Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated refugee docu shows compassion and hope; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Flee
What's the Story?
FLEE is an animated documentary that chronicles the extraordinary life of Amin Nawabi (voiced by Daniel Karimyar and Fardin Mijdzadeh), who traveled from war-torn Afghanistan to Europe. A gay man, now residing in Denmark and on the brink of marrying his partner, Amin uses this life event to confront his past and to recount the challenges he faced as a refugee to get where he is today.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful animated documentary, which is so full of compassion and empathy, is one of the most striking pieces of filmmaking witnessed for years. Flee is fully deserving of its three Oscar nominations: for Best Documentary, Best International Feature Film, and Best Animated Feature. It's so layered and moving that it almost overwhelms you. Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen moves so seamlessly between animation and archive footage, employing a technique that really hammers home the realism that can often be lost in the former art form.
At times the film is almost too difficult to digest, yet it's impossible to turn away from, remaining cinematic throughout. But above anything, it's just a staggering story -- one that is somehow so full of hope. By bringing compassion and a sense of humanity to a subject that dominates headlines around the world, Flee is a reminder that we're all the same, and that we should be seeking to help each other, not resist one another.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how refugees are portrayed in Flee. What are some reasons people make these often dangerous journeys? Are you a refugee, or do you know any refugees? How did Amin's experience compare?
In what ways did Amin show courage, perseverance, and communication? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of any times when you've displayed these traits?
Talk about the strong language in the film. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How would you compare the violence and peril discussed and shown in the film to what you would see in an action or thriller movie? Which has more impact? Why?
The film discusses some difficult themes, mostly through narration as opposed to visuals. How did this -- along with the fact that the film was animated -- impact how you felt about the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 1, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : February 8, 2022
- Cast : Daniel Karimyar , Fardin Mijdzadeh , Milad Eskandari
- Director : Jonas Poher Rasmussen
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content, disturbing images and strong language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 8, 2022
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