In This World
In This World

Movie spotlight

In This World

2003
Movie
88 min
English

Torn straight from the headlines, Michael Winterbottom's compelling and prescient 'In This World' follows young Afghan Jamal and his older cousin Enayat as they embark on a hazardous overland trip from their refugee camp at Peshawar, north-west Pakistan. Entering Turkey on foot through a snowy, Kurdish-controlled pass, the pair again take their lives into their hands and face suffocation when they are locked in a freight container on a ship bound for Italy. From there they plan to travel on to Paris, the Sangatte refuge centre and ultimately asylum in London.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic88/100
Google Users88%
Director: Michael WinterbottomGenres: Documentary, Drama

Plot Summary

This film follows the perilous journey of two young Afghan refugees, Jamal and Enayatullah, as they attempt to reach the United Kingdom. Leaving behind their war-torn homeland, they face treacherous conditions, exploitation by smugglers, and the constant threat of discovery. Their journey becomes a stark portrayal of the global refugee crisis and the lengths people will go to for a chance at a better life.

Critical Reception

In This World was widely acclaimed by critics for its powerful and unflinching portrayal of the refugee experience. It was praised for its authentic depiction of the arduous journey, thanks to its pseudo-documentary style and the fact that its non-professional actors were actually refugees undertaking a similar journey. The film's raw emotional impact and timely social commentary resonated deeply with audiences and reviewers alike, solidifying its status as a significant work of social realism.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw, authentic portrayal of the refugee crisis.

  • Commended for its compelling narrative and emotional depth.

  • Hailed as a significant and moving piece of social commentary.

Google audience: Audiences were deeply moved by the film's honest and harrowing depiction of the refugee journey, with many highlighting its emotional impact and important social message. Reviewers frequently noted the film's authenticity and its ability to shed light on the struggles faced by those seeking a better life.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Golden Bear at the 53rd Berlin International Film Festival. Nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best British Film.

Fun Fact

The film's two main actors, Jamal Ustad and Enayatullah, were actual Afghan refugees who were in the process of attempting to reach the UK themselves when they were cast in the film, adding a layer of profound authenticity to their performances and the narrative.

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