Beasts of No Nation

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Leicia G @RT13500712 Sep 7, 2026 Beasts of No Nation is a great movie because it depicts how drastically a child’s life can change because of war. The movie also has small moments that remind you that these are still children who have been forced into an adult’s war. It shows that the main goal the child has in the moment is simply to survive. Although his mother and sister are still in his thoughts, finding them is no longer his main focus because surviving has become his priority. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of war and the things children are exposed to because of it. I also really liked the ending because it was unexpected and not what I thought was going to happen. See more Peter B @RT58516657 May 10, 2026 Started well, drawing us in to characters, then impactful action and drama with some great acting. Then it seems to run at quarter speed and I just wanted it to end See more mr. boboman T @RT18722081 Mar 23, 2026 I WAS STUNNED.....period, point blank. The visuals,music and the brutal reality of gorilla warfare and how it impacts the main character. This movie has managed to get a lot of different emotions out of me, more then the movies I see nowadays. Thank you for this See more Irene M @igawel Mar 6, 2026 Part of our Idris Elba watch fest. I braced for a very grim experience, and it wasn't as unbearable as I had expected. It starts very "Empire of the Sun". Agu, the boy, and his character are fully introduced at the start. Even though the run time is 2 1/4 hours, the pacing is excellent. I think the director has handled this with respect, and nuance. See more Mustafa S @RT67604998 Oct 3, 2025 This movie had an amazing start but fizzled out half way through. Agu should’ve got his revenge on Commandent and become a powerful leader for the people. Such an interesting movie nonetheless. Not a bad movie but not my favourite. See more Kevin P @RT55971421 Aug 7, 2025 A tragic and emotionally devastating depiction of child soldiers in West Africa. The cinematography is captivating as it contrasts the beautiful green jungle with the horrific abuse and war crimes that fester. The child acting is really impressive and they're able to match the energy of Idris Elba's diabolical performance as the Commandant. The warlord keeping them captive and modeling them into child soldiers. He pulls off the tight balance of charismatic, intimidating, and putrid as he molds young war refugees into his obedient human weapons and lap dogs, forcing them to commit some truly horrific acts against the enemy and civilians young and old. The Guerrilla Warfare tactics were clever and interesting to watch, such as ambushing under a bridge with literal leaf camouflage, stripping enemy vehicle & weapons for parts, or burning their tents to erase their trace from the enemy. Thankfully there is some levity early on as you get to know the main protagonist's family. There's a funny gag with the "Imagination TV" and great payoff at the dinner scene. But the commandant. only becomes worse as the movie goes on. With brutal training methods to test their loyalty, one involving a machete. He even labels civilian farmers as "traitors" and "Collaborators that feed the enemy". Followed by a horrific scene where the child soldiers go full circle as they become the very village slayers that Kickstart their plight to begin with. Eventually, the Commandments disregard for human life comes to bite him when his commanding leader orders him to step down in favor of the UN's aide, realizing how his war crimes will not help their global PR. The Commandment's spiteful rejection outs him on the run from both parties. And it becomes so satisfying when his abused militia finally turn on him, abandoning him as their supplies run out. The group even spare him, but only because he's so pathetic and useless without them, deserving a prolonged fate alone with no one. Admittedly, the ending resolution was a little rushed, but to be fair this was after 2+ hours an otherwise gripping and well faced war movie about the loss of innocence. It ends on a bittersweet note, but I'm glad they finally receive help by the end even if the nightmares will linger. It's a captivating film about how desperate and traumatic war zones can allow evil to thrive and exploit the others around them, even if for a so-called "noble cause". Much like a sinking ship where some will choose to push down others to keep themselves afloat. It's a grim reminder of all the injustices child soldiers have to endure. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's a very engaging and emotionally moving picture that will move you. See more Read all reviews

Beasts of No Nation

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