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Refusenik is a 2007 documentary film that explores the history of the movement to allow Soviet Jews to emigrate to Israel. The term 'refusenik' refers to the hundreds of thousands of Soviet Jews who were denied permission to leave their homeland in the 1970s and 1980s. The film chronicles the personal stories of several refuseniks, including Natan Sharansky, Avital Sharansky, and Rabbi Yosef Mendelevich. Each individual's story is unique, but they share a common goal: to leave the Soviet Union and settle in Israel.

Through interviews with the refuseniks themselves, as well as family members, friends, and advocates, Refusenik highlights the oppression and discrimination that Soviet Jews faced, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The film also sheds light on the global movement that sought to pressure the Soviet government to respect human rights and allow Jews to leave.

While Refusenik focuses primarily on the Jewish experience in the Soviet Union, it also touches on broader themes of freedom, democracy, and the power of grassroots activism. The film shows how ordinary people can come together to fight for their rights and make a difference.

One of the most compelling aspects of Refusenik is the way it brings to life the personal stories of the refuseniks. These individuals are not just names in a history book – they are real people with families, dreams, and aspirations. The filmmakers allow us to connect with them on a human level, and this makes their struggle all the more poignant.

Another strength of the film is the way it situates the Soviet Jewish struggle in a broader historical context. While the plight of Soviet Jews was unique, it was also part of a larger struggle for human rights and democracy. Refusenik shows how the Soviet Jewish movement was inspired by other liberation movements of the time, such as the Civil Rights movement in the United States and the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

Overall, Refusenik is a powerful and moving documentary that educates and inspires. It reminds us that the fight for freedom and democracy is ongoing, and that ordinary people can make a difference. By telling the story of the Soviet Jewish refuseniks, Refusenik honors their legacy and inspires us to continue the struggle for human rights and dignity.

Refusenik is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.