Jonas Poher Rasmussen brings audiences a heart-wrenching look into refugees’ lives and the extreme lengths they go for safety. “Flee” tells of one man’s escape from a warzone as his past finally catches up with him and threatens to ruin his life. The film has gone on to dominate this year’s award season since its premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival; since then it has been nominated for multiple Oscars, BAFTAs, and also a Golden Globe.
“Flee” tells the story of Amin; now on the cusp of marriage, he must confront his past and his journey to a new life. This hidden past threatens to ruin the life he has created, as for the first time he shares his story. Starting in 1980s Kabul, the film takes audiences on a globe-trotting migration through Afghanistan, Russia, and Denmark; Amin details his extraordinary tale of endurance as a child refugee forced to flee violent conflict.
Mixing Genres and Styles to Tell a Powerful Story
The film uses a mixture of archival footage and animation to allow Amin to disclose his harrowing past, while allowing him to remain anonymous. Rasmussen doesn’t skimp on the intense details of Amin’s journey, from corruption in Russia, to human trafficking and inhumane conditions refugees are forced to suffer for a chance at a better life. Not only does “Flee” delve into the first-hand experiences of refugees, but it also explores how the media treats these people, doing nothing except broadcast their struggles for the world to watch.
The film’s powerful subject matter—along with its unique presentation—are an obvious explanation as to why “Flee” broke records when the 2022 Academy Award nominations were announced. It’s the first film to receive a nomination for ‘Best Documentary Feature,’ ‘Best Animated Feature’ and ‘Best Foreign Film’ (Denmark). It gives those not be familiar with refugees’ struggles a chance to see how heartbreaking they can truly be.
A scene from Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s powerful animated documentary film, “Flee.” (Image: Neon).
One of the Best Films of 2021
“Flee” also deals with Amin’s internal struggles as he tries to find his place in the world; he has to mature too fast, while also coming to terms with his sexuality in a culture that isn’t supportive. However, family is arguably the most important theme throughout the movie. Amin and his family must rely on each other for financial and emotional support as they struggle to stay together. Rasmussen and Amin bring audiences onto the other side of the refugee crisis; it’s the side movies, television, and media shy from, painting a portrait of life many of us will never experience.
Jonas Poher Rasmussen brings audiences a deeply personal character study through the anonymity of animation. The work of a plethora of people, including a long list of producers like Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, allow for a narrative all too familiar to some to come to the big screen in a unique way. 90 minutes is all it takes for Rasmussen to create a bond between Amin and the viewers; it also makes the happy ending so much better. “Flee” firmly establishes itself as one of 2021’s best films with a tragic story at its core, told through a distinctive visual style.
“Flee” is available to watch on Disney+, Apple TV, and Hulu.
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