Amin

Amin is an exceptional movie released in 2018, starring Moustapha Mbengue, Emmanuelle Devos, and Mareme N'Diaye. Directed by acclaimed director Philippe Faucon, the film provides a thoughtful, compassionate view of the experiences of a migrant worker in France from Senegal, Amin, portrayed by Mbengue. This realist drama manages to capture the harsh realities of immigrant life, the struggle to provide for families back home, and the nuances of establishing personal relationships in a foreign land.

The movie largely takes place in two settings, Senegal and France, interweaving the two contrasting narratives delicately. The character of Amin gives a face to the legion of immigrant workers one can see in day-to-day life but seldom hear their stories. As viewers, we get an intimate look at Amin's life and his deep-rooted longing for the family he has left behind in Senegal, his wife Aisha and their three children. His sacrifices become evident as he endures the loneliness, laborious work, and harsh weather in Paris, while his family carries on with their own lives in his absence.

Emmanuelle Devos adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, playing Amin's French boss's wife, Gabrielle. Through the bond developed between Amin and Gabrielle, we get to explore Amin's life outside work, and it's a bond characterized by understanding complexities later on. Their evolving relationship serves as a poignant subplot throughout the film, simultaneously providing nuanced perspectives on the integration of immigrants and the human need for connection. The dynamic exquisitely paints the richness of human emotions and the challenges of navigating relationships against cultural and personal contexts.

Coming to Mareme N'Diaye's character, she is exceptional to watch on screen. N'Diaye gives an elegant portrayal as Aisha, Amin's wife, and imbues the character with strength and grace simultaneously. The resonance of her portrayal feeds into the movie's exploration of the emotional struggles of migrant families in maintaining a semblance of normality despite the gaping physical separation.

"Amin" is a slow-paced, poignant film, growing on you with its increasing layers of complexities and subtleties. The storytelling takes its time, carefully unraveling the intricacies of Amin's life in a foreign land. What works for the film is its non-sensationalist plot. Instead, the director uses authentic locations, a cast of non-professional actors except for Emmanuelle Devos, and unvarnished dialogues, which adds to the film's sense of realism and honesty.

Philippe Faucon tells Amin's story without trying to romanticize or oversimplify his experiences, which remains one of the movie's key strengths. The direction is crisp and articulate, and the screenplay is nuanced, making "Amin" a must-watch for individuals interested in realist narratives and migrant experiences. The director uses the medium not to preach, but to provoke thought and encourage the viewer to consider the often overlooked stories of immigrants. He aims to bring about an understanding of the sacrifices made by these workers and the emptiness of their everyday lives.

The cinematography in "Amin" is another commendable aspect, capturing the dichotomy between life in vibrant Senegal and the stark contrast of a gray, concrete Paris. Every frame in the film has a depth to it, representing the emotions of the characters without relying on explicit dialogue.

The performances in the film are its strongest suit. Moustapha Mbengue brings an amazing depth to Amin, and his quiet, subdued portrayal stays with you long after the credits roll. Devos and N'Diaye too, are exceptional in their respective performances, making the world within the movie come alive.

In conclusion, "Amin" is an empathic and thought-provoking film about care, connection, and compassion in the face of adversity, distance, and cultural differences. It is an evocative exploration of the often unvoiced narratives of countless migrant workers across the globe. With phenomenal performances, compelling screenplay, and thoughtful direction, "Amin" is a definite must-watch. It is a beautiful demonstration of immersive cinema, provoking its audience to reflect upon the often overlooked and marginalized existences in society.