"It May Change Your Life As Well" (Not a Spoiler)

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2004)

I was promptly compelled to see "No Man's Land" after it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002. Under normal circumstances and, without further recommendation, this is not a factor that would drive me with a great deal of urgency. In this case however, "Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain", (Amélie), possibly the most highly acclaimed foreign language film of our time, happened to be among the others nominated for the award.
In the eyes of amateur moviegoers, such as myself, "Amélie" was a shoe in for this honor. The chances of another film winning in this category on this particular year were about as good as they were in 1999 when La Vita è bella, (Life is Beautiful), won the same award.
Needless to say, after hearing the announcement I was amazed even disturbed, but mostly I was curious. I rented the film without reading anything about it; I was skeptical to say the least. When the movie was over I was completely stunned.
Keep in mind the fact that these two pieces are from opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum. Amélie's tag line is "She'll change your life".
"No Man's Land" may change your life as well, and the outcome may be similar, the method of transformation, however, will be distinctly different.
The most popular misconception about this film seems to revolve around its primary subject matter. This is not a movie about the war in Bosnia.
Yes, it's is centered around the conflict between the Bosnians and the Serbs, but is that the main topic? The actors don't debate any bureaucratic issues; there is no specific discussion of right or wrong from a political standpoint. In fact, when you're finished watching this film you won't know anymore about the core of this controversy than you did before it started. This is simply an intense dramatic look at humanity and our instinctive obsession to stay alive under any and all circumstances. It's about human beings learning to practice civilized behavior in a very uncivilized situation.
It eloquently depicts an extreme scenario and the extraordinary conduct of three individuals from two rival factions. The same story could've been told, no less effectively, about anyone, anywhere at anytime, provided the subjects were sworn enemies and were prepared to fight one another to the death. It could have revolved around two contemporary urban street gangs or two armies from the middle ages. The only major requirement, in terms of change, would be the environment in which they were trapped.
In closing, "Amélie" vs. "No Man's Land"? At the very worst it's a toss up. Need I say more?