Green Border: A Heart-Wrenching Exploration of the Refugee Crisis
Directed by: Agnieszka Holland
Starring: Maja Ostaszewska, Behi Djanati Atai, Mohamad Al Rashi, Tomasz Wlosok
Rating: ★★★★★
Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border is a searing drama that delves into the European refugee crisis, drawing poignant parallels to similar crises in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and even America’s southwestern border. This film stands out not only for its compelling subject matter but also for the extraordinary artistry with which it’s made. After seeing it at the New York Film Festival, I left the theater deeply moved, both by the powerful story and Holland’s masterful filmmaking.
The Setting and Premise
The film’s title refers to the border separating Poland from Belarus, an area surrounded by the last primeval forests in Europe. Holland beautifully captures this green landscape from an aerial view, but the serenity doesn’t last. The film quickly shifts to black and white, symbolizing the stark, harsh realities faced by the refugees. The story begins with a plane carrying individuals and families from war-torn regions like Syria and Afghanistan. These hopeful passengers are soon thrust into a nightmarish limbo, caught in a geopolitical game where they are pushed back and forth across the border by Polish and Belarusian soldiers.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The refugees’ plight is a desperate, endless struggle, and Holland’s film highlights the human cost of political maneuvering. This crisis began in late 2021 when Belarus’s autocratic president, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, started offering transit visas and transportation to Middle Eastern and African refugees aiming to destabilize EU countries. The irony is stark: only a year later, Poland opened its borders to millions of Ukrainian refugees, showcasing a selective empathy based on racial and cultural lines.
Three Interwoven Narratives
Holland weaves three major narrative strands into Green Border. The first follows a group of refugees, including three generations of a Muslim family led by a determined patriarch, played by Mohamad Al Rashi. The film paints vivid portraits of these individuals, avoiding melodramatic clichés and focusing on their raw, human struggles.
The second strand follows a young Polish soldier, played by Tomasz Wlosok. As a soon-to-be father, he grapples with the moral implications of his orders, showcasing the internal conflict faced by those enforcing inhumane policies.
The third strand involves a group of activists, including a local psychiatrist named Julia (Maja Ostaszewska), who risk their safety to provide aid to the refugees. The government views these acts of compassion as aiding the enemy, leading to arrests and prosecutions. The bravery and humanity of these activists highlight the moral clarity missing from official policies.
Exceptional Performances
Green Border features outstanding performances, particularly from Maja Ostaszewska and Behi Djanati Atai, who plays Leila, a spirited Afghan woman trying to help fellow refugees. Their portrayals are powerful and deeply moving, deserving of the highest accolades. The entire cast brings authenticity and emotional depth to their roles, making the film’s impact even more profound.
Cinematic Excellence
The film’s visual style is another highlight, with Tomek Naumiuk's black-and-white cinematography adding to the story's emotional weight. Holland’s fluid compositions and evocative views of nature enhance the narrative, drawing viewers into the refugees’ harrowing experiences.
A Controversial Yet Necessary Film
Despite its critical acclaim, Green Border has faced backlash from Poland’s leaders, who have labeled it as "shameful" and "disgusting." Such reactions underscore the film’s provocative nature and its challenge to official narratives. Holland’s intent is clear: to encourage empathy for migrants and shed light on their struggles. As Roger Ebert once said, movies are machines for creating empathy, and Green Border exemplifies this with its geopolitical prescience and humane passion.
Conclusion
Green Border is a must-see film that tackles one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time with grace, artistry, and unflinching honesty. It’s a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to foster empathy and provoke critical thought, making it one of the most important films released this year.