A sleeper sitting in the Netflix queue, which, once viewed becomes the figurative awakened giant. Beasts of No Nation is a film based upon actual events presented in a way which can only be called uncompromising. The film successfully tackles the difficult subject regarding the slaughter of innocent people in African whose children were then abducted by guerrilla rebels, armed, and forced to become soldiers in a war which they were incapable of understanding. Children. Literally. But children who responded as would any adult – doing what they had to do in order to survive. When one understands that it is based upon true events – one can only mourn for the lost childhoods of so many.
The film provides incredible insight – and that must surely be based upon the horror stories of those young children who survived – for many did not survive.
It took a long time for the film to be made – as many did not see it as a commercial venture. However, it’s value as an historical reference is priceless. The makers had to stick to their guns in order to make the film which they wanted to make. Thank goodness for their tenacity.
From the beginning of the film, you are hooked and it is like a good read – you cannot stop watching. The action and the plot twists and turns will have you mesmerized.
The acting is superb and it is a story, although painful to watch, stays true to the events from which it was inspired. Idris Elba portrays a character that is far different from his ‘handsome-leading-man‘ roles – to the point that you may not initially recognize him in this role – literally. The child actors present performances which would seem to be well beyond their actual years. And yes, there will be occasions when your heart will break.
If you know nothing about the abducted child soldiers right now – your knowledge will sufficiently increase not just after watching this film, but while watching it. Your emotions will rise and fall – anger,hope,fear – and more. And, there may be twinges of guilt as to the lack of action taken to protect and save these children from their fates in reality.
It is no wonder that the nominations have been pouring in for not only the film, but for the actors as well. It is now out on DVD and streaming on Netflix with 3 million views so far. It is worth the purchase of the DVD to have in your digital library.
Raye's Radar 
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