290. Midwives; movie review

 

MIDWIVES

Cert TBA

91 mins

BBFC advice: TBA

Times might be tough in the UK at the moment but they pale with the horrors faced by the Muslim Rohingya people of mainly Buddhist Myanmar.

Nearly a million were forced to flee into a giant, unsanitary camp in Bangladesh after government-supported genocide and mass displacement.

Those who remain have restrictions on their freedom of movement, access to state education and civil service jobs.

Think South African apartheid and this is probably worse.

Documentary maker Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing sees the plight of the remaining Rohingya through the prism of two women - a Muslim and a Buddhist.

They defy the strict ethnic divisions to work together in a makeshift clinic, providing medical services to the Rohingya of Rakhine State.

They treat people - especially pregnant women - who would otherwise struggle to access medical services.

In the most basic of circumstances, they are saving lives and also bringing babies into a very difficult world.

Their work is hard and with little resources but done with great humility.

Meanwhile, we learn about their day-to-day lives and how the Rohingya eke out a paltry existence.

This is a rare and important insight into people who have become desperately marginalised. 

It brings personality to one of the 21st century's most horrific news events.

And it will have really succeeded if it is seen by those who have the power to end this terrible injustice.

Reasons to watch: Rare footage of the Rohingya

Reasons to avoid: Meanders a bit

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? In June of 2022, UN Special Envoy to the General Assembly Noeleen Heyzer estimated that 14.4 million people in Myanmar — 25% of the population — required humanitarian assistance in the face of rapidly-deteriorating political unrest.

The final word. Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing: "I left Myanmar in June when the military coup started. Afterward, they started arresting artists and activists. I’ve been very much concerned about my security. It is not easy for me, you know? I cannot go back home right now. If I did I would be arrested." Cinespeak

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