In This World (2002)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Michael Winterbottom

Writer:

Tony Grisoni (writer)

Release Date:

28 March 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

The journey to freedom has no borders.

Plot:

Enayat and Jamal are Afghan refugees who live in a camp in Peshawar and try to escape to Great Britain by the help of people smugglers...

Plot Keywords:

Smuggling | Refugee | Afghanistan

Awards:

Won BAFTA Film Award. Another 6 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Jamal Udin Torabi	...	Jamal
Enayatullah	...	Enayat
Imran Paracha	...	Travel Agent (Pakistan)
Hiddayatullah	...	Enayat's Brother (Pakistan)
Jamau	...	Enayat's Father (Pakistan)
Wakeel Khan	...	Enayat's Uncle 1 (Pakistan)
Lal Zarin	...	Enayat's Uncle 2 (Pakistan)
Ahsan Raza	...	Money Changer (Pakistan)
Mirwais Torabi	...	Jamal's Older Brother (Pakistan)
Abdul Ahmad	...	Groom (Pakistan)
Amanullah Torabi	...	Jamal's Younger Brother (Pakistan)
Ramzan Ali	...	Driver 1 (Pakistan)
Chaman Ali	...	Driver 2 (Pakistan)
Rasheed	...	Soldier Shaheen (Pakistan)
Allah Bauhsh	...	Farid (Pakistan)

Also Known As:

The Silk Road (UK) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for brief strong language.

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

UK

Language:

Pashtu | Persian | English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Brazil:12 | Hungary:14 | Spain:T | South Korea:15 | Australia:M | Germany:12 | Japan:PG-12 | Netherlands:AL | Norway:11 | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R | New Zealand:R13

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Company:

Film Consortium, The

Trivia:

The film had two working titles before settling on its final name. While it was being shot, it was known as "The Silk Road". This was primarily as a cover, since officials in many countries were told the film was a documentary about that historical subject. Later, it was known as "M1187511", which was the UK Home Office's file number for the real-life Jamal's application for refugee status. Before its release however, the title was changed to "In This World". As Michael Winterbottom describes on the DVD, the title came from a line in the film where Jamal was translated as saying that a central character was dead. Jamal informed Winterbottom, on seeing this, that it was inaccurate. What he had actually said was that the man was "no longer in this world". Hence the film's title.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Goedemorgen Nederland: (2003-10-16)" (2003)

Very endearing

"In This World" is yet another exceptional film from Michael Winterbottom, who seems to be one of the best directors from the UK these days. I really liked his film before this "24 Hour Party People" and once again he has done a masterful job of combining elements of documentary into a feature films. From the outset, it is pointed out that lots more 'muhla' went into bombing Afghanistan than providing refugees with any assistance. This was filmed in Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and parts of Western Europe. One of the more touching moments comes when the lead characters meet up with an Iranian (I presume ethnic Kurds) family as they enter Southeast Turkey from Iran. A very touching film. It is certainly more vivid an disturbing than most road movies, whether you are talking about "Stagecoach" or even "Thelma and Louise"- this is gripping stuff indeed, and a good companion to the recent Afghan film "Osama."