on designing a more powerful narrative and explanation for many of the things going on.

In the end, it comes across as an overly-long war film, that just portrays the same things that many already know or believe about African war zones. I thought Blood Diamond did more to explain situations and build characters, while giving a greater understanding of the situation. There are some good character developments, as the boy becomes desensitized to violence and insanity around him, and some entertaining and intense moments, but it just doesn't match the exquisite film-making of other films on such subjects, or war films in general.

I felt lost and kind of bored throughout the last half of the film, and found myself distracted and eating snacks, about to doze off for an afternoon nap. It needs something more!!!

A harrowing but fascinating story, and one of the best war films of the century

[themadmovieman · 8/10 · 16 October 2015]

This is quite simply one of the best war films of the 21st Century. Netflix's first outing on the big screen is a huge success thanks to an absolutely harrowing tale of conflict that makes for one of the most fascinating and thought-provoking movie experiences you've had in a long time.

The story follows this young boy, Agu, as he becomes deeper and deeper involved in the rebel army under the wing of the Commandant, played by Idris Elba. Both of these performances are simply excellent. Elba is often terrifying as the warmongering troop leader, and his unnerving performance is key to making this such an unsettling and disturbing film.

However, even Idris Elba is outshone by the stunning performance given by the young Abraham Attah, who plays Agu. Attah does a brilliant job at showing his character's transformation over the course of the story, from an innocent young boy to a hardened warrior in one of the most brutal wars on the planet.

This ties in perfectly, then, with the main theme of the film, which is all about the way that war destroys innocence entirely and replaces it with only doom and despair. In that, you can see that this is clearly an anti-war film, but it fortunately doesn't present itself so much as that, only giving you its powerful message if you concentrate hard enough and look for the details telling you about the destruction that war has brought to this place.

I say that because this film is, on the whole, not the most fast- paced, and if you watch it with your brain turned off, you'll likely be bored, because it's quite long, and hasn't got much action at all, it's the power and emotion of the underlying themes that provides the horrifying punch that makes this so compelling and upsetting.

Cary Joji Fukunaga's directing is also stunning. As well as making a simply beautiful film to look at, the way he directs every scene works brilliantly in tandem with whatever the film is trying to say. There are so many astonishing long shots of individuals' faces, particularly focused on Agu, and they just have such an incredible emotional power when you really look deep into their situation.

Abraham Attah's performance as a young boy who has clearly been through hell is of course integral to making that emotion clear, but the inventive and beautiful directing really aggrandises that feeling of total despair and loss of innocence, which is why this film is just such an incredible one to watch.

Well-Acted, but Unevenly Written!

[namashi_1 · 6/10 · 1 November 2015]

Based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala, 'Beasts of No Nation' is well-acted, but unevenly written! The sad part is that this tale, as brutal as it is, it still isn't as powerful as it proclaims to be.

'Beasts of No Nation' is A drama based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier fighting in the civil war of an unnamed African country.

'Beasts of No Nation' is well-made, but not very well-written. And thats its minus point. Cary Joji Fukunaga's Adapted Screenplay doesn't engage entirely. I was definitely aghast at times, but the monotony put me off. Once Agu is taken under the wings of the villain, the sequences tend to repeat & what follows also, doesn't turn out to be gut-wrenching. Fukunaga's Writing needed to be more harrowing. His Direction, however, is realistic to the core.

Performance-Wise: Idris Elba as Commandant, is terrifying. This is a performance that Elba can boast for a long, long time. He creates a human in the monster he portrays & that's a really big achievement. Abraham Attah as Agu, is tremendous. The child slips into this difficult, disturbing part & portrays it without a single false note.

On the whole, 'Beasts of No Nation' needed to be more powerful. Watch it for the superb acting nonetheless.

Cary Fukunaga's amazing follow up to True Detective

[BrendanMichaels · 4/10 · 16 October 2015]

This is one of the best films of the year! Cary Fukunaga swings and hits the ball out of the park and the ball hit a windshield! A film with so much savagery that it also makes you feel for this boy and what he is going through! A must see and one of the many reasons to go and get a Netflix account! Idris Elba gives the best performance of his life as the Commandment! Abraham Attah is amazing and has one of the best child actor performances ever! It is as good as True Detective and one of Netflix's best pieces of entertainment! Hopefully those Adam Sandler movies don't ruin their perfect line up(which it probably will).

Best Indie Movie Contender

[nastrofy · 9/10 · 17 October 2015]

i loved the movie not because its shot in my country but the content of the story and cast was done spot on. I just pray that all political leaders take a cue from this movie and past ones in this format not to plunge the world into this form of darkness.Best Indie Movie for sure @ the Oscars Idris you rocked it. This is a must watch for every household doesn't matter if you black,white,Asian,hispanic etc it can happen to any of us,some children are really suffering to PTSD due to political injustices that has led to war in many countries,lets be tolerant of each other and wish for a better brighter future for us all.

Give this movie some credit!!

[kevjfarrell · 9/10 · 9 April 2016]

I was in two minds about watching this movie - I wasn't sure that the subject matter and location really appealed to me. Boy was I wrong!!! This is a very powerful drama which is totally realistic. Superb acting - especially by the lead young boy Agu. The movie contains some very harrowing scenes - it's not an easy watch, but it is worthwhile.

The movie is well directed and gives you plenty of food for thought. It will undoubtedly change your views and opinions on what actually happens in these civil wars in relatively unknown countries and regions of Africa. I'm seeing and understanding things differently now - mostly because of this movie.

If you are in two minds about watching this, there are some very eloquent reviews in praise of this movie. I was one of those people. I'm glad I chose to watch it. Very worthwhile.

Five-Word Review: Uncompromisingly Brutal, Wonderfully Acted, Overlong

[BillSims28 · 7/10 · 8 February 2016]

The first in what is sure to be a long era of Netflix films, Beasts of No Nation, helmed by True Detective Season 1's Cary Fukunaga, tracks a young boy, Agu, in an unnamed West African country ravaged by civil war who is taken under the wing of the charismatic Rebel Commandant (Idris Elba) after his family is killed by government forces. What follows is hard to watch but simultaneously hard to turn away from.

A Zeitgeist issue was exploited for Hollywood in Oscar-baiting transgender form in 2015 for Tom Hooper's The Danish Girl. Zeitgeist in 2015 was used to a far better effect in Beasts of No Nation. The issue of civil wars' human costs and refugees strikes a chord with more and more people every day, so this gritty and realistic war drama is extremely necessary viewing. This should become the definitive film on child soldiers. Speaking of child soldiers, this film also features what is possibly the greatest ensemble of child actors that I have ever seen in a film, led by the spectacular performance by the lead, Abraham Attah, who plays Agu. Somehow lending gravitas and evoking pathos that even successful adult actors fail to do, Attah outshines even the SAG award-winning Elba. The Luther star steals his scenes, making grand war speeches before leading the children into battle and charismatically talking his way out of situations, but empty underneath - which the film delves into. This masterclass of acting supports Fukunaga's direction which, through the use of colour and cinematography, creates a dynamic, harshly beautiful African landscape. For example, a scene where a character takes drugs and becomes hallucinatory turns the busy into a nightmarish jungle scene soaked with red. The score is also good: pulsating, pounding notes set the tone of intense scenes. Realism and grit define this film.

On the negative side, the pacing is certainly off in this film. The first act is great, setting up Agu amongst his family in the village, and the lighter tone makes this sequence entertaining, with interesting characters. The second act is even better, as Agu flees and meets the rebels under the Commandant, and most of the memorable scenes (including a brutal standout scene involving a machete), but, without spoiling anything, the third act, after some characters leave a certain place, goes somewhat off the rails in terms of pacing, despite an unforgettable trench scene. Then comes the ending which feels stunted and somewhat rushed. There are several places where it seems like it's going to end, but keeps going uncertainly, before resolving itself with a wonderful final shot. The dark brutality is interspersed with moments of levity and, towards the end, hope, yet overall Beasts of No Nation is admirably realistic. The decision to have characters talk in their own languages, which was also on display in another Netflix production, Narcos, lends to this realism. Overall, it's an intelligent and uncompromising look at what really happens to people caught in a war, and is a great watch despite its flaws. 79/100.

Child soldiers in a mad world

[deloudelouvain · 8/10 · 11 December 2015]

I thought Beasts of No Nation was an excellent movie. It's certainly hard to watch but even though it's hard it is a very good movie. What makes it special is that it's a movie about real life events. Shameful events yes but real events. The fact that we live in such an horrible world where in some countries kids can not be kids anymore, but brainwashed killing machines is maybe incomprehensive for some people that have no clue what's happening outside their cozy neighborhood, but it's the hard reality. Child soldiers used by power hungry fools to do their dirty job is not an illusion anymore. The actors, especially the young ones were sublime. Very powerful acting. They made me think about all the misery that goes around in Africa. Very good filming as well. Like I said before the story might be hard to watch but it's certainly a must see to understand the problematics of some African countries.

Heartbreaking and terrifying.

[garethcrook · 7/10 · 18 May 2018]

A film about political and civil unrest in Africa (the specific country is never named) and as heartbreaking and terrifying as you'd imagine. Wonderfully made, the camera work puts you right in the centre alongside these people having their already tough worlds torn apart. It's not easy to watch, the depiction of callous disregard for life, especially seen through the eyes of a child is often too much to bare. As if that's not harrowing enough, what follows is beyond horrific. Incessant killing, exploitation of children, power hungry people with complete disregard for life and any moral standard. In all the confusion it's not always obvious who the real monsters are. As the film goes on though, is seems everyone is and as things escalate, it's hard to except that despite this being dramatised, it's no doubt based on a sad harsh reality. Elba is frighteningly good, so much so, you wonder if you were able to reach into that world, would you kill him and become a monster too. Abraham Attah, who plays Agu, the child who leads us through this brutal world is amazing. This is his first outing and it's quite incredible, I've no doubt he'll go on to even greater things (although he's signed up for a Spider-Man film). The music is the only true positive element of the film itself, be it the traditional stuff or the ethereal score, it's outstanding, but never masks the turmoil of the characters and their existence.

Best War African War Movie Ever!

[gracefreeman · 10/10 · 13 December 2017]

The entire cast of Beast of no Nation was perfect! This movie was compelling with beautiful shots and music. The settling was shot somewhere in Africa, but it did not specify in the movie. The reason behind that was to have this movie be applied to all the African countries. I really appreciated this movie because my mom experienced 7 years of civil wars back in Liberia. Beast of No Nation is quite the untold story about such a huge political and inhumane problem within the African nation. Beast of no Nation painted vivid shots of what life was like for these child soldiers, so it can be a little hard to watch. I consider this movie to be an eye opener to African's culture. This was much more than entertainment, but more of a virtual experience. I would recommend this movie to anyone to watch.

Powerful. Provocative. Compelling.

[CinemaClown · 9 December 2015]

I think the only way Hollywood views Africa is as an entire continent ravaged by nothing but conflict & suffering and Beasts of No Nation is another exemplification of that. That's not to say that the picture isn't impressive by any means for it is definitely a powerful, provocative & compelling piece of work but this movie industry's immoderate fascination with the civil war subject is slowly becoming unhealthy.

Set in an unnamed West African country, Beasts of No Nation tells the story of a young boy named Agu who, after witnessing his family being gunned down by soldiers, flees from the village but inadvertently runs into the rebel forces and is coerced to join them in their fight. The plot then follows Agu's harrowing journey as a child soldier plus the loss of innocence he undergoes after witnessing the brutality & hardships of war.

Written, shot & directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Beasts of No Nation takes a very no-holds- barred approach to bring its script to life on the film canvas and is able to depict everything in an uncompromising manner. The camera brilliantly illustrates the transition our character undergoes from living in a bright, hopeful environment to a grim, disturbing one through its changing colour tones as the plot progresses, and it is effectively utilised by Fukunaga.

The plot remains gripping for the most part, thanks to tight editing, but the final act is more like a stretch and its runtime is slightly felt at that point. Coming to the performances, there are two standouts in Abraham Attah & Idris Elba, the former's input being a definite highlight for Attah carries the whole film on his own little shoulders, while Elba plays the leader of the rebels with comfort and the scenes between the two form the core ingredient that keeps the film glued together.

On an overall scale, Beasts of No Nation is difficult to watch at times, is unflinching with its violent content, and is meant to be an upsetting experience. But where the movie really hits the mark is in handling the complexities of its lead character and apart from that, there isn't really much in the story that separates it from other Hollywood treatments of same subject matter and while these movies do bring certain issues to light, their exclusive focus on this one particular problem is also hurting an entire continent's image.

A Touching War Film that Doesn't Quite Hit the Mark

[jonahwp · 7/10 · 30 December 2015]

War is a tough time for any nation, and especially any child. War can be an even more brutal affair if this child is left to fight in it. Beasts of No Nation tries to depict this and does so quite well. From its disturbing visuals to its increasingly touching dialogue, Beasts of No Nation depicts an African Civil war near perfectly; except for a few crucial aspects. Beasts of No Nation poorly displays its characters and gives them an unrealistic mindset. I will touch on this and many of the things that director Cary Joji Fukunaga does magnificently in this review. (note: this movie isn't a casual Saturday night film to watch drunk in your fraternity house eating cold cuts off of your stomach, it is quite deep and VERY disturbing.)

This film follows a young African boy named Agu (Abraham Attah). His village gets attacked, and he finds himself in the middle of a full out civil war. He joins the anti-government rebels (which don't fly X-wings) and becomes a child soldier in a battalion led by the malicious yet caring character of "Commandant" (Idris Alba).

While Attah's acting was above adequate, certainly for a child, I found that in certain scenes he lacked the drama and raw emotion that a young child would have during a war. He does, however, deliver very touching narration. In some films, narration is the director's cheap way of telling a story. In this one, it really added some much needed emotion to Agu. Alba, while not being as likable or witty a character as in The Wire, still delivers as Commandant in this film. Towards the start of the film he is portrayed as a legend, immune to danger or fear. However, as this film progresses, Commandant's flaws begin to show, and Alba captures this perfectly (and rocks that African accent).

The action sequences are fine. They really brought nothing new to the table, but instead of seeing Bruce Willis taking down bandits left and right, we are shown fearful children with guns fighting for what they believe in, which was refreshing. Additionally, not every action scene was intended to gather pity, which I liked. If you are going to include an action scene in something described as a "war movie", it better be adrenaline filled. Beasts of No Nation delivers on this front.

This brings me to my favourite aspect of this film: the "in between" scenes. In between the large and tough battles that Agu's battalion goes through, Fukunaga does us the favour of showing us how these "soldiers" live life. Here we are exposed to what hints at slight character development (something this movie really lacks), the disturbing atrocities committed by both Commandant and the rest of the battalion, and the brilliant narration given by Agu.

With all of this in mind, it will be shocking to know that my biggest complaint with this film is it is hard to care about many of the characters. I don't mean to sound like a heartless Sith Lord, but I really couldn't get invested enough in Agu's character to truly sympathize with him. I did indeed wonder why I had this mindset, and even worried at one point. Then I came to a conclusion. Fukunaga's focus on creating disturbing scenes and decent action sequences led him to neglect character and context of the story.

I feel that had act one been slightly longer, we could have gotten to know Agu and his family a lot more. As a result we care for them a lot more. Had Agu's thought process been slightly more childish and innocent towards the start of the war, it would better highlight his loss of innocence as the war unfolded. I also feel that had we been given more historical background and information on the war being fought, we would better understand the situation of this African country (which I don't even remember having a name the movie!).

So do I recommend you watch this? Sure, if you are willing to excuse unrealistic character and accept it as more of a war story and less of a drama. (which I don't mind!) Hey, maybe I am a Sith Lord and have no heart, so if you enjoy the drama in this movie, I am jealous of you!

Grade: B+ (7.3/10)

A story to take with you

[label1177 · 10/10 · 16 October 2015]

Compelling with beautiful shots and music. Watched on Netflix where other options and distractions are a abundant, but I did not put this down. It is quite the untold story about such a huge political and inhumane problem within Africa today. Casting was great, very memorable faces. I would say this is what American Sniper should have been like. The changes in characters was gradual and smooth, PTSD and other issues were presented much better. Eye opening in a way old stories used to be. This was much more than entertainment, but more of a virtual experience like Saving Private Ryan was. Quite gritty as well, which doesn't bother me, but for those that are sensitive this will be a hard watch.

Netflix's First Original Film Is A Winner....

[MovieHoliks · 7/10 · 26 October 2015]

I had been thinking to myself that Netflix had made other original films before, but this movie is being promoted as their FIRST original film. Okay- maybe I'm thinking documentaries-?? Well, anyway, I got around to seeing this film over the weekend, and it's a first-rate film about the war-torn experiences of such African countries where rebel armies rule the place, terrorizing local villages with murder and rape, while recruiting the local boys and young men.

One of my favorite actors right now, Idris Elba, stars as the charismatic rebel leader, who of course does not see himself as anything other than a hero of war, despite the atrocities he encourages. Abraham Attah is good in the lead role of the prepubescent boy who joins him after most of his family is murdered. I hope this movie is a good sign to come for Netflix original movies being made, especially after hearing Brad Pitt will be doing his next big movie there-?? But a big thumbs-up for their first major film!

War Porn

[Alex-372 · 4/10 · 13 February 2016]

The problem with Beasts Of No Nation is a problem familiar with all depictions of Africa - the absence of any kind of context.

Things happen for no reason, allowing the viewer to fill in the blanks with previous propaganda, making the viewer believe that their previous misconceptions have now been confirmed.

Beasts Of No Nation was made by Cary Joji Fukunaga, a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow. The Rockefellers own among the world's largest extractive industry corporations owners/founders - ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhilips, United Fruit/Chiquita, and many more. A similar family started Royal Dutch Shell, which exploits the people of Nigeria for their oil.

Which brings me to the decontextualization - this story is set 'in a fictional African country', however the writer of the book is a Nigerian national. If the Idris Alba character would have been working for someone, it would have been Shell, maybe Anglo-Ashanti Gold, or his direct superiors would have been working on their behalf.

This is lost in the war porn, as it always is. Because Beasts Of No Nation is just one in a long line of 'mood setting' rather than informative movies about Africa, all of which are funded by the same extractive industry corporations and the families that own them.

Blood Diamonds was made on behalf of the Kimberley Process, which tried to restrict diamond exports from Zimbabwe and the Congo DRC. It was driven by Nicky Oppenheimer of Anglo-American De Beers, the world's diamond monopolist in the 20th century, and even today the world's biggest diamond miner with 40% of global diamonds mined and traded.

The Interpreter, with Nicole Kidman, another movie 'set in a fictional African country', however clearly based on Zimbabwe, where De Beers covets the huge Chiadzwa and Marange diamond fields, which could supply 20% of the world's diamond supply and crash the world's diamond price. Mugabe And The White African is in a similar vein, trying to demonize the government of Zimbabwe, while extolling the virtues of Rhodesia.

Then of course there was the propaganda of Eve Ensler, trying to hyper-focus the destruction of Eastern DRC by the Rwandan government's M-23, into 'the Vagina Monologues'. Again, leaving the actual culprits out of the picture, and focusing on mercenaries/soldiers and war porn instead.

De Beers lost 117,000 hectares of land in the land redistribution of 2000, and they want it back. And if that means portraying Africans as psychotic 'Beasts Of No Nation', well that's what they've been doing for over 100 years.