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HTF REVIEW: "No Man's Land" <Oscar Winner Best Foreign Film> (with screenshots) (1 Viewer)

Ronald Epstein

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No Man's Land

Neither side can agree
I had been planning to review No Man's
Land for the past few days. It was next
on my list of screener reviews for the forum.
How coincidental it became when last night the
film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film 2001.
Apparently, No Man's Land has been
at the top of the critics list even before the
Oscars. It became Best Screenplay winner
at the Cannes Film Festival as well as winning
Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden
Globe Awards.
noman2.jpg

The film begins in the midst of a dense fog as
a small group of Bosnian soldiers make their way
towards the front lines. It is soon apparent they
are lost, and when the mists eventually clear, they
are massacred by the Serbs. One survivor, Chiki
(Branko Djuric), ends up in a trench in no man's
land, unable to return to his side. Shortly after,
two Serbs make their way to the trench searching
for survivors. Chiki kills one of the Serb soldiers,
but ends up in a standoff with the other, Nino
(Rene Bitorajac).
It is soon discovered that one of Chiki's friends,
Cera, is still alive. The Serbs thought he was
dead and placed a bouncer mine underneath him. If
he moves, the mine will explode from beneath him.
noman3.jpg

With no other recourse, the Serb and Bosnian
soldiers must come to terms and combine efforts in
order to survive their situation within the trench
even as the situation becomes more unstable as
United Nations forces arrive with an accompanying
media caravan.
noman4.jpg

No Man's Land conveys a clear anti-war
message, and gets saved by good characters that
distract us from the lack of action in certain
scenes.
How is the transfer?
MGM has produced a 2-side DVD disc featuring
16X9 Enhanced Widescreen (2.35:1) and Standard
(1.33:1) Transfers.
Generally, picture quality is very good, with
only the slightest hint of video noise. Colors
are well balanced, with flesh tones taking on
slightly more redness than they should. Otherwise,
the picture transfer looks quite nice.
Since this is a foreign film, it is necessary
to watch with English, French or
Spanish subtitles. There is no English
dub, and frankly, I am thankful. Foreign films
should not be dubbed in English.
Those of you who frown upon having to watch
a film with subtitles will not be distracted.
The film actually has characters speaking in
Bosnian, English and French.
Presented in 5.1 Serbo-Croatian surround, the
film's very realistic sound design is quite
noteworthy. Explosions and gunfire assault the
audience from all directions at totally unexpected
moments. The quieter passages are accented by the
sounds of nature in the rear channels.
Special Features
noman1.jpg

The DVD contains the Original Theatrical
Trailer, and nothing more.
Final Thoughts
I am not surprised by the critical acclaim being
given to a film that is somewhat simplistic, but
yet opens the audience's eyes to the ugliness
of war that takes place in the green and sunny
valley of No Man's Land.
This film is certainly worth a rental, and with
most on-line retailers selling this film at $20
or less, it is a safe blind purchase that will
thoroughly entertain you for 90 minutes. It's
a bittersweet, thought-provoking and highly tragic
film all rolled into one.
Release Date: April 9, 2002
 

SteveGon

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Steve Gonzales
Ron, thanks for the review. I've been looking forward to seeing this since I first heard about it.

Have you ever seen Before the Rain? It's an excellent film that explores the strife in the Republic of Macedonia. Sadly, it is not out on dvd.
 

Joel C

Screenwriter
Joined
Oct 23, 1999
Messages
1,633
Before the Rain is, in my opinion, a better overall film than No Man's Land, much more poignant and subtle in its anti-war message.

No Man's Land is certainly excellent as well, though the media satire seemed overly familiar. The ending, though I saw it coming a mile away, was very effective.

Still, of the nominated foriegn films this year, my dollar is going to Amelie.
 

Edwin Pereyra

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Oct 26, 1998
Messages
3,500
Here are my thoughts on this film I posted in the Movies section just last week. I agree that it is a good film.
Thanks for the recommendation on Before The Rain. I will make it a point to see that one.
~Edwin
 

Prentice Cotham

Supporting Actor
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Messages
768
I highly recommened Before the Rain if you like No Man's Land. It's definitely a superior film. I've been trying to get it released to DVD for the past 3 to 4 years to no avail. I can't even find out for sure who has the rights these days. I've communicated with the director and he's not sure himself.
 

Aryn Leroux

Screenwriter
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
1,514
I overlooked this review last week. Nice Job Ron!. This is a movie i wish more people would see. I Enjoyed it quite abit. If only the majority of americans were not stubborn when it comes to subtitles.
 

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