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The nightmare of war is seen through the eyes of one of its most tragic casualties — a child soldier — in this harrowing vision of innocence lost from Cary Joji Fukunaga. Based on the acclaimed novel by Uzodinma Iweala, Beasts of No Nation unfolds in an unnamed, civil-war-torn West African country, where the young Agu (Abraham Attah, in a haunting debut performance) witnesses carnage in his village before falling captive to a band of rebel soldiers led by a ruthless commander (an explosive Idris Elba), who molds the boy into a hardened killer.

Harrowing is a singular way to describe “Beasts of No Nation,” which takes viewers into the folds of African unrest and the birth of the child soldier. The portrait of innocence lost is almost unbearable to watch at times, as writer/director Cary Joji Fukunaga presents an unflinching look at the horrors of war and the disease of men, detailing murder, rape, insanity, and despair without pause, but not without some degree of hope.

Director: Cary Fukunaga
Cast: Abraham Attah, Emmanuel Affadzi, Ricky Adelayitor, Andrew Adote, Vera Nyarkoah Antwi, Ama K. Abebrese, Kobina Amissah-Sam
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, War

BD50 | 1080p AVC | 02:17:06 | 45.5 Gb + 3% rec
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Extras:

• Commentary - this audio commentary was recorded by Cary Joji Fukunaga and assistant director Jon Mallard for the Criterion Collection in 2021.

• Passion Project - this exclusive new documentary examines the genesis of Beasts of No Nation. It features clips from interviews with Cary Joji Fukunaga; producers Andy Kaufman, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, and Riva Marker; and actors Abraham Attah and Idris Elba. Ot was produced by the Criterion Collection in 2021. In English, not subtitled. (62 min).

• Cary Joji Fukunaga and Franklin Leonard - in this new video interview, Cary Joji Fukunaga discusses the production history of Beasts of No Nation as well as the evolution of his career and style. The interview was conducted by critic Franklin Leonard in 2021. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).

• Costume Design - in this new video interview, costume designer Jenny Eagan discusses her contribution to Beasts of No Nation. The interview was conducted exclusively for the Criterion Collection in 2021. In English, not subtitled. (21 min).

• Trailer - original trailer for Beasts of No Nation. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).