# Beasts of No Nation

> 2015 film directed by Cary Fukunaga

**Wikidata**: [Q17508302](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17508302)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beasts_of_No_Nation_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beasts-of-no-nation

## Summary
Beasts of No Nation is a 2015 war drama film directed by Cary Fukunaga, notable for its portrayal of child soldiers in a fictional African country. The film stars Abraham Attah, Idris Elba, and Ama K. Abebrese, and was produced by Red Crown Productions. It premiered on Netflix, marking one of the platform's first major original film releases.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year**: 2015
- **Director**: Cary Fukunaga
- **Genre**: War film, Drama film
- **Starring**: Abraham Attah, Idris Elba, Ama K. Abebrese
- **Production Company**: Red Crown Productions
- **Distributor**: Netflix
- **Premiere**: 2015 Venice Film Festival
- **Runtime**: 137 minutes
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 33 language editions
- **IMDb ID**: tt1365050
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 92%
- **Metacritic Score**: 79/100
- **Awards**: Won "Best Actor" for Abraham Attah at the 2015 Venice Film Festival
- **Budget**: $8 million
- **Box Office**: Limited theatrical release due to Netflix's streaming strategy

## FAQs
**What is Beasts of No Nation about?**  
The film depicts the experiences of a young boy forced to join a guerrilla army in a fictional African nation, exploring themes of violence, power, and the loss of innocence.

**Who directed and produced the film?**  
Directed by Cary Fukunaga and produced by Red Crown Productions, with Netflix handling distribution as part of its early original film strategy.

**Where was the film released?**  
Premiered at the 2015 Venice Film Festival, followed by a limited theatrical release and simultaneous streaming on Netflix, marking a significant shift in film distribution models.

**What recognition did the film receive?**  
Abraham Attah won the "Best Actor" award at the Venice Film Festival, and the film received critical acclaim for its performances and direction.

**How was the film distributed differently?**  
Netflix acquired the film for $12 million, opting for a limited theatrical run to qualify for awards while primarily releasing it on its streaming platform, challenging traditional distribution norms.

## Why It Matters
Beasts of No Nation is significant for its unflinching portrayal of child soldiers and its role in Netflix's evolution as a major film distributor. By acquiring the film for a wide streaming release, Netflix challenged traditional Hollywood distribution models, emphasizing accessibility over theatrical exclusivity. The film's critical success, including festival awards, validated streaming platforms as viable avenues for serious cinema. Its exploration of trauma and conflict in Africa added to global discourse on these issues, using cinema as a tool for social awareness.

## Notable For
- **Netflix's First Major Film Acquisition**: Purchased for $12 million, signaling the platform's entry into feature film distribution.
- **Abraham Attah's Breakthrough Performance**: Earned him the "Best Actor" award at the Venice Film Festival at age 12.
- **Cary Fukunaga's Direction**: Praised for his visceral storytelling and handling of sensitive themes.
- **Controversial Distribution Strategy**: Limited theatrical release to meet award eligibility while prioritizing streaming, sparking industry debates.
- **Cultural Impact**: Raised awareness about child soldiers and African conflicts through a fictional narrative.

## Body

### Production and Release
- **Director**: Cary Fukunaga also wrote and produced the film.
- **Cast**: Featured Ghanaian actors Abraham Attah (debut role), Fred Amugi, and Ama K. Abebrese, alongside Idris Elba.
- **Filming Locations**: Primarily shot in Ghana.
- **Budget**: $8 million, funded by Red Crown Productions and Netflix.
- **Premiere**: September 3, 2015, at the Venice Film Festival.
- **Distribution**: Released in select theaters on October 9, 2015, and globally on Netflix on October 16, 2015.

### Themes and Reception
- **Themes**: Explores the indoctrination of child soldiers, moral corruption, and survival in war-torn regions.
- **Critical Response**: 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, with praise for Attah's performance and Fukunaga's direction.
- **Awards**: Abraham Attah won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at the Venice Film Festival.
- **Controversy**: Netflix's distribution model drew criticism from filmmakers concerned about the impact on traditional cinema.

### Cultural and Industry Impact
- **Streaming Innovation**: Demonstrated Netflix's capability to produce and distribute high-quality films, influencing other platforms to adopt similar strategies.
- **Diversity in Casting**: Highlighted African talent, offering global exposure to actors like Abraham Attah and Ama K. Abebrese.
- **Social Commentary**: Used a fictional narrative to address real-world issues, contributing to discussions on conflict and exploitation.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 137 minutes
- **Language**: English, with some local Ghanaian dialects
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1
- **Cinematography**: Shot on 35mm film for a gritty aesthetic
- **Music**: Original score composed by Dan Romer

### Legacy
- **Awards and Nominations**: Received several nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Idris Elba.
- **Educational Use**: Featured in film studies for its direction, themes, and distribution model.
- **Netflix's Growth**: Contributed to Netflix's reputation as a producer of award-worthy content, paving the way for future projects like *Roma* and *The Irishman*.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Beasts of No Nation. Rotten Tomatoes
3. Google Knowledge Graph
4. BBC Things
5. Kinopoisk
6. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=245787)
7. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/beasts-of-no-nation/)
8. Entertainment Identifier Registry
9. Online-Filmdatenbank
10. Bechdel Test Movie List
11. mymovies.it
12. Trakt.tv
13. FilmVandaag.nl