Lucky Miles is a multi-language foreign film based on a diverse group of male migrants trying to find a way out of the Australian outback.
In all, the film consists of dialogue in English, French, Arabic, Indonesian, Khmer (Cambodian) and Gumatj (a language commonly spoken by aboriginal communities in Northern Territory, Australia).
The film follows the abandoned men, each who speak different languages, as they fight their environment to find safety.
Lucky Miles touches on many themes revolving around human empathy, communication and the migration diaspora present in South East Asia.
Synopsis
As alluded to above Lucky Miles follows a group of migrants who are abandoned by an Indonesian fishing boat on the Western Australian Coast.
These men come from different places including Iraq, Indonesia and Cambodia who soon find themselves lost in the Australian outback. They attempt to find a way through the treacherous landscape in the hopes of finding any sign of human life.
The remainder of the film follows the men as they journey forward, hilariously battling their environment, themselves and an army reserve officer who is determined to catch them.
Important Themes
Unsurprisingly, Lucky Miles touches on many issues concerning the history of asylum seekers via boat and racist sentiments held by many in Australia towards refugees.
As history has it, the first wave of boat arrivals from asylum seekers started in 1976 after the conclusion of the Vietnam War. But boat arrivals over the past few decades have been met with a considerable amount of boats that have been 'turned back' by the Australian government.
For an in depth look at boat arrivals and turnbacks in Australia click here to read more.
Furthermore, the Australian government has a robust history of spreading racist rhetoric and dehumanizing asylum seekers with the language in their public statements and policies.
Research conducted in 2016 from the Face Up to Racism: 2015-16 National Survey found that public attitudes towards asylum seekers and refugees varied among the general public.
36 percent of the public had positive feelings towards asylum seekers and refugees, while 44 percent indicated they have a neutral stance and 19 percent stated they have very negative or somewhat negative feelings towards asylum seekers and refugees.
While a later question in the survey found that 43 percent of the general public believe that all boats carrying asylum seekers heading to Australia should be turned back, with only 29 percent of the public believing they should be welcomed.
The study, which is indeed very informative, leads us to make the conclusion that many in Australia want to help asylum seekers and refugees. But only the right kind of asylum seekers and refugees.
For a full breakdown of the above statistics click here.
All in all it is easy for people to judge the dealings of other nations without actually living within the borders of said country. However, it is important to not forget that as charming and diverse Australia is, racial tension still exists.
Much like here in North America, conservationism is on the rise and societal sentiments towards marginalized communities are becoming more and more prevalent.
Just in December of 2017 the United Nations stated that racism is on the rise and going on to say that section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act needs to be revisited and changed along with censoring certain aspects of the media.
Conclusion
Altogether Lucky Miles is funny, entertaining and a bit sad at times (although I believe this gives the film more depth).
The film touches on a range of issues around racism and the rights of migrants in Australia.
But in my eyes the film really stands out due to the curious nature of the film itself.
Throughout the film we follow the group of men as they drag themselves through an unforgiving environment. They are alone in the Australian desert and yet are being chased at the same time.
Which metaphorically reflects on the current state many asylum seekers, refugees and members of other marginalized groups who are stuck in a middle area. Neither here nor there. Who are scrutinized by those who hold 'traditional Australian values'.
Go ahead and mark down Lucky Miles on your to watch list. It's a good one. It'll take you on a journey in someone else's shoes and is full with entertainment and zany humour.
