The most shocking part of the movie was when agu snapped and shot the woman while she was being raped. Agu seemed shocked at what they had become and basically mercy killed the poor lady.
It combines the horrors of war with the very worst examples of abusive interpersonal relationships. No other war film has ever shown a protagonist being sexually abused by their commanding officer.
@@Njbear7453 Strika is also molested. In the beginning of the movie when Agu is captured and is in the jungle before his initiation we see Strika being called to see the commandant. We see a shot of Strika walking into the commandant's hut alone. The commandant does like Agu more than Strika though as we see before the bridge scene when he neglects Strika while showing Agu the telescope device.
Glad I clicked on this video. Beasts of No Nation was one of my favorite films of all time and there's a lot of character to analyze. The Commandant is a great villain in my view because he's not the big bad. He's not the leader of the NDF cause. It's not even clear if he's all that powerful outside his personal inner circle of bodyguards and soldiers. But to his men, he *is* all-powerful. He might as well be a god. And I think the comparisons to Heath Ledger's Joker are apt because he's certainly larger than life. Beasts of No Nation takes place in an unnamed, fictional West African country. The war is abstracted, it's not even clear how many sides there are--the UN, the government, the rebels, the NDF. We already see the NDF splinter just from one command decision. It's easy to see that happening again and again, mirroring the hazy and complex civil wars we heard about through the BBC 10 or 20 years ago, like a pastiche of African resource wars. In that light, the Commander can be an abstraction, too. A murderer, a rapist, a master of child soldiers, a manipulator. He's the worst possible combination of all kinds of stereotypical warlord traits. When he says he'll call on Agu again, it's almost like some dark prophet sinking his hooks into an unwilling servant. When he taunts the other defecting boys too, it's also with an air of inevitability. "And you will wake up. And you will see the sun rise and see the sun set, and you could just wait all day--ALL DAY!--with thousands of men just like you, waiting for somebody to give you a job [...] Just remember when you are all poor! And hungry! You will remember me!" It reads as prophecy because you can clearly see these young men struggling to find work in a country wracked by civil war, destruction, political instability, authoritarian regimes, ethnic conflict, neocolonialism, and a million other horrible reasons, wishing they could get that power over others back. Young men with dead family, or family who reject them or can't care for their emotional turmoil, wishing they had that brotherhood again. Conveniently using my reading, you can already see Preacher (the second 2IC), the very man who tried to kill the Commandant, go back to him. "Going back" doesn't necessarily mean seeking the same Commandant out--he goes out into the bush, driven mad by drug withdrawal, poverty, distrust of any authority who doesn't carry a gun, and so on. Another child soldier goes with him. The Commandant, and men like him, remain in the bush, just waiting for their next chance to take power. The ending is hopeful for Agu, but not without tension. The Commandant has such a hold over his life now that Agu is changed forever. It's extremely sad because I feel that the Commandant, in 10 years' time, will be just fine. I can't say the same for Agu.
I feel like the ending for the commandant was perfect because all he cared about was having control over other people and using them to satisfy his own desires. Him getting abandoned by his men, and especially by Agu, is the ultimate defeat. So his actual fate being left ambiguous was perfect because he didn’t really care about his own life (as seen during the bridge attack) he only cared about power, so without power he was already nothing.
I think his end was very befitting to him, because rather than dying like a martyr or gloriously for his cause, he’s left to irrelevancy and obscurity from losing the thing which he flourished from the most, the respect and adoration of his troops, who end up abandoning him in disgrace when his manipulation is no longer enough to carry his arrogance.
Until he finds another war to participate in. He’s on the run and most likely going to flee to a different country. He only cares about himself and manipulating others No one knows where he ended up
It's a great sadness that this movie isn't talked about, but that also reflects the nature of the conversation surrounding child soldiers in general throughout times: Some news comes out about children being recruited as soldiers etc. Everyone cares for a year or so, and then it's forgotten. Meanwhile, the children are still participating and being brutalized in so many horrific ways. Children are still part of wars as combatants, do not forget that. And also, in case you didn't know: The UK allows 16-year-olds to be recruited as soldiers with an application age of at least 15 years and 7 months. Naturally, they are not allowed to be sent to the front line, but that does not neglect that they operate in about the same capacity as an adult soldier. To cite "When is a child not a child? Child soldiers in international law", written by Claire Breen about the situation for underage recruits in the British Army: "Four recruits aged 16 and 17 died of battle wounds or injuries between 1982 and 1999, 88 others recruits died during training in the British Army" (74)
That killgore reference was perfect, and then before,when he said your my family, manipulation tactic and then using the boys for his sexual satisfaction, but you forgot about the drugs he used on the children, to make subservient to commiting bad for the sake of fun, there very own neverland no consequences. Vaas from far cry 3
the commandant is one of the most evil characters i've ever seen on screen, but despite that and despite his truly terrible actions, you still cant help but be enthralled by his charisma, which is terrifying to realize
Bro you are literally amazing, I can’t stop watching your content, it’s insane that you have this sort of production quality while being so small, I’m absolutely subscribing
I had a Training Day moment with this movie. I like Idris as an actor, as I like Denzel, so I had a hard time accepting them as villains. They both did such a good job that I feel like I understand how they were able to brainwash people into believing their BS.
the last thing the commandant says to agu is a line commonly used in military basically meaning we will all go to hell for our sins as fighters and he will call for his men again when they are all dead in hell
18:35 - it means it’s his last ditch attempt to control Agu even in leaving. Basically saying “expect to see me again in the future and when you do, things will go back to how they were. Me as the leader you as my loyal son” It’s a spit in the face of reality but it’s also a thing abusers do mentally because they convince themselves (and sometimes their victims) when/if they actually do see one another - the power dynamic will be as it was and you will do as I say.
Still happening right now , the raping the murders kidnappings even Haiti is dealing with rebels atm it’s very sad I wish stronger nations would chip in
@@LifeIsAStory I watched this movie like 5 times to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The only thing I wasn’t sure about was did the commandant set up 2IC or did they think he was the commandant and messed up a hit. Either way both theory’s kind of work. But spot on I felt the same on everything you spoke on.
I think it was a hit because the Comndt tells the women to give 2IC “special” treatment. Plus it makes sense given the circumstances. But thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
@@LifeIsAStory The Commandant clearly has some history with the brothel and working relationship with/leverage over the madame, and uses the girls to stage an assassination that doesn't make sense outside of the Commandant's own distrust for 2IC. It was almost certainly a set-up.
I have watched it twice but l am still thinking of this film cause it’s to good l don’t have the right words to explain it it made me cry and l about to watch it again when strike died l cried so hard
@@bigawdays5724 obviously his actions were heinous but I look at him from the perspective that he was likely in Agu's position as a child. And the way he brings up the boys in his battalion is all he knows as normal.
Just saw this movie last night. Was really sad to watch. I’ve heard about civil war and unrest in certain parts of Africa from various African friends so I guess it goes similar like this movie, even the use of child soldiers.
Thats not what it shows, it shows the opposite, it shows the horrors of war and conflict and how no one should have to go through that. Irl, if u look up the percentages of child soldiers, about half are females so
Most black British actors are very talented in this way. They can do British accents, American accents and African accents. I see it a lot. I’ve watched a lot of films where Black British actors are playing American characters and their accents are flawless to the point you’d think they’re American until you Google them and find out that they’re British. John Boyega, Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Joivan Wade, Eric Kofi-Abrefa etc
This movie is no doubt based on Sierra Leone or Liberia or any number of African countries torn apart from civil war. I saw terrible men similar to the commandant in Liberia. Head choppers like general peanutbutter and colonel treason. They loved their made up names. The African UN peacekeepers were no better.
The most shocking part of the movie was when agu snapped and shot the woman while she was being raped. Agu seemed shocked at what they had become and basically mercy killed the poor lady.
Watch sometimes in april
He killed her on purpose
I wouldn’t call it “snapping”, he “snapped” when he made his first kill
@@Njbear7453 no fooling of course he killed her on purpose. But he did sooner than later so she wouldn't keep getting raped
uM gUn twO rAaEp aHr !
Idris is criminally under appreciated as an actor by Hollywood he should’ve won an Oscar for this role and many others but especially this one
It's Netflix movie
He played an awful African, lol.
@@JsJdv I’ve heard Africans say his portrayal was very authentic 🤷🏾♀️
@@lunapuch so? It still was nominated for many prestigious awards…
@@Yvanehtnioj2000 That's why we can't give oscars
"I saved your life!" has always stuck with me since seeing it the first time. Great work 🤝
Appreciate it! And I love that line too.
"I saved your life...I saved your life...I saved your life. *Now go !* "
That was really disturbing. Plus, he was tapping his head as he said it.
@@yani2499 NPFL,ECOMOG,UN,CDF,EO,and the kamajors
I’ve never been disturbed watching a film. This movie haunts my fucking soul. It’s violently slept on.
It combines the horrors of war with the very worst examples of abusive interpersonal relationships. No other war film has ever shown a protagonist being sexually abused by their commanding officer.
Honestly I don’t think it’s that “disturbing”; I’d say this film walks that fine line perfectly.
then don’t watch a serbian film
I cried and when striker died because that was agu’s brother the only family he had left basically
BUT agu almost became the “new” striker; as we see as the movie goes on comandant likes Agu more than striker (we all know why)
@@Njbear7453 Strika is also molested. In the beginning of the movie when Agu is captured and is in the jungle before his initiation we see Strika being called to see the commandant. We see a shot of Strika walking into the commandant's hut alone. The commandant does like Agu more than Strika though as we see before the bridge scene when he neglects Strika while showing Agu the telescope device.
Glad I clicked on this video. Beasts of No Nation was one of my favorite films of all time and there's a lot of character to analyze.
The Commandant is a great villain in my view because he's not the big bad. He's not the leader of the NDF cause. It's not even clear if he's all that powerful outside his personal inner circle of bodyguards and soldiers. But to his men, he *is* all-powerful. He might as well be a god. And I think the comparisons to Heath Ledger's Joker are apt because he's certainly larger than life. Beasts of No Nation takes place in an unnamed, fictional West African country. The war is abstracted, it's not even clear how many sides there are--the UN, the government, the rebels, the NDF. We already see the NDF splinter just from one command decision. It's easy to see that happening again and again, mirroring the hazy and complex civil wars we heard about through the BBC 10 or 20 years ago, like a pastiche of African resource wars. In that light, the Commander can be an abstraction, too. A murderer, a rapist, a master of child soldiers, a manipulator. He's the worst possible combination of all kinds of stereotypical warlord traits.
When he says he'll call on Agu again, it's almost like some dark prophet sinking his hooks into an unwilling servant. When he taunts the other defecting boys too, it's also with an air of inevitability. "And you will wake up. And you will see the sun rise and see the sun set, and you could just wait all day--ALL DAY!--with thousands of men just like you, waiting for somebody to give you a job [...] Just remember when you are all poor! And hungry! You will remember me!" It reads as prophecy because you can clearly see these young men struggling to find work in a country wracked by civil war, destruction, political instability, authoritarian regimes, ethnic conflict, neocolonialism, and a million other horrible reasons, wishing they could get that power over others back. Young men with dead family, or family who reject them or can't care for their emotional turmoil, wishing they had that brotherhood again. Conveniently using my reading, you can already see Preacher (the second 2IC), the very man who tried to kill the Commandant, go back to him. "Going back" doesn't necessarily mean seeking the same Commandant out--he goes out into the bush, driven mad by drug withdrawal, poverty, distrust of any authority who doesn't carry a gun, and so on. Another child soldier goes with him. The Commandant, and men like him, remain in the bush, just waiting for their next chance to take power. The ending is hopeful for Agu, but not without tension. The Commandant has such a hold over his life now that Agu is changed forever. It's extremely sad because I feel that the Commandant, in 10 years' time, will be just fine. I can't say the same for Agu.
Why are u write a full book in this comment section???wtf
Thanks for the input. I understand your side better
Hand your essay in tomorrow if you can.
@@jackboy8807you’re watching a character analysis video and are shocked to see people write their own analysis; incredible.
This movie was not that good !!!
I feel like the ending for the commandant was perfect because all he cared about was having control over other people and using them to satisfy his own desires. Him getting abandoned by his men, and especially by Agu, is the ultimate defeat. So his actual fate being left ambiguous was perfect because he didn’t really care about his own life (as seen during the bridge attack) he only cared about power, so without power he was already nothing.
I think his end was very befitting to him, because rather than dying like a martyr or gloriously for his cause, he’s left to irrelevancy and obscurity from losing the thing which he flourished from the most, the respect and adoration of his troops, who end up abandoning him in disgrace when his manipulation is no longer enough to carry his arrogance.
Until he finds another war to participate in. He’s on the run and most likely going to flee to a different country. He only cares about himself and manipulating others
No one knows where he ended up
It's a great sadness that this movie isn't talked about, but that also reflects the nature of the conversation surrounding child soldiers in general throughout times: Some news comes out about children being recruited as soldiers etc. Everyone cares for a year or so, and then it's forgotten. Meanwhile, the children are still participating and being brutalized in so many horrific ways. Children are still part of wars as combatants, do not forget that.
And also, in case you didn't know: The UK allows 16-year-olds to be recruited as soldiers with an application age of at least 15 years and 7 months. Naturally, they are not allowed to be sent to the front line, but that does not neglect that they operate in about the same capacity as an adult soldier. To cite "When is a child not a child? Child soldiers in international law", written by Claire Breen about the situation for underage recruits in the British Army: "Four recruits aged 16 and 17 died of battle wounds or injuries between 1982 and 1999, 88 others recruits died during training in the British Army" (74)
You know Hollywood is corrupt af when this didn’t win the Oscar.
That killgore reference was perfect, and then before,when he said your my family, manipulation tactic and then using the boys for his sexual satisfaction, but you forgot about the drugs he used on the children, to make subservient to commiting bad for the sake of fun, there very own neverland no consequences. Vaas from far cry 3
Absolutely, that’s a good point. Drugs were definitely another tool he used. If I’m not wrong, it was Hoyt who got Vaas hooked on drugs in FC3.
@@LifeIsAStory wow i appreciate the reply back bro
Mak U strong. Moore protecsion
the commandant is one of the most evil characters i've ever seen on screen, but despite that and despite his truly terrible actions, you still cant help but be enthralled by his charisma, which is terrifying to realize
Evil doesn’t exist
@@thedannybseries8857 sure buddy
Bro you are literally amazing, I can’t stop watching your content, it’s insane that you have this sort of production quality while being so small, I’m absolutely subscribing
Hey, sorry I missed your comment. Sometimes I have to avoid my comment section for a bit haha, but I really appreciate it, and I’m glad you enjoyed!
I had a Training Day moment with this movie.
I like Idris as an actor, as I like Denzel, so I had a hard time accepting them as villains. They both did such a good job that I feel like I understand how they were able to brainwash people into believing their BS.
you wanna go to jail or you wanna go home?
bEtTa lUk mE iN dE EyEs mUtAfUcka !
This is like a super rated r version of "Blood Diamond"💎
Idris Elba is a fantastic actor
The accents are so perfect
the last thing the commandant says to agu is a line commonly used in military basically meaning we will all go to hell for our sins as fighters and he will call for his men again when they are all dead in hell
18:35 - it means it’s his last ditch attempt to control Agu even in leaving. Basically saying “expect to see me again in the future and when you do, things will go back to how they were. Me as the leader you as my loyal son”
It’s a spit in the face of reality but it’s also a thing abusers do mentally because they convince themselves (and sometimes their victims) when/if they actually do see one another - the power dynamic will be as it was and you will do as I say.
He is a man who will be forever blind to his past, because any serious thought about it will destroy him.
this movie broke my heart, i cannot believe what child soldiers have to go through
I cried so much watching this film
Still happening right now , the raping the murders kidnappings even Haiti is dealing with rebels atm it’s very sad I wish stronger nations would chip in
I've been binging the hell out of your channel since I found it last night
“Who is your commandant” 🪖
My all time Fav Movie
Great analysis. Great video. I love this movie
Thanks!
@@LifeIsAStory I watched this movie like 5 times to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The only thing I wasn’t sure about was did the commandant set up 2IC or did they think he was the commandant and messed up a hit. Either way both theory’s kind of work. But spot on I felt the same on everything you spoke on.
I think it was a hit because the Comndt tells the women to give 2IC “special” treatment. Plus it makes sense given the circumstances. But thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
@@LifeIsAStory The Commandant clearly has some history with the brothel and working relationship with/leverage over the madame, and uses the girls to stage an assassination that doesn't make sense outside of the Commandant's own distrust for 2IC. It was almost certainly a set-up.
@@xaviersantini8176 YOU DID THIS !
My favorite character from the movie was the mute kid. I forget his name
Striker
@@blizzydude861 *Strika
Mine was Agu’s teacher who wore the cap/ hat around his head
@@Njbear7453preacher ??
I've never even heard of this movie but I'm going to check it out for sure after this.
When I first seen this movie I watched it like 5 times that day just to get a better understanding. Shit had me on my seat
Wow Man! This was incredible. I'll sub. Ypu have good taste. I can tell ypu are passionate about this. Don't stop!
How does the commandant look?
ALRIGHT SIR!
Alright sir💪
alright sir!
ALRIGHT SIR
NDF !!!!!!!
8;27 Napoleon in his farewell says "my sons / "Remember me"
And he returns.
The commandant expects to return.
Great video bro🙌🙌🙌🙌
Imm nOt tAKIng the SCaarie. Imm nOt tAKIng noooo giRls
I have watched it twice but l am still thinking of this film cause it’s to good l don’t have the right words to explain it it made me cry and l about to watch it again when strike died l cried so hard
I don't view the Commandant as a villain. I view him as a product of his environment. Either way he is a fascinating character.
he told agu to **** his ****
@@bigawdays5724 obviously his actions were heinous but I look at him from the perspective that he was likely in Agu's position as a child. And the way he brings up the boys in his battalion is all he knows as normal.
@@saradapagediocletian9707 yhyh. He's a funny guy. If he didn't told him to suxk his thingy then everything will be OK.
@@saradapagediocletian9707 we are our actions..so the guy us garbage imo.
If he wasn't raping Agu and Strika I would agree. That kind of put it over the top for me. But otherwise, I agree.
Snake bite you leg you stay quieh!
Have you seen the Wire? I’d love to see an analysis of Idris Elbas ‘Stringer Bell’
Great video friend
This movie.... Everyone one should see it...
Amazing film. How does the commandant look?
ALRIGHT SIR!
just realized Draymond Green was once an actor
This movie is so deep
DO YOU WANNA TAKE THAT BRIDGE?
Wish this movie was available on bluray. The book was even better ❤
Preacher was a badass
I just received and watch the criterion release of this movie. The directors commentary is amazing. Check it out!
I am 100% planning on getting it. Can’t wait to listen to it!
I watched last night, excellent excellent movie! Probably my favorite cinematography EVER in a film.
HOW DOES THE COMMANDANT LOOK?!?!
Most slept on movie. Seems to have completely falling out of the collective memory.
Once I saw the pederasty scene I was done....
That was pretty hard to watch. The vibe was off right when he stepped into the hut.
@@LifeIsAStory : I have young children so I definitely was completely disgusted....
This is why foreign countries (Didn't name any) have to stop war from starting, because those things happen !
You don’t understand because you didn’t live through it. Is this a concise and succinct response?
Best films of 2015 Was Beasts and Sicario.
how does the commandant look?
Alright sir!
Just saw this movie last night. Was really sad to watch. I’ve heard about civil war and unrest in certain parts of Africa from various African friends so I guess it goes similar like this movie, even the use of child soldiers.
It's on Netflix in the UK very good film.
he would be good in 2001 ....
Agu you Wah kih commandant
Go ahead Jesus
Great movie shows the reality that men must be warriors
that was not the point of the movie..
Thats not what it shows, it shows the opposite, it shows the horrors of war and conflict and how no one should have to go through that. Irl, if u look up the percentages of child soldiers, about half are females so
@@LocalrockstarwannabeI don't know how somebody can miss the point of a movie so bad.
This is what internet addiction does to a mf💀
Tom hardy is no where near the commandant in terms of evilness man this guy was pure evil man
How do Idris he can speak English africa sccent naturally
What the hell is English Africa accent
Most black British actors are very talented in this way. They can do British accents, American accents and African accents. I see it a lot. I’ve watched a lot of films where Black British actors are playing American characters and their accents are flawless to the point you’d think they’re American until you Google them and find out that they’re British. John Boyega, Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Joivan Wade, Eric Kofi-Abrefa etc
He's African himself 😂 end of discussion.
@@DatActiveGuy the other young Idris who plays Saint on snowfall is British as well
His parents are African.Cant you do your parents accent if you wanted to?
this movie flopped for some reasons
It didn't flop.
Got silenced for revealing too much horror of reality
Sad ass movie
this is one of my favorite movies
This movie is no doubt based on Sierra Leone or Liberia or any number of African countries torn apart from civil war. I saw terrible men similar to the commandant in Liberia. Head choppers like general peanutbutter and colonel treason. They loved their made up names. The African UN peacekeepers were no better.
you should do an analysis of "The City of Life and Death".
Thanks for the recommendation. I hadn’t heard of it until now but I looked into it and it’s very intriguing. I’ll be watching it within the next week.
@@LifeIsAStory i will also recommend
"The City of Life and Death" it is back for free on youtube with English subtitles
How does the commandant look?
ALRIGHT SIR!
How does the commandant look?
ALRIGHT SIR!