Shane Conto
When you sit down to watch a documentary you usually have a certain expectation of things, correct? Probably a person or group of people sitting down to get interviewed. Maybe a camera crew walking around capturing something going on. But sometimes you get a new film that really changes your perception of what a non-fiction film can be. What happens when the person he is setting up to be interviewed is not flesh? What if they are cartoon characters? I cannot recall many animation/documentary hybrid films…if any. What Neon’s latest film, Flee, offers is a unique and bold approach to storytelling.
But is being animated what really makes Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s film truly special? Let’s get something straight here…this is a beautiful film. The animation works perfectly in capturing the events and does it in an artistic way. The animation itself moves between a painted look and a more solid animation style still rich with color. There is a vibrance to the film that the animation uniquely brings to the table. When our subject, Amin, sits down and positions himself for the interview, it is so intriguing to see a fully animated version of him that feels so organic. If you close your eyes, it still sounds and feels like any other interview (with the sound design perfectly capturing this.
But what about the story Amin must tell? Surely just beautiful animation and a unique visual style is not enough. Don’t worry…this story sells itself. This refugee story is full of love, pain, and sacrifice. Amin’s storytelling is pitch perfect as he offers some appreciated humor along the way. Honestly without the humor, things would get bleak. Amin’s story is one of loss as he escapes Afghanistan to Russia and eventually to Denmark. The sacrifices his family had to make the connections lost along the way is tragic. The perseverance exhibited by Amin is awe-inspiring. His struggles as a young gay refugee were a unique and enthralling tale that draws the audience in. Scenes are devastating including some experiences on the road with human traffickers.
His own personal story is impressive enough but how does the film capture a broader perspective? Through actual media coverage and archival footage, the film can paint a much needed basin of the world view at that time. You can learn a lot about the societal and geopolitical issues of the time as well through this documentary. You witness a bleaker and sobering point-of-view of America’s support of the Mujahideen in their fight against the Russians.
What special experience do you get when watching Flee? This broader perspective of the world paired with a sobering look into the struggle refugees must go through to reach a safe space to live. Amin’s story is full of heartache but also love. Seeing his whole progress from a helpless young boy who loses so much along the way to the confident man with a loving husband is moving. His perspectives and stories are engrossing from start to finish which is the core of this already special exercise in ambitious filmmaking. This animated documentary is a cinematic wonder to behold and a must see story as well.
