What was the intention? (Haven't seen it)

there's no clear answer, but the director's cut seems to at least have some aspirations to be more than just a "shock peice."

can't talk for the blood and guts version, haven't seen it and that sounds like a watered down version with just the gore to bring in the gorehounds (gore can be a form of pornography too.)

but the director's cut... it's more complicated. whatever it is, there is passion behind it.

I think the filmmakers are really politically aware. The problem with this movie is that it shows multiple conflicts in multiple regions sometimes not in chronological sequence. It really helps to be somewhat aware of African politics before seeing the film. If you've read alot about Angola, Zaire and the revolutions in Africa during the fifties., sixties and seventies this movie will make you feel like you're there.