Agnieszka Holland’s “Green Border” is not just a movie; it’s an experience that resonates with refugee crises globally. This film stands out as the best and most important release in the U.S. this year. The subject’s importance and the extraordinary artistry make it unforgettable.
Green Border: A Heart-Wrenching Story
The titular border in this movie is between Poland and Belarus. It starts with a beautiful green, primeval forest but quickly turns grim as we witness the plight of refugees. The visual beauty soon shifts to black and white, symbolizing the stark realities these people face.
Powerful Opening: Refugees’ Journey
We begin on an airplane filled with hopeful travelers from places like Syria and Afghanistan. Their dreams of safety and freedom are quickly dashed as they are dumped at a dense forest border. Here, they are pushed back and forth by Polish and Belarusian soldiers in a cruel, endless game.
The Harsh Reality
The crisis depicted started in late 2021, when Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, Belarus’s president, offered transit visas to people in the Middle East and Africa to destabilize EU countries. Poland’s response to these refugees highlights a significant racial and cultural dimension, especially since they welcomed two million Ukrainian refugees a year later.
Human Desperation and Bravery
The film vividly portrays the desperation and determination of refugees. Holland avoids melodrama, focusing instead on powerful, authentic performances. One standout is the Muslim family led by a determined patriarch, showing resilience against all odds.
The Soldiers’ Perspective
Another narrative strand follows a young Polish soldier, soon-to-be father, grappling with the moral implications of his orders. This storyline highlights the internal conflict faced by those enforcing harsh policies.
Activists’ Struggle
The third strand features activists risking their lives to help refugees. Despite the dire need, the right-wing regime views them as enemies, turning humanitarian efforts into acts of heroism.
Exceptional Performances
Maja Ostaszewska and Behi Djanati Atai deliver standout performances, deserving accolades similar to those received by Sandra Huller in “Anatomy of a Fall.”
Cinematic Excellence
Holland’s direction, influenced by Polish cinema masters Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Zanussi, shines through. Tomek Naumiuk’s black and white cinematography adds to the film’s brilliance, with fluid compositions and evocative nature views.
Controversy and Impact
Poland’s leaders have harshly criticized the film, but Holland stands by her work, saying it encourages empathy with migrants. Roger Ebert once defined movies as machines for creating empathy, and “Green Border” honors this definition with geopolitical prescience and humane passion.
Photo Credit: rogerebert
