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Human Flow

Name: Human Flow
Director: Ai Weiwei
Released: 2017
Duration: 140 min

Representation Score

8.7/10

Excellent

2017

PG-13

Director

Ai Weiwei

Runtime

140 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ai Weiwei’s documentary is a comprehensive exploration of the global refugee crisis, spanning 23 countries to document the movement of millions. By centering non-Western voices, the film offers a nuanced perspective on the multi-layered realities of race and nationality. It shifts away from traditional hero arcs to present a systemic view of human movement. The film effectively critiques Western institutional authority and the exclusionary nature of national borders. While it excels in racial and cultural representation, it lacks specific focus on LGBTQ+ identities and treats disability primarily as a consequence of systemic suffering.

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Category Breakdown

Does Human Flow have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the global refugee crisis rather than individual LGBTQ+ storylines. It does not prominently feature non-cisgender identities or LGBTQ+ characters as central plot points.

How does Human Flow portray gender?

Good

The narrative emphasizes the active roles of women in navigating survival within transit camps and border zones. It highlights their specific vulnerabilities and contributions to the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Human Flow?

Excellent

The film centers a diverse cast of people from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, emphasizing their ability to act and humanity. It provides a rich portrayal of various ethnicities and cultures.

How does Human Flow represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western institutions and national borders, depicting borders as exclusionary. Religious practices are shown with cultural sensitivity, reflecting their importance in identity.

Does Human Flow include disability representation?

Fair

The film captures the physical and psychological toll of displacement, including trauma and exhaustion. However, it does not use disability as a specific narrative device.

Present on Screen

Centers non-Western, multi-ethnic populations from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Critiques Western institutional authority and the exclusionary nature of national borders.
Depicts religious practices with cultural sensitivity.
Highlights women's active roles in navigating survival.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ storylines or prominent non-cisgender gender identities.
Treats disability as a byproduct of trauma rather than a specific narrative focus.
Macro-scale observational style may overlook individual identity-driven narratives.

Official Synopsis

More than 65 million people around the world have been forced from their homes to escape famine, climate change and war, the greatest displacement since World War II. Filmmaker Ai Weiwei examines the staggering scale of the refugee crisis and its profoundly personal human impact. Over the course of one year in 23 countries, Weiwei follows a chain of urgent human stories that stretch across the globe, including Afghanistan, France, Greece, Germany and Iraq.

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