Beasts of No Nation, a war drama starring Idris Elba, has been hailed by viewers as 'one of the best' war movies ever made, with a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which arrived on Netflix in 2015, continues to generate conversation more than a decade after its release.
A Devastating Story of a Child Soldier
The film follows a young boy named Agu, who is forced to become a child soldier after losing his family in a devastating civil war. He is captured and recruited by a sinister rebel commander, known as the Commandant and portrayed by Idris Elba, and coerced into fighting for his cause. Gradually stripped of his innocence, he is ultimately indoctrinated into the rebels' ideology.
While the film draws from the 2005 novel of the same name, the conflict at its core is entirely fictitious, as is the specific region of the West African country it depicts. Nevertheless, it was informed by thorough research, human rights documentation and testimonies from refugees to authentically portray the realities of conflicts across the region.
Viewer and Critic Acclaim
One viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes to leave a review, writing: "Beasts of No Nation is not just a film-it is an experience. It is a brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable work of art that brings light to the often-overlooked plight of child soldiers. A must-watch for anyone who values powerful storytelling and cinema with a conscience."
Another viewer said: "I don't remember it being this good. This is simply one of the best war movies I've ever seen. Brutally realistic. Nothing is watered down."
Oscar Controversy
On its release, the film resonated deeply with countless viewers, going on to garner multiple awards. Elba particularly earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal, securing nominations for the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Spirit awards, though he was controversially overlooked in the Oscar acting category.
One fan said: "Idris Elba was robbed at the Oscars, this was a masterful performance by him. His character is terrifying in ways other evil characters are not, because there is a layer of honesty and realism his performance brings. He is not just a comical evil dictator trope. Amazing movie that everyone should see at least once."
For those who haven't yet experienced Beasts of No Nation, the film remains available to stream exclusively on Netflix, though it ought to carry a warning that viewers may find themselves left 'stunned' afterwards.
