Watch Little Bee

Little Bee, released in 2009, is a dramatic film directed by Steve McQueen and based on Chris Cleave's novel of the same name. The movie tells the story of Little Bee (played by Nonso Anozie), a young Nigerian girl who escapes from her war-torn village and seeks asylum in England. She meets Sarah (played by Nicole Kidman) and her husband Andrew (played by Damian Lewis) on a Nigerian beach, where they're on vacation. The three of them form an unlikely bond that will change their lives forever.

The movie jumps back and forth between Little Bee's life in Nigeria before she leaves for England and her experiences in the UK. The film opens with Little Bee's voiceover and shows images of a destroyed Nigerian village through her eyes. We quickly learn that Little Bee is a deeply intelligent girl who loves to read and wants to become a writer. However, her happy life in Nigeria is abruptly cut short as her village is attacked by rebels. Her parents are both killed, and she and her sister are taken away to be sold as slaves. Little Bee flees from her captors, but she never forgets her sister who is left behind.

In England, Little Bee is detained in a detention center for two years before she is released. Sarah and Andrew have missed her presence, and Little Bee ends up living with them in their house. The narrative moves back and forth between Little Bee's attempts to fit into British society and her memories of Nigeria. Meanwhile, Sarah is struggling with her own problems- including an affair with Andrew's business partner, Lawrence (played by Daniel Mays), and the guilt and loss she feels over her son, Charlie.

Despite their differences, Little Bee finds comfort in Sarah's warmth and the two of them develop a deep friendship. Together, they embark on a mission to find Little Bee's sister in Nigeria, leading to a series of events that will change all of their lives.

The movie is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the struggles of a refugee. It tackles issues of identity, belonging, and power dynamics that exist between immigrants and locals. It also highlights the complex ethical dilemmas that arise from the struggle for survival, as the characters are forced to make difficult choices that have consequences on those around them.

The acting in the film is exceptional, with Nonso Anozie giving a heart-wrenching performance as Little Bee. Nicole Kidman does an excellent job interpreting the complexities of Sarah's character, playing it with a rawness and vulnerability that make her relatable. Damian Lewis delivers a nuanced portrayal of Andrew, the guilt-ridden husband trying to do the right thing.

The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes that capture both the beauty of Nigeria and the grey skies of England. The contrasting settings help to convey the stark differences in the ways the characters experience their lives.

Overall, Little Bee is a compelling and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. It has the power to make its audience reflect on the precariousness of life, the importance of human connections and the need for compassion and empathy in a world that is often ruthless and unforgiving.