Experimental documentary with Paris as the central theme from the Refugees point of view after the 2015 terror attack. While the period between 2015-2016 was a tensed timeline for France, the documentary gives a glimpse of events that unfolded after the terror attacks without taking sides or giving a lecture on moral justification. On the other hand, the film makes use of avant-garde techniques to accentuate the images and the narrative. There are 3 tracks: the landscape of Paris, the tale of a lonesome migrant and the street protests which is entirely shot in black and white. It might be an unusual route to show a heavy subject in b/w tone, but believe it is gripping throughout and the power of it is seen it the deepest corner of the forest where the flowers rot or near the abandoned railway tracks. The atmosphere holds up till the end and we can sense the danger and uncertainty lurking on the other side as the camera move forwards to capture helpless migrant youth with no place to rest. The militant filmmaking at certain moments brings adrenaline and is effectively shown. The protest sequences are realistic, and it leaves a common thread to connect the event with May 1968 civil unrest in France. This is an excellent documentary that examines pure moral and emotional experience during the emergency timeline after terror attack and the director without slipping into condemnation achieves something powerful in a subtle way using metaphors.
Final thoughts: A war/political documentary is normal for us to watch but this is not similar or in the same lines with a structed narratives. It blends Eduardo Coutinho with Robert Kramer (ICE), Marc Singer (Dark Days) with a dash of avant-garde tone. It will be easy to digest for those who love arthouse/experimental docs. Do see it if you get a chance.
Final thoughts: A war/political documentary is normal for us to watch but this is not similar or in the same lines with a structed narratives. It blends Eduardo Coutinho with Robert Kramer (ICE), Marc Singer (Dark Days) with a dash of avant-garde tone. It will be easy to digest for those who love arthouse/experimental docs. Do see it if you get a chance.
