Is it possible to have an opinion about tgis movie without forming an opinion about the political issues as well? I guess not, but I try.
This film presents us with the story of three asylum seekers in the UK. They came as children without any grown-up relative to that country and they have to prove that they qualify for political asylum. First there is Omar. He starts by telling his story at a hearing. Later we hear that this story might not have been quite the truth. Actually Omar worked for the Taliban, although we never know if by force or by conviction. He is recognized by Abdoul. Now Omar threatens Abdoul to keep the facts for himself. Abdoul might be traumatized by his experiences in Afghanistan or maybe he is an even better actor than Abdoul. In any case Abdoul's soul is tormented. At last we have Zizidi from Guinea. She is evidently a victim of domestic violence. She was even mutilated by her husband, but, unfortunately this is no reason for giving political asylum, as she was not persecuted as political activist or member of any dissenting minority.
Goodison presents the three cases. He doesn't resolve anything, but leaves hope for the future. All will be well. Don't worry, be happy. The best thing is that Goodison did not produce a feel bad film. But what to make of the story?
We see three persons and "Uncle Nigel" who teaches them English and wants the best for everybody. Nice trait. Nigel is only a little bit shattered when he learns that he fed a snake at his bosom.
Sure, these kids are victims in a bad world. There are traditions that don't permit kids to be young. There are extremists and fundamentalist seizing countries and populations. Of course anybody can give reasons for getting out of Afghanistan or Guinea for that matter. But basically this does not resolve anything. Regions haunted by bad regimes or traditions won't change when everybody who is able to move gets out as quick as possible.
Fortunately this film does not give a solution. It does not assign guilt either. It does fuel thinking, at best. Or will it only confirm already existing opinions?
6/10
This film presents us with the story of three asylum seekers in the UK. They came as children without any grown-up relative to that country and they have to prove that they qualify for political asylum. First there is Omar. He starts by telling his story at a hearing. Later we hear that this story might not have been quite the truth. Actually Omar worked for the Taliban, although we never know if by force or by conviction. He is recognized by Abdoul. Now Omar threatens Abdoul to keep the facts for himself. Abdoul might be traumatized by his experiences in Afghanistan or maybe he is an even better actor than Abdoul. In any case Abdoul's soul is tormented. At last we have Zizidi from Guinea. She is evidently a victim of domestic violence. She was even mutilated by her husband, but, unfortunately this is no reason for giving political asylum, as she was not persecuted as political activist or member of any dissenting minority.
Goodison presents the three cases. He doesn't resolve anything, but leaves hope for the future. All will be well. Don't worry, be happy. The best thing is that Goodison did not produce a feel bad film. But what to make of the story?
We see three persons and "Uncle Nigel" who teaches them English and wants the best for everybody. Nice trait. Nigel is only a little bit shattered when he learns that he fed a snake at his bosom.
Sure, these kids are victims in a bad world. There are traditions that don't permit kids to be young. There are extremists and fundamentalist seizing countries and populations. Of course anybody can give reasons for getting out of Afghanistan or Guinea for that matter. But basically this does not resolve anything. Regions haunted by bad regimes or traditions won't change when everybody who is able to move gets out as quick as possible.
Fortunately this film does not give a solution. It does not assign guilt either. It does fuel thinking, at best. Or will it only confirm already existing opinions?
6/10
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