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The Little Refugee

The Little Refugee (2020)

Oct 22, 2020 1h 29m Drama

In 2015, the Syrian boy Aylan appeared dead on the beach in Bodrum, Turkey. The image shocked and alerted the world to the refugee crisis. The film imagines what would have happened to this child until the day of his death, when the boat in which he was with a family heading to Greece turned on the high seas. The story arises from a moment of magical realism, in which Aylan's spirit emerges from his body and wanders back to the world of refugees and those provoked by war, who escape to escape for a better life.

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Directed by Batin Ghobadi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Batin Ghobadi
Writer
  • Batin Ghobadi
Producer
  • Mohamad Ahmadi
  • Batin Ghobadi
  • Lydia Dean Pilcher

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Little Refugee examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Batin Ghobadi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Little Refugee took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Little Refugee shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Tears of the Sun, which focuses more on action than character development, The Little Refugee offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Turtles Can Fly and Night Shapes explore similar territory, The Little Refugee stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 22, 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 29m

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