Digman
Grab Bag

Global image is more important than the individual. According to No Man’s Land by Danis Tanović, saving face on an international level is valued more than the life of civilians and soldiers. The opinions of millions traded for the life of one seems more than a fair deal. No Man’s Land exemplifies this point. However, the film’s twisted plot line delves much deeper into many topics

As either an appeal for stronger international forces, or a cry for acknowledgment of a crippled UN, No Man’s Land blatantly pinpoints the inactive role of the United Nations. When a UN soldier shoots Čiki for protection nothing but panic and fear runs streaks across his face: symbolism for the lack of the UN’s battle experience. The cheap FAMAS rifles the French UN soldiers bear proudly show how France’s contribution to the UN is nothing but spare change.

The role of world-wide media in war is also challenged: according to Danis Tanović the truth is unimportant in modern reporting, action is what sells. In No Man’s Land media reporters apparently often listen into private military frequencies just to score a shot of the action.

Overall, this film banked with complaints: the worldly value of life is low, the UN is inactive, media is corrupt and war hurts everyone. However, the film offers no solutions to the world’s pains. The abrupt ending to Tanović’s film leads the viewer’s imagination to pick the a film interpretation from the grab bag. There are many to pick from; pick a winner.

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