50. Flee; movie review

 

 

FLEE

Cert 15

89 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent images of real dead bodies, sexual threat

Every time I hear people's prejudice against refugees and their presumption that they have it easy in their new country, I want to take them to meet one.

Those who have fled their homelands haven't done it because they simply fancy raking in some free cash elsewhere.

More likely, they have risked their lives to escape persecution or even potential death, spent all of their cash doing so and probably been split from their family.

Then they arrive in countries where they are defined by many locals as scroungers and find it incredibly difficult to assimilate into society.

Jonas Poher Rasmussen's Flee makes these points via an animation complemented with real-life footage.

It is the true story of Amin Nawabi, a gay Afghan man, who has managed to rebuild a shredded life in Denmark.

He chronicles his journey which he has kept quiet for 25 years, via an interview with the director who has been a friend since school.

It is a moment of catharsis because his past is proving a stumbling block to the future with his boyfriend who he wants to marry.

He begins by telling of a happy childhood in Kabul during the Soviets occupation of Afghanistan during the 1980s.

When the Soviets leave and the Taliban fill the vacuum, Amin's family face grave danger and the only resolution is to flee.

The circuitous path to Denmark involves huge risks on myriad forms of transport. Wherever they emerge, the family are unwelcome and, without work, find it impossible to establish themselves.

I was surprised that Russia plays such an important part in Amin's narrative - initially as a saviour and later as place from which he must move on.

Overall, Amin's is a terrifying and intoxicating tale and he has both physical and, most importantly, deep mental scars.

His bravery in telling his story allows viewers a fresh and thought-provoking sense of what it is really like to be refugee. 

It is certainly no picnic but, again, I fear it is unlikely that those who think it is will watch this film.

That's a pity. It would change hearts and minds.

Reasons to watch: Very effective and though-provoking animation

Reasons to avoid: A bit of background knowledge required

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? Up until 2019, There are currently more than 2.6 million registered refugees in the world from Afghanistan – more than one in ten of all refugees, and the second highest number after Syria. There are many more who haven’t been registered or who are currently asylum-seekers.

The final word. Jonas Poher Rasmussen: "The story is really from the inside of our friendship. It’s about two friends where one has a secret. He kept the secret for 25 years and finally was in a place where he felt like he needed to get it out there." Slant Magazine

Share this post