War Don Don - Movie Review of War Don Don - 2010

War Don Don means 'war is over' in Krio, the native language of the African nation of Sierra Leone, and this documentary follows the international war crimes trial of Issa Sesay, a top-ranking military commander accused of crimes against humanity committed during eleven years of civil war and genocide that brought death to an estimated 150,000 people, rendered more than half the population homeless and caused 600,000 to flee to neighboring countries, while more than 200,000 women were raped and about 1,000 civilians suffered the amputation of one or more limbs. Following those atrocities, how is justice possible?

In 2010, the Special Court for Sierra Leone became the first major international war crimes tribunal to conclude its cases since the Trials at Nuremberg convicted Nazi officials more than sixty years ago.

The high profile trial of Issa Sesay, a military commander in Sierra Leone, caught the attention of lawyer-turned-filmmaker Rebecca Richman Cohen, who focuses the world's attention on the proceedings in her courtroom documentary, War Don Don. The narration-free film is a compilation of footage from the trial and other archival footage showing the brutality that occurred under Sesay's watch.

As prosecutors present evidence to prove that Sesay is a war criminal, guilty of heinous crimes against humanity, and his team of defenders claim he was a protector of the people and brought peace to Sierra Leone, Sesay's demeanor is extraordinary and fascinating.

The filmmaker's full access to prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims, and, from behind bars, Sesay himself, makes War Don Don a credible, balanced and extremely important record of a landmark moment in international law, when an individual who has political and military power is held accountable for the way in which he has wielded that power. And yet, there are still questions about what is the truth.

Truth and Reconciliation

In showing a case in which international law prevails, War Don Don calls for public debate, critical analysis and reason to take the place of arms in resolving global issues and disputes.

War Don Don is a powerfully gripping film with a powerful message.

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Film Details:

• Title: War Don Don
• Director: Rebecca Richman Cohen
• Release Date: 2010, on festival circuit, HBO on Demand, September 30-October 24, 2010
• Running Time: 83 mins.
• Parental Advisory: Content advisory for parents
• Location Country: Sierra Leone
• Language: Krio, with English subtitles, English
• Company: Racing Horse Productions
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