Movie spotlight
Too Far Away
Ben (11) and Tariq (12) have more in common than they realise. Both are new to school and football and have lost their homeland. Ben's village will soon became an open brown coal mine. He and his family move to a nearby city but Ben fails to fit in at his new school. Bullied, he returns secretly to his old, abandoned home. His one pleasure, football, pales with the arrival of Tariq, a Syrian refugee and better player. But when bureaucracy stops Tariq playing, he runs away, Ben finds him and learns that Tariq is desperate to be reunited with his scattered family. Jealousy on the football field becomes friendship and understanding.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young German man named Ben, who works as a junior doctor in a Munich hospital, falls in love with a Syrian refugee named Tariq. Their budding romance faces numerous obstacles, including cultural differences, Ben's family's disapproval, and the complex realities of Tariq's asylum status. The film explores themes of forbidden love, prejudice, and the challenges of integration.
Critical Reception
Too Far Away received a mixed to positive reception. Critics praised its sensitive portrayal of a same-sex relationship against a backdrop of social and political tensions, as well as the performances of its lead actors. However, some found the narrative to be somewhat predictable and occasionally melodramatic.
What Reviewers Say
The film successfully tackles difficult themes of love and prejudice.
Performances are generally strong, particularly from the lead actors.
Some viewers found the plot to be a bit too conventional.
Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available for this film, but general sentiment tends to focus on appreciation for its emotional storyline and its exploration of timely social issues.
Fun Fact
The film was screened at various international film festivals, including the LGBTQ+ Victory Film Festival in Philadelphia.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources