Have you ever had to leave everything behind? Have you ever had to uproot yourself from the only life you’ve ever known just to ensure your survival? These are some of the difficult questions confronting refugees who embark on perilous journeys to escape their homes that have become so tainted by conflict, political turmoil, and instability, while enduring unimaginably and sometimes inhumane conditions throughout the journey. However, as empathetic as we may strive to be, we must acknowledge that these are questions we can never fully grasp. While we understand that it may be challenging to leave behind a familiar world, we can’t truly comprehend the experience, as we’ve never lived through it ourselves.
In Jonas Power Rasmussen’s documentary “Flee,” we accompany Amin Nawabi, a refugee who fled Afghanistan and shares his journey with an interviewer. Initially, our impression of Amin Nawabi is that of a courageous man who has endured unimaginable hardships, a survivor marked by a difficult past. He is someone that we cannot relate to, someone who has a perspective that we could only imagine to understand. However, as he recounts his experiences to the interviewer, we begin to see a more humanized perspective of him as he describes the miniscule details and complex layers of his ordeal.
While on the surface, we understand that conflict and urgent circumstances compelled Amin’s family to leave Afghanistan and their home, the film gradually reveals a far more intricate narrative. It becomes apparent that escaping Afghanistan does not guarantee safety, and the complexities of their situation come to light as the story unfolds. One specific sequence that I believed was particularly moving was Nawabi’s recollection of his journey to Denmark. Despite the dangers and hardships of his escape, it was his connection and interaction with his fellow traveler and friend that humanized him. As the two boys navigated through their perilous trip, we were able to watch a close bond being forged between them through shared experiences and an understanding of each other’s fears. Nawabi’s unspoken affection for his companion and acknowledging his feelings is what added another layer of humanity in my eyes. Amidst the harsh realities of his situation, this reminded us that Nawabi was not just a refugee who was facing the unimaginable, but also a human being with ordinary emotions, desires, and connections. It emphasized that there was a common theme in the human experience, even in the most trying circumstances.
I enjoyed your characterization of the viewers experience noting that we will likely never feel empathy for Nawabi but instead through the directors stylistic choices, it enables a sense of sympathy. Nawabi’s detailed account of his journey allows the viewer to momentarily peer into the life of hardship that he had to endure.
I like that you mention how difficult it is for us to grasp the ideas of fleeing home that you point out in the opening paragraph while still talking about the emotions we feel for Amin as we watch the film. It is proof of how well the movie portrays refugees as humans, and not just news stories we hear in passing.