Movie #1391 "The Other Side of Hope" was the second movie I saw at the Chicago film festival, and I thought it was quite topical, dealing with a Syrian refuge looking for acceptance in Finland. A cross cultural movie in every way, it takes on a 40s style of American filming with lots of smoking, street lighting, and staring off into space without tons of dialogue. Just the look of it makes me think that the director had studied a lot of American film techniques to get across this film's look. I was enamored with the Syrian's soft looking face --- my heart ached for him every time he got beat up for being Syrian --- we all need to see this film -- it might possibly makes us more tolerant and understanding of what the refugees go through. There are two stories going on in this film --- not only the refugee's plight, but an older guy who wants to start a restaurant --- there's a lot of humor in the latter story, and when the two stories get together , then the movie really takes off --- quite enjoyable, but with scenes that will break your heart. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
"THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE" 2017 NR
Syrian refugee Khaled and ex-traveling salesman Wikström have many miles under their belts when they cross paths in Helsinki. Now an owner of a restaurant, Wikström finds Khaled sleeping behind his diner and offers him a job, leading to an unlikely friendship.
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