User Reviews

This is a wonderfully written, directed and acted piece that allows us at least briefly to enter the world of these characters. Why does Omar, who is in a position to help Marco and knows the trials that lie ahead of him, not take him in, at least until his Home Office interview is done? Why do we get the feeling that Marco might not accept such an offer? His sense of self-worth, pride?

Marco's love and sense of responsibility for his parents back home is touching. It moves Omar to ponder his own family back in Lebanon and re-establish contact with them.

I was not expecting to be as moved by this piece as I was. It gave me plenty to contemplate, including our role and responsibility as world citizens. When we elect politicians who demonize immigrants and asylum seekers, ignoring their plight, and who start or fan conflicts abroad, we're not getting it.

I hope this work has a wide audience, and that everyone who sees it will be touched by it in some way. There are a few lighter moments, such as when Omar says "If you're going to bring God into it, I need another joint!" And of the two characters, Marco is the more light-hearted, despite the abominable conditions he endured getting to London.

The piece left me with a longing for a sequel and to know how Marco is doing, how his Home Office appointment went. It also leaves me with a desire to learn more about Arabic culture generally, and music in particular. The closing theme in this film is haunting.