by Gabby
There’s an air of rage that surrounds Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border, with the Polish director taking aim at a system that has brutalized refugees on the Polish-Belarusian border for far too long. Her film’s unflinching dedication to these refugees’ stories is its greatest strength, and her righteous anger at her home country is palpable. It infects Holland’s audience, leaving them just as rageful towards the unjust system as she is.
Her direction is unwavering, never once shying away from the intensity of the events depicted, and never once letting the perpetrators of these acts off easy. Holland’s direction of her actors is excellent, bringing incredibly authentic and realistic portrayals of refugees from the performers. Behi Djanati Atai’s performance as Afghan refugee Leila is a standout, serving as the audience’s eyes into the brutal reality of the mistreatment of refugees at the hands of the Polish border guards, as well as their bravery and perseverance in the face of this mistreatment. Atai ultimately delivers one of the most heartbreaking and emotional performances I’ve seen so far this year.
Tomasz Włosok’s performance as border guard Jan is another highlight, with Włosok masterfully portraying a character who is caught between obligation to his family and his country and his own humanity. He balances his portrayal in a way that both condemns his character for his actions and empathizes with him as this is the only way he can provide for his family.
Holland’s film isn’t all gloom, though. She finds hope in the character of Julia, portrayed by Maja Ostaszewska, a pro-refugee activist who rescues refugees and assists them in seeking asylum in the European Union. Ostaszewska’s portrayal highlights how everyday people must show more compassion and understanding to refugees, and implores the film’s audience to not allow ourselves to be divided on this contentious issue.
All in all, Green Border is one of the most important films of this year and is sure to generate some hard-hitting and important conversations.