A “masterpiece” war film that won an Academy Award is hailed by one fan as the best motion picture film about war ever. No Man’s Land (2001) is set during the Bosnian War and focuses on Bosniak soldier Čiki (Branko Đurić) and Bosnian Serb Nino (Rene Bitorajac), who find themselves stuck together in a trench between their respective armies.

Both are at risk of almost certain death if they attempt to climb up into the firing line and return to safety. Isolated and alone, the two are bitterly divided, at times finding some common ground. But their hopes of escape are thrown into further doubt after a third soldier Cera (Filip Šovagović) starts to regain consciousness with a pressure-release mine beneath him that could explode if he moves. Despite it getting global recognition by winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002, it’s not often mentioned among the standout war films of the past few decades.

A Collider contributor named it among ten 10/10 films that “nobody remembers”, but it does have a fair number of passionate fans, many of whom have taken to IMDb to shower it with praise.

One wrote: “As far as I’m concerned, this may very well be the finest film on the subject of war – or conflict in general – that was ever made.

“I’ve never seen anything similar; this film manages to show so many aspects of war, of human nature; it somehow manages to capture the essence of something that is inexplicable.

“Truly one of a kind and a must-see. And don’t think for one second that this is some pretentious drivel or slow art-house fare – this is very much the opposite. 10 out of 10.

Another, who also gave the film a perfect score, wrote: “This is a movie of a rare sort. Do yourself a favor and don’t watch any previews (I saw one preview that made it out to be a comedy).

“It is a harsh look at the reality, the humanity, and the thoughtlessness of so many wars we carry out in our world today. It truly left me breathless in jaw-dropping awe.”

A third added: “First time featue film writer/director/composer Danis Tanovic’s No Man’s Land is a great example of a war satire, though it is so realistic it shimmers on the edge of reality and fiction to the point where you just sit back in a form of awe.”

A fourth said: “The film is beautifully done, tragic, sad, and… funny. The humor of the situation is portrayed through the two soldiers arguing over who started the war and the attempts of UN officers to rectify the situation and get the men out of the trench.

“Some people might be put off by the subtitles; the movie is in three different languages, but well worth the time.”

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong language and moderate bloody violence – so viewer discretion is advised.

No Man’s Land doesn’t appear streaming in the UK at the moment, but is widely available on DVD.