Where's the Amerikaners?

Rating: Null/10 (5 April 2004)

The Concept: 'All Quiet' meets 'Three Kings' with 'Kelly's Heroes'
This is your only spoiler warning...
It's always interesting to see how other countries try adopting Hollywood themes with their own nationalism. In the case of 'Run Lola', it succeeds because the MTV style is only a frame. Unfortunately, 'No Man's Land' makes the style its focus. Since we've seen this style before on better movies (where 'Lola' had the edge), it doesn't last with us.
The subtexts don't create a major stir when superficially examined. Two enemies stuck in a trench because of either side fighting for reasons no bigger than simple vendetta. Doesn't sound that great, does it? The two men arguing harkens to 'Conan' and the spawning of conflict-obsession, but it's as sophisticated as 'Batman'.
What makes this interesting? The absence of Amerikaners. If this was a true Hollywood or made-for-TV production (especially under Bruckheimer), there would be a plethora of American imagery. 'Behind Enemy Lines' and 'Hunted' tried this, no wonder they failed. Here the Bosnian wears a Rolling Stone t-shirt, the peacekeepers are French, and the journalists are British.
So, when putting things in non-American context, this suddenly becomes interesting despite a script that lacks sound.
Final Analysis = = Midrange Material