Review of Flee (2021) by Bertobellamy — 01 Jun 2022

'Flee' transcends any form of medium or genre to tell the heartbreaking story of an Afghan refugee asking for a chance to live a dignified life. Jonas Poher Rasmussen's craftsmanship gives us an astounding film that uses animation not just to hide the identity of its subject, but as a way to tell the horrible experiences of his youth.

The writer/director is meticulous not to sensationalize the tales of Amin; the close relationship he has with him opens a door no other filmmaker could have. The animation is simple but effective, and two styles — one being more abstract than the other — blend organically for very dramatic purposes.

The use of archival material helps contextualize Amin's story, giving you insight into the cultural and political changes in countries like Afghanistan and Russia. You may already know the details, but the way Rasmussen inserts them into the film helps you understand another angle of the film: Amin coming to terms with his sexuality.

It's amazing how the movie tackles many relevant things without being didactic or overwhelming. 'Flee' will leave you thinking for days about the refugee crisis and the suffering of innocent people, but not in a very disposable way; its tone and execution honor the sacrifices of these people.

Maybe this could be the most humanistic film ever made about a very delicate theme.