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Beasts of No Nation
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Beasts of No Nation

2015
Drama
War
2h 17m
A drama based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier fighting in the civil war of an unnamed African country. (imdb)
Directed by:
Cary Joji Fukunaga Cary Joji Fukunaga
Written by:
Cary Joji Fukunaga Cary Joji Fukunaga Uzodinma Iweala
+1 more
Starring:
Idris Elba Idris Elba Ama K. Abebrese Abraham Attah Richard Pepple Opeyemi Fagbohungbe Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye Teibu Owusu Achcampong Kobina Amissah-Sam Emmanuel Affadzi Jude Akuwudike Vivan Boateng Kurt Egyiawan
More
Genres:
Drama, War
Country:
USA
Languages:
English, Akan
imdb More information at IMDb
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Beasts of No Nation

2015
Drama
War
2h 17m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 62.59% from 1094 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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ratedarghratedargh
Rated 20 Sep 2015
60
30th
Just never grabbed me. It's competently made, looks great, has solid performances and is an important subject. It just stumbles with its pacing. A disappointment for sure, but will definitely hit many people quite powerfully.
Rated 20 Sep 2015
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 27 Oct 2015
83
76th
Whatever, we've all been to summer camp.
Rated 27 Oct 2015
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 19 Oct 2015
7
65th
Watch it for Idris Elba and Abraham Attahs' compelling performances. There are some very dark moments mixed in with some very well utilized shots. Lasting impact is lacking however as I'm more aware of these horrors, just not really sure what the filmmakers wanted to say about it all.
Rated 19 Oct 2015
kojilessKojiless
Rated 11 Dec 2015
90
92nd
I sometimes imagine a world where Disney's child actors were not privileged twats from from affluent neighborhoods in the whitewashed Midwest, but orphans from war-torn African nations who have witnessed their parents executed, learned to kill a man with a machete, and been sodomized by a rebel general...all before turning 10. The entire nation would be enraptured by Hanna Uganda, though, knowing what good ol' Walt does to kids, the stars would eventually end up on stage twerking with Madonna.
Rated 11 Dec 2015
sellissellis
Rated 17 Oct 2015
86
78th
It's like Come and See if it were co-directed by Alfonso Cuaron and David Gordon Green. Spectacular visuals. Real, gruesome gun battles in the forest. Idris Elba is pure power in this. Like some fatherly version of Jim Jones and Che Guevara. Heartwrenching and harrowing, but also, at times, melodramatic. The score is sub par in parts and it negatively affects the pacing, among other things. Also, gives "Kids with Guns" by Gorillaz a whole new context.
Rated 17 Oct 2015
katyaKatya
Rated 20 Dec 2015
76
71st
hard to watch
Rated 20 Dec 2015
nobletNoblet
Rated 26 Feb 2016
76
60th
Excellent production values, great acting, good story. It's all so mechanical though. It hits all the War is Hell points so steadily that it feels like a relaxing guided tour of misery.
Rated 26 Feb 2016
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 20 Oct 2015
80
78th
Two great performances lead a movie that's worth being seen just for them. That's not to discount the performances of many of the smaller roles which can be just as great. Also the cinematography is fantastic. As I mention all these great things it's weird to say that some part of it didn't fully grip me so I loved the parts more than the whole, but damn those parts were good.
Rated 20 Oct 2015
snazzSnazz
Rated 05 Jan 2016
70
71st
A true "feel bad" movie... If that's a thing. But very well made.
Rated 05 Jan 2016
punqPUNQ
Rated 24 Oct 2015
60
89th
Beautiful and powerful blend of nature and rebel warriors. This is definitely a quality piece with a story that touches. There is something which keeps me from connecting with it all the way. Felt we never really got to know the main kid regardless of how much time we spent with him. He was only a puppet in the situation. While it might be a more realistic portrait to a tragic faith, from a movie aspects it eliminates the heartfelt scenes and the manipulated reason to care.
Rated 24 Oct 2015
isaberraisaberra
Rated 22 Oct 2015
79
57th
Great performances from Idris Elba and especially child actor Abraham Attah. Attah's acting was compelling and superb, as his character goes through major life changes in the midst of war. The scenery, albeit bloody and traumatic at times, and the colors were tragically beautiful. (Would not watch again though)
Rated 22 Oct 2015
timmotimmo
Rated 19 Oct 2015
95
88th
A simplistic, flawless portrait of war. The story is uncomplicated. (It would be tough to screw up, really.) Fukunaga uses this to his advantage, though, and put together a profound, incredible work. Probably on purpose, I'm reminded a lot of CHILDREN OF MEN because of the outstanding performances, and effectively-told, by-the-books, straightforward, human story. It could've possibly been better, but it's extraordinary for what it is, either way.
Rated 19 Oct 2015
damildamil
Rated 19 Nov 2015
75
81st
This was really good. It's an upsetting film, but it's not overly emotionally manipulative, which I appreciated. Fukunaga did a fantastic job. I really liked how the cinematography achieved a balance between naturalistic and beautiful. Idris Elba gives a brilliant performance, and the young actor who plays the protagonist is very impressive. I recommend this with no hesitation.
Rated 19 Nov 2015
spanksSpanks
Rated 27 Oct 2015
90
94th
Flat out amazing except the awful voice-over. Elba is comparable to Brando in Apocalypse Now (in terms of just being a force whenever he is on screen) and that kid who played Agu gave one of the best performances from a kid, perhaps, ever. Fukunaga is quickly turning into one of his generation's best directors. This one is going to win some awards, and it'll deserve every trophy handed to it.
Rated 27 Oct 2015
susie_mauvesusie-mauve
Rated 19 Dec 2015
78
44th
Powerful and authentic. The kid kills it with his performance. The storyline is pretty flat/linear, but only because the focus is on the situational drama, rather than the development of events. Feels like the story drags in its second half, in a really tormenting manner, which makes it seem intentional.
Rated 19 Dec 2015
cowfrappecowfrappe
Rated 02 Jan 2016
76
78th
An expertly made, though hard to watch, glimpse into another world. Attah's debut is assured and Elba is magnetic.
Rated 02 Jan 2016
gsbgsb
Rated 25 Sep 2016
60
23rd
Idris Elba gives a wonderful performances and the filmmaking is breathtaking, BUT its a pretty stereotypical Hollywood movie about Africa. Once you see the tropes, it's hard to unsee them.
Rated 25 Sep 2016
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 08 Apr 2016
72
56th
Numerous truly powerful elements and great performances but somewhat lacks focus in both story and style. Not super confident in what it's trying to depict and how. It has a deep morality in the narrative that's very admirable and understandable but also (I hate to say this) a bit tacked on. Doesn't quite seem to know if it want's to be Full Metal Jacket or The Thin Red Line. Still a very engaging and effective film and very well shot. Also Idris Elba.
Rated 08 Apr 2016
juntakinte99juntakinte99
Rated 02 Nov 2015
95
91st
There've been a slew of recent sci-fi/fantasy films featuring kids in dystopian menaces. But this film nails what those pictures miss: the psychological & emotional fallout from dealing with violent experiences. Technically it's amazing, via a Malick-like look, M83 inspired music, a great lead, and a fantastic villain in Idris Elba. As volatile conflicts engulf our world--often with child soldiers on the front lines--this story becomes more prescient and a wonderful discussion starter.
Rated 02 Nov 2015
philamentalphilamental
Rated 16 Mar 2016
62
41st
Such a beautiful film about ugly subject matter. While the acting is frequently impressive, the story is fairly routine, predictable and uninspired. Overall it lacks the punch necessary to be considered one of the greats, but it's a perfectly watchable 'original film' from Netflix
Rated 16 Mar 2016
naurunauru
Rated 23 Oct 2015
61
60th
Good film. Idris elba is good, as are the child actors. The ending was disappointing though.
Rated 23 Oct 2015
patmanpatman
Rated 24 Dec 2015
60
43rd
A strong and dark picture about an important subject, it looks fantastic and has a talented cast but lacks power to really hit it home with me.
Rated 24 Dec 2015
plveniceplvenice
Rated 26 Oct 2019
88
90th
This movie was just... shocking at every turn. Phenomenal performance by Idris Elba. A film I won't soon forget.
Rated 26 Oct 2019
comepeliculacomepelicula
Rated 13 Mar 2016
75
81st
A very well done movie that portraits the horror of certain realities in an almost normal way, that's scary. The acting is so good that you don't really notice, the main characters are children and can really express their characters evolution and a range of emotions, quite an accomplishment for them and the director.
Rated 13 Mar 2016
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 09 Feb 2016
80
95th
Excellent, great performance from Idris.
Rated 09 Feb 2016
dumptruk4lifDumptruk4Lif
Rated 02 Nov 2015
85
61st
What starts out as one of the most bleak war movies I've seen since the slew of European ones from the '80's becomes a drag by the second half, highlighted by a few sudden horrific moments at a less frequent rate. Whatever was happening in some of the movie was lost on me because of how uneventful things became. The first hour or so is tightly edited and paced, and I suppose the intention of the second half is to make you realize that the protagonist's goals can not possibly be achieved.
Rated 02 Nov 2015
schnofelschnofel
Rated 18 Oct 2015
38
23rd
Meddles in well-known atrocities without contributing any perspective. That's not exactly immoral, but it is pointless, and that Fukunaga can't get a grip on his visual style reinforces my suspicion that the whole project is not an act of empathy first.
Rated 18 Oct 2015
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 14 Dec 2015
82
79th
A beautifully shot film about an extremely ugly subject. Elba and Attah are everything you've heard and more with their riveting performances highlighted by a few heart wrenching scenes. The violence is abrasive, but not exploitive. Well paced and well directed.
Rated 14 Dec 2015
sproostsproost
Rated 01 Feb 2016
75
79th
Absolutely gruesome but great in direction, acting and visuals. Still can't suppress my wish for a movie about Africa that isn't so inescapably about bestial violence.
Rated 01 Feb 2016
chengmingchengming
Rated 19 Jan 2019
70
62nd
Sadly deals with its psychological observations in the voiceover only, leaving the imagery for the action. Big up on the location photography though!
Rated 19 Jan 2019
mspraguemsprague
Rated 28 Feb 2016
75
73rd
Hard business. Well acted by all concerned.
Rated 28 Feb 2016
capodelnullacapodelnulla
Rated 23 Jan 2016
55
30th
sınırsızlık ve ülkesizlik temsili, bir kıta veya bölgeden değil insandan geliyor. diğer yandan akla ister istemez bir soru sokuyor: film bir şeyler mi demeli, yoksa nasıl dediği mi tekrarlanabilmeli? cevabı hangisi olursa olsun, beasts of no nation kendi amacına ulaşıp "uzak ve bilinmez"i sofraya konu olmayacak biçimde daha yakın yapıyor. galiba cevaptan çok soru da bu yüzden daha önemli.
Rated 23 Jan 2016
kokoskotekokoskote
Rated 13 Feb 2016
95
77th
An excellent movie--well executed, with a superb performance by the main child actor Abraham Attah. I actually thought he did a better job than Idris Elba, even though many expected the latter to be an Oscar contender. The subject matter of war and its use of child soldiers is difficult, and many scenes of brutality and violence are difficult to watch, but it is well worth the discomfort.
Rated 13 Feb 2016
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 15 Aug 2017
81
80th
A remarkable fictional vision of the experiences of "war kids" of unstable militarised central African nations. Idris Elba and the many child actors around him give technically solid performances. The constant tension and fleeting depiction of safety and stability make for a gripping movie from start to finish. I don't really remember what happened in the end or what lesson was learned, but the experience was captivating. Will anyone who matters learn something from this?
Rated 15 Aug 2017
calabriaCalabria
Rated 16 Oct 2015
73
22nd
designed to be an award show darling(which is not to say it's worthy of any), not so much to entertain me
Rated 16 Oct 2015
buffratingsbuffratings
Rated 15 Apr 2017
92
88th
Beasts of No Nation isn't an easy sit, but as a severe education on the current state of Africa, it's gripping.
Rated 15 Apr 2017
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 24 Jan 2016
71
64th
Very powerfully acted and very beautifully shot. But it definitely feels a little shallow in the narrative. The politics and context was pretty bare bones, which I thought was a good decision to allow the viewer to focus on Agu's experiences. But then it shifted half way through and used the power dynamics to drive the narrative forward, which just felt out of place by that point. For its flaws though, it's excellent at providing a window into the life of a child soldier.
Rated 24 Jan 2016
isaacmIsaacM
Rated 03 May 2017
100
98th
Every aspect of the film is stunning in its execution. The script is poetic, the cinematography is gorgeous, the acting is phenomenal, the range Abraham Attah displays in jaw dropping for any actor, let alone a 10 year old. Idris Elba is manipulative and pure evil, but disturbingly charismatic nonetheless. Beasts of No Nation does more than just share the experiences of a child soldier, it asks tough questions of the inhumanity of humanity and how men(or boys) can cope with unspeakable evil.
Rated 03 May 2017
fenixdownfenixdown
Rated 03 Sep 2018
80
75th
A bleak and horrific view of the heavy price paid by Innocents in the midst of armed conflict. "This is all for nothing."
Rated 03 Sep 2018
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 03 Feb 2016
78
72nd
Video review https://youtu.be/C3mQq0jKB7o
Rated 03 Feb 2016
babaracusbabaracus
Rated 19 Jul 2016
7
44th
it seems well made but somehow I never got into it
Rated 19 Jul 2016
nothingsgoodNothingsGood
Rated 07 Feb 2016
65
65th
Apocalypse Africa!
Rated 07 Feb 2016
ptravers2ptravers2
Rated 10 Jan 2017
7
81st
Hard to watch, impossible to forget.
Rated 10 Jan 2017
bratingsbratings
Rated 04 Jun 2016
92
86th
Beasts of No Nation isn't an easy sit, but as a severe education on the current state of Africa, it's gripping.
Rated 04 Jun 2016
kasperlKasperL
Rated 09 Jan 2016
70
65th
Intense. Idris Elba is still the man.
Rated 09 Jan 2016
luordluord
Rated 08 Dec 2022
66
59th
No doubt well made, but its grim nature and, specially, its deliberate pace make it a trying watch.
Rated 08 Dec 2022
mandymandy
Rated 16 Oct 2015
6
44th
A strong subject matter, it doesn't apportion any blame but there are some truly bad things happening. The child performances are superb.
Rated 16 Oct 2015
guy_piranhaguy piranha
Rated 17 Jan 2016
69
61st
technically solid, but i'll be damned if i ever felt anything more than a slight interest in what transpired. if only fukunaga was as good a writer as he is a director.
Rated 17 Jan 2016
jakeaestheteJakeAesthete
Rated 10 Jan 2016
49
46th
There was definitely a time when I would have been into the idea of a CIty of God-esque film about African child soldiers, and i'm sure i would have thought this was really cool. These days i'm not as comfortable with how aestheticized it is (i think it's telling that the most "harrowing" sequence also happens to be it's most visually virtuosic). It's very watchable (probably too watchable) but for all it's "gritty realism" also very calculated if not outright conventional in a lot of ways.
Rated 10 Jan 2016
jaiguyJaiGuy
Rated 03 Dec 2015
75
39th
Great performances, but a lot of the scenes felt inconclusive.
Rated 03 Dec 2015
td888td888
Rated 31 Oct 2015
80
89th
Excellent movie.
Rated 31 Oct 2015
donquixoticdonquixotic
Rated 19 Oct 2015
30
17th
I couldn't make it all the way through since it looks great but it's just nightmarish to contemplate - watch a documentary on this instead, like say Herzog's Ballad of the Little Soldier
Rated 19 Oct 2015
vinegarbobVinegarBob
Rated 02 Feb 2016
60
35th
It's competently shot, Idris Elba commands the screen when he's present and Abraham Atta does a great job as the young protagonist. However, after the first few minutes I could pretty much map out the rest of this film right to the end credits. It starts to drag before the half way mark, really doesn't go anywhere unexpected, then just kind of fizzles out.
Rated 02 Feb 2016
barnowlBarnowl
Rated 18 Jul 2020
94
71st
Little Agu
Rated 18 Jul 2020
lenaclena_c
Rated 10 Jun 2019
3
43rd
The boy (and boys in general) was amazing. The story is important and worth telling. And the fact that it's reality is more than scary. Somehow something was lacking - never got a grip on it. *Recommendable
Rated 10 Jun 2019
boxcarsBoxcars
Rated 22 Jan 2016
8
71st
It doesn't have the impact you'd expect from a story of this nature , but Beasts of No Nation' features powerful performances from the cast -- especially Elba and Attah -- and as a whole, it's an effective drama and window into a nightmarish reality.
Rated 22 Jan 2016

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