Review of Mediterranea

Mediterranea (2015)
9/10
Stark Realism
24 July 2016
Stark realism in this intense drama of the perilous journey of 2 men emigrating from their home in Burkina Faso to Libya, and ending up in Italy, as they seek better opportunities. The men ably portrayed by Kondous Seihon,as Ayiya, and Alassane Sy, as Abas, will have to survive an initial hazardous trek across the desert, that will also include facing murderous bandits, difficult weather, and a dangerous sea crossing, before being picked up by the Italian Navy.

Given 3 month temporary papers to stay in Italy, Ayiya and Abas must now face squalid living conditions, low-paying seasonal jobs, and a mostly hostile public and police force. However, they'll also encounter a tight knit African immigrant community who try and help each other, and a number of local Italians who will also try to help them. Considering the news of today, this film is certainly timely in its nature.

All in all, regardless of what side of the immigrant issue one is on, you may find this movie, impressively written and directed by first time filmmaker Jonas Carpignano, offers the viewer a vivid and realistic view of it all.
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