Exodus

Gr 9 Up-In 2015, more than one million refugees crossed into Europe, both legally and illegally, according to this film. The investigative journalists, aided by choppy cell phone footage and recorded conversations with individuals and families, help viewers put human faces on the often overwhelming label of "migrant" and "refugee." Isra'a, though only 11, races through Turkish streets at night, pointing out the "rubber rings" sold as life preservers. Many are counterfeit and will serve as deadweight. Isra'a's parents and extended family debate whether it is worth the risk to hire a dinghy to reach Greece. Sadiq, an electrician, hopes to qualify for asylum in Finland. Hassan, a former schoolteacher, survives brutal beatings and tries to reach England. Alaigie, a 21-year-old eldest son, leaves Gambia on an illegal route into Italy, seeking the opportunity to support his mother and siblings. Chaos is evident everywhere, with long lines, broken buses, pickup trucks with 30 people crammed aboard, and overburdened boats taking on water. It is hard not to identify with those featured, who have fled often appalling conditions, seeking basic goals such as peace, safety, equality, economic opportunity, and the freedom to pray as they wish. The final scenes reconnect with specific individuals, most of whom have successfully reached relative safety. VERDICT This two-hour-long program has many intense scenes, including those depicting children in peril. Teachers may consider using all of it or portions in history, social studies, government, or ethics classes, depending on the age of viewers and class time available.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.