The Man Who Sold His Skin

Chilling, satirical and full of irony, this contemporary drama about selling one's soul for an alleged sense of freedom only to find oneself more restrained than ever spins a captivating and thought-provoking tale. When a Syrian refugee seeks to flee his wartorn homeland for a new life in Europe with his soul mate, he makes a questionable deal with a famous but sinister artist, granting him access to the skin on his back to create a living work of tattoo art, a contract fraught with consequences beyond anything he ever imagined. Director Kaouther Ben Hania's second narrative feature serves up an array of intriguing and incisive insights and observations on a variety of social, political and economic issues, particularly the treatment of individuals more as commodities than as living beings. The script's deft mixture of macabre, witty and profound elements provides an entertaining and engaging combination that will keep viewers glued to the screen right up to its twist-filled conclusion. A most worthy contender for this year's Oscar for best international feature.

Ok, director Kaouther Ben Hania sure had good intentions, but I think 'The Man Who Sold his Skin' is a misfire. Although Sam — a Syrian refugee who sells his back to a renowned artist to turn it into a work of art, so he can travel to Europe and meet his lover — is a very charismatic protagonist, his journey feels offensive to Syrian people. Ben Hania trivializes the suffering of a society at war with a cruel satire about a guy who, later, craves the "freedom" he had back home. The main problem with it is that the story forgets that thousands of men and women are still fleeing the country in search of real freedom. 'The Man Who Sold His Skin' completely forgets about it. The film, of course, criticizes exploitation, but, slowly, becomes exactly what is pointing at: taking advantage of those who cannot defend themselves. Also, Ben Hania's screenplay struggles at developing other characters. Abeer, Sam's lover, is just an accessory to the plot; and Jeffrey, the artist, solely explains to the public what the story is all about. Oh, and there's a Monica Bellucci jumpscare. In my opinion, only 'Another Round' and 'Quo Vadis, Aida?' deserved the Academy Award nomination for Best International Film last year. I really would love to know what Syrian refugees think of this.