Les Unwanted de Europa

Les Unwanted de Europa (2018) is a visually engaging and poignantly narrated cinematic exploration that elegantly weaves history and immigrants' stories in a manner unique to this film's framework. Directed by Fabrizio Ferraro, the film stars Euplemio Macri, Catarina Wallenstein, and Marco Teti.

The film is not a typical narrative-driven movie. Instead, it is a docudrama that draws from historical documents and eyewitness recollections to delve deep into the refugee crisis and journeys encompassing the past and present. It is a powerful commentary on the historical continuum of displacement, moving across the temporal axis to shed light on the ongoing refugee crisis.

The film follows a route taken by Spanish Republican soldiers following the retreat orchestrated by the Republican army in 1939 during the Spanish Civil War. What makes Les Unwanted de Europa remarkable is Ferraro's understated storytelling style, relying on real testimonies, hard-hitting reality, raw emotion, and evocative cinematography to etch a compelling narrative. The length and breadth of the film cover hilly vistas, rugged terrains, and cruelly picturesque settings, trapping the travellers in their relentless ordeal.

Euplemio Macri, Catarina Wallenstein, and Marco Teti portray the principal characters in this cinematic work. Their performances convey a profound understanding of the historical and emotional complexities of the characters they embody. They admirably performed in a film that required them to express the internal strife and anguish of their characters against the backdrop of the imposing landscapes and historical circumstances. Their performances bring the audience closer to understanding the profound psychological impacts that such crises can cause.

The film touches on complex themes of human resilience, unity, desperation, and survival. It blurs the boundaries of time and space using minimal dialogue, focusing instead on the contemplative silence that pervades and heightens the emotional intensity of situations. This approach adds a sense of profundity to the film, allowing it to resonate on a deeper level.

Cinematographer Sasha Stojanovic and Ferraro play a pivotal role in not just documenting the journey but also making the audience part of the odyssey. Scenes featuring slow-paced panoramic shots of mountains, rivers, and streams bear witness to a tragic past. The filmmakers employ a non-narrative structure to juggle between past and present, infusing it with symbolism and metaphorical significance.

The film also explores the concept of boundaries, both geographical and symbolic. The changing landscapes signify the harshness of their journey and serve as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological barriers the refugees need to overcome. Ferraro manipulates the pace, distorts the sense of time and beautifully humanizes the whole visual narrative, thereby leaving the audience in awe and contemplation.

The riveting composition by British musician John Butcher provides a haunting soundtrack that complements the visual narrative. The imminent despair and anxiety are further emphasized by the melancholic score that pervades the film, making it an impressive audio-visual experience.

Les Unwanted de Europa offers an account of historical journeys, but its themes strike a chord due to the contemporary relevance. The heart of the movie is based on a historical event, casting a long shadow on present-day issues, making it a timeless reflection on displacement, survival, resilience, the human spirit, and hope.

Despite drawing upon a formidable historical moment, Ferraro never allows the movie to waver into overtly political commentary. Instead, the movie is deeply human in its portrayal, highlighting the struggle of people caught amid war and conflict. The recurring motif of the river encapsulates the tumultuous journey both physically and emotionally.

With Les Unwanted de Europa, Ferraro creates a powerful and thought-provoking reflection of stories that are often ignored, enabling a critique of the notion of borders and the ramifications of displacement. His direction, coupled with exceptional performances by the cast, contributes to creating a film that serves as a deeply poignant exploration of the human condition, making Les Unwanted de Europa a must-watch for those seeking a profound cinematic experience.