Last Updated on March 23, 2021 by themigrationnews
Adu is a Spanish epic melodrama that had taken place in several African places such as Cameroon, a lower-middle-income country in Central Africa, Morocco, and North African country, directed by Salvador Calvo.
The film is based on the true story that touches upon the problems of global migration crisis, the impact of migration on crime and victimization that are current phenomenon throughout the world. I am glad that such problems are being put on display. The main hero of the film is a 6-year-old boy named Adu who lost his family and witnessed crime, severe difficulties, and traumatic events. Theseissues are usually faced by those kids who have been displaced by war and deprived of everything- the right to life, to be with family and community, and to access health and protection. Maybe history does not affect any of us, but people with these problems exist, existed before us, and will continue to exist, until right steps are taken for them.
The film consists of several episodes and starts with an episode where refugees are trying to pass the high wired fence and one of them falls to his death during clashes with border guards. It is really scary to describe the feeling of these refugeeswho are crying and calling their friend’s name. It is obvious that they are simply struggling for their very existence.
Another scene is taking place in Cameroon where Adu with his sister witnesses how an elephant is being killed by poachers while they are taking a bicycle ride. They had to leave their bicycles and escape from that place just to be safe, while at the same timelocal wardens are hurrying to save one of the scared animals in the park but are too late. One of the members of the preservers is Gonzalo who becomes angry that they are not able to defend animals. He is rich person who came here from Spain for charity. He takes the bike and gives it to his daughter who had always criticized her father for everything and who came to visit her in Africa.
Meanwhile, thepoachers killAdu’s mother just to erase the evidence of killing the elephant and these two children had to flee to Spain with the hope to find their father after they met their aunt. But, the person who promised to give a lift to their destination changes his mind and recommends them to fly Paris in the wheel which was very dangerous and horrifying. With desperation, they follow the instruction of the man and decided to fly, it is really scary and pity to see how Adu’s sister dies in the freezingcold during their flight and she falls through the hole of the plane while it was landing and the little boy was left absolutely alone.Adu became unconscious and washanded to immigrationpolice bythe staff of the airport where he meets Massar.Massaris a 15-year-old runaway who is in the same situation as Adu. They became friendsand werealways together. Massar cares for him like a sibling.
Another episode that has taken place in Cameroon is the high tension between Gonzalo and the local wardens. Gonzalo is an external adviser of the reserve, who is engaged in charity, fights against animal cruelty andfunds the reserve.But the local wardensdidn’t let him work. As his life is under a big risk, Gonzalo decides toleaveCameroon and he takes his daughter. It is the best decision thathestarts to pay more attention to his daughter, takes her to visit a psychologist and his attentiveness saves his daughter in the end from drug addiction.
At the same time Massar and Adustarted their journey to Melilla (Spanish city located on the northwest coast of Africa) through the river which is very dangerous. As Adu was too small to swim the river, Massar drags his balloon with a rope. Unfortunately, their rope broke just at the borderbutthey miraculously survived as they were caught by the guards.Massaris detained and Adu is sent into Malilla as a child refugee.
The film depicts very difficult situations and real hard life stories. There’s a lot to think about and analyze the myriad problems that exist in our society; the fate of innocent people, starvation, deprivation of healthcare, the issues of human rights, security, kidnapping, drug abuse, the list is endless. Those people who are in such an unbearable condition are just victims. I’ve been forced to rethink some aspects of life and attitudes to many things.
One more thing to highlight about this movie is definitely the high quality of production. Beautiful scene and the life of Africa is shown well and delicately. The actors performed well. Filmmakers could reveal the real life of refugees who have lived through these challenges.However, the film was very strangely linked by three stories. In fact,it was not that much needed, because the other two stories have mediocre relevance to everything that’s going on with Adu.
I strongly recommend and do hope the person who watches this film will enjoy it. The film is highly recommended for everyone and anyone.
Dr. Gulnash Askhat holds a doctorate in International Relations. She is the Head of the Department of Professional International Relations at Kazakh AblaiKhan University of International Relations and World Languages, Kazakhstan.