Import Export

Import Export is a gripping 2007 drama that strives to portrait the harsh realities of life, depicting the struggle of a low-income Ukrainian woman and an unemployed security guard from Vienna. The movie uses a Dual narratival structure to present the concurrent stories of these two protagonists offering an intricate tale that delves into the harsh realities of life in post-Soviet Eastern Europe and the vast difference between Eastern and Western European societies.

Ekateryna Rak stars as Olga, the young nurse from Ukraine. Olga lives in a small, impoverished town with her mother and her baby but struggles to survive amidst extreme poverty and a lack of opportunities. In search of a better life for herself and her family, she moves to Austria, leaving her child behind under the care of her mother. As she embarks on this journey to a foreign land, she ends up as a cleaner at a geriatric hospital. The movie presents a grim picture of her life as she goes through several unsettling and dehumanizing experiences.

Parallel to Olga's story, we see Paul, the unemployed security guard from Vienna portrayed by Paul Hofmann. Paul faces his struggles; he lives in a decrepit, dirty flat and continuously faces rejection both in terms of his personal and work life. His stepfather arranges a job for him, along with his step-uncle, as a machine delivery man, and they embark on a trip to Eastern Europe, mainly Ukraine. The contrast becomes evident as they venture into the poorer parts of Eastern Europe, setting out physical violence and exploring the stark contrast between the two regions.

The film, directed by Ulrich Seidl, aims to provide a raw, unembellished look at their lives and the drastic measures they undertake to survive. It consciously shies away from romanticizing their struggles or attachment. Herein lies the mastery of Seidl as he beautifully manipulates the landscape of the film using abject visuals to illicit a profound cognitive dissonance, compelling the viewer to challenge their preconceived notions of societal norms.

Import Export also offers performances worth appreciating. Bolstered by their potent performances, both Rak and Hofmann imbue their characters with a sense of realism and vulnerability that enhances the authenticity of the story. Their performances bring to the fore a sense of despair and tenacity, which, when combined with Seidl's directing, mark the troubling plight of individuals at the bottom rungs of the social ladder.

The film looks dramatically at the contrast between eastern and western Europe. It juxtaposes the opportunities provided by richer western societies against the harsh realities of getting by in the economically disadvantaged environments prevalent in the East.

Import Export's cinematography is stark. It utilizes pale, washed-out colors that mirror the difficult life circumstances of its characters. The film's somber and sometimes disturbing visuals, supported by evocative sound design, create a compelling portrait of the human condition.

While some may find its plot uncomfortable, the film ultimately hopes to trigger dialogue about poverty, struggle, and societal injustices that are often overlooked in mainstream cinema. Import Export, in this regard, is a remarkable effort to capture humanity's raw, unfiltered side hidden beneath society's varnished facade.

Import Export is a haunting portrayal of two individuals struggling to escape poverty and degradation. It's a reminder that different cultures live parallel lives marked by disparities and injustices that persist to this day. It's a movie that will impact viewers deeply, prompting them to see beyond the surface and introspect about the broader social, national, and global issues that yet plague our societies. It is not a film for the faint-hearted, but an immersive, thought-provoking piece that lingers well after the end credits roll. It serves as a prompt to reflect inwardly on the condition of our world and the lives of many unseen, unheard individuals who merely become invisible cogs in the societal wheel.