Dragon Food

Dragon Food - 2004-05-12. Director: Jan Schutte, Germany, 1987, black and white, 75 minutes. This human and emotional film provides an impactful look at the situation of foreign refugees in West German society (before the reunification of the two countries). Although this situation has not changed even today, after the reunification of Germany, the unpleasant conditions of refugees and foreign immigrants, along with the social and legal barriers they face, have not improved qualitatively. The story revolves around the acquaintance and friendship of two immigrants. A young and intelligent Pakistani named 'Shazad' has obtained permanent residency in Germany and has come to Hamburg in pursuit of his dreams, with a calm and composed personality. After a short time, he finds the reality of German society to be different from the stories he had heard about it. A cold and soulless land that offers nothing to immigrants but hardship, government hostels, and numerous summons from the immigration office. Shazad is not allowed to work, but he finds a job illegally at a Chinese restaurant and befriends a Chinese waiter named 'Jiao'. The two eventually decide to open their own restaurant and achieve their dreams. Aside from the repetitive theme of the story, the black and white cinematography, which was used in the 1980s to create nostalgic effects, is commendable as it effectively conveys the soullessness and coldness of Western society, a society whose streets are illuminated by the light of unfulfilled dreams. This cinematography, along with the faces of the two main characters, gives a special beauty to the film, but expecting profound philosophical and original insights from this film is excessive, as many similar stories and films have been told and elaborated upon.