Watch Human Flow

Human Flow is a 2017 documentary film, directed by the renowned artist and filmmaker Ai Weiwei, that follows the story of human migration and the global refugee crisis. The film was shot in 23 countries and features interviews with refugees, aid workers, politicians, and locals, all who have been affected by the crisis in one way or the other.

Throughout the film, we see firsthand the struggles and hardships experienced by individuals and families who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and economic hardship. The film gives equal attention to the lives of people from different parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and America. We learn about the reasons behind their forced migration, how they manage to survive the treacherous journey, and the difficulties they face upon arrival in new, unfamiliar lands.

One of the main strengths of Human Flow is the way it juxtaposes the grandeur of nature with the heartbreaking plight of refugees. The film uses stunning aerial photography to show the vastness of oceans, mountains, and deserts that these people must traverse to find safety, shelter, and a new home. Weiwei portrays the refugees as more than just statistics or numbers; they are human beings who have been stripped of their dignity, their homes, and their loved ones.

The film also makes a statement about human solidarity and how we all have a shared responsibility towards refugees. Weiwei highlights the fact that the majority of refugees are not terrorists, but rather innocent civilians who have been caught up in conflicts not of their own making. He also gives voice to the people who are working tirelessly to make a difference, such as aid workers, volunteers, and activists.

Human Flow is not an easy film to watch. It is emotionally draining and can be difficult to digest. However, its raw power lies in how it challenges us to confront our own prejudices and biases towards refugees. Weiwei encourages us to view the refugee crisis through a human lens, rather than through the lens of politics or ideology.

As a documentary, Human Flow is a technical marvel. The film's visuals and sound are breathtaking and seamlessly blend with the various landscapes and cultures Weiwei encounters on his journey. The film's pacing moves slowly, weaving in and out of the lives of individual refugees and the larger themes of war and displacement.

To achieve his vision for the film, Weiwei enlisted the help of a talented team of cinematographers and editors. The film's score, composed by Karsten Fundal and Silas Hite, is haunting and beautiful, giving voice to the unspeakable pain and hope held within the refugee experience.

In sum, Human Flow is a sobering reminder of the impact of war and conflict on human lives, and the need for compassionate and genuine action to address the ongoing refugee crisis. Not only is it a visual masterpiece, but it is also a powerful call-to-action for all of us to do what we can to support and uplift our fellow human beings, regardless of where they come from.

Human Flow is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.