I first saw New Country in Europe, formatted as a movie over 2 hours long. Back in Australia, the wonderful SBS channel recently showed it in its intended form as a mini series of twice the length.
To cover the shorter version first, I thought this worked wonderfully as an always touching, often funny but largely conventional road movie. 40-ish Iranian Massoud witnesses one deportation too many at his refugee camp and decides not to wait around for his handcuff-assisted one way ticket.
Somali youngster Ali, habitually bedecked in Swedish flags and insignia and over whom Massoud keeps a brotherly eye, suffers no such disillusionment. "Sverige bro!" is his constant refrain, at least during his waking hours; in sleep, though, Ali is forced to relive the horrors that made him a refugee.
When Massoud makes to flee the camp in a spectacularly awful old car, Ali decides to join him on the run, an apt phrase from Ali's point of view, as he appears to display real talent as an athlete. Add one faded Miss Sweden, in the form of Louise - rescued at the roadside, fleeing a porno movie shoot - and the trio is established.
As with all road movies, the path they follow is emotional as much as geographical. There are fascinating encounters along the way and the resolution is satisfying.
The filming techniques used here give the appearance of a "fly on the wall" doco for much of the movie, with almost a Super 8 feel at times. These methods bring an edginess that is entirely in sympathy with the story being told.
If at all possible, though, try to catch the longer version. In this format, a far broader story emerges, in which we see that the director probably intended the title to be slightly more ambiguous than we first think.
Sure, Sweden is the "promised land" of Ali's and Massoud's hopes and dreams. Equally, though, we are shown some of the ways in which a new country is evolving from the monoglot, dare I say slightly insular, nation the outside world may lazily perceive Sweden to be. This cut finds the time to explore several shades of opinion and emotion on contemporary issues, from neo-nazi right through to selfless good samaritan. We observe the downtrodden preying upon the desperate, a tireless campaigner's wishes touchingly granted, a lecherous aging couple trying for one last thrill and - most heartwarmingly - kindness tending to win out over small-mindedness and spite. All that, and a royal visitation (of sorts) too.
Best of all, we get a lot more time to spend with Ali and Massoud. We see their relationship grow from that of two sorely mismatched players in one of modern life's dramas to true comrades who would sacrifice anything for each other. As in all such friendships, the pair teach one another a great deal, and as we bid them farewell we're left hoping this increased knowledge will help them through whatever challenges face them in the future.
The acting by the three main players, particularly Boysen and Almayehu is wonderful, with many fine supporting performances too.
