Review of God Grew Tired of Us (2006) by Paul N — 26 Jan 2009

A fascinating chronicle of the lives of three young Sudanese men who have spent the last 15 years of their lives separated from their families, existing in the isolation of a UN refugee camp in Kenya. The three are chosen as part of a US program to assimilate some of these perpetual refugees.

While the opening third of the movie is interesting in terms of background history and a glimpse into the men's lives in the refugee camp, the film is at it's most fascinating as it documents the culture shock that they experience in transitioning to life in major American cities. Things that we take for granted are all mysterious and perplexing - even frightening and intimidating - to men who have lived all their lives without electricity, or running water, or the novelty of entire stores filled with nothing but food.

The film keeps tabs on the men over a three year period starting just prior to their relocation to the US. The men followed are all interesting and empathetic. The viewer enters into their struggle somewhat, and gains insight into the tremendous guilt, the monumental loss, and the nearly crushing expectations that they each live with as they seek to find their way in a new culture, while not forgetting their first one.

If there is one thing lacking in this movie, it's a clear dramatic impetus. What emerges by the end, is the sense of obligation that the men feel for their homeland, and for the other Lost Boys that languish in their Kenyan refugee camp. I found myself wishing there was a central theme that tied things together more coherently. But, life doesn't always provide these things very clearly. Or better said, we don't often recognize the central issues in our lives until we're well into our lives.

Hopefully this film will both raise empathy and awareness for the millions of people who struggle to survive, while also making us aware of the incredible blessings we are showered with.