Cert 12A
114 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate injury detail, distressing scenes
Dare I offer a counter-view to those who have lauded the importance of Fire At Sea and praised its direction?
Those who have given most plaudits, via social media, have been the intelligentsia - namely, university lecturers or media commentators.
They have proclaimed that everyone should watch the movie because of its hard-hitting reflection on the migrant crisis.
However, I think Fire At Sea is a missed opportunity because its art-house style means that is likely only to attract those who are already converted to its cause.
In my view, while it highlights a very important issue, it will not reach those with entrenched views about refugees and they should be its target.
Gianfranco Rosi's film was shot on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa which has found itself at the centre of the migrant crisis in which 17,000 people have lost their lives.
It contrasts the chaos of the migrants' incredibly dangerous journey across the Mediterranean with the very simple and frugal life of the islanders.
The subtext seems to be the question of why anyone would risk their lives for the latter.
It alights on some fascinating if shocking evidence presented by a local doctor who is now used to dealing with life or death scenarios on a much more regular basis than any time in his career.
But rather than exploring the greater detail of why the refugees take on such perilous journeys, the camera lingers far too long over the minutiae of live in Lampedusa.
This is manifested in the games of children, a radio show and a family meal - all which would have their place but are given such prominence that the message surrounding the refugees is diluted rather than emphasised.
Clearly, my comments fly in the face of the acclaim which has been feted upon Fire At Sea but I couldn't help thinking its vital message needed to engage a wider audience.
Reasons to watch: attacks a very important subject
Reasons to avoid: wanders off from the point far too often
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: naked dead bodies
Overall rating: 6/10
Star tweet
Once Again - a film wont leave me alone - #fireatsea - that little boy IS Europe - in the same way the boy in #bicyclethieves was Europe x
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