Watch Illegal

Illegal is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of immigration in contemporary Europe. The movie, which was released in 2010, is a Belgian-French drama film that was directed by Olivier Masset-Depasse. The film follows the story of Tania (Anne Coesens), a Russian immigrant who is living illegally in Belgium with her son, Ivan (Alexandre Gontcharov). Tania is a hard-working woman who does odd jobs and works as a cleaner in order to support herself and her son. However, life is not easy for Tania as she constantly lives in fear of being caught by the authorities and deported back to Russia, where she has faced persecution in the past.

The film begins with a sequence where Tania is driving her car, and she is pulled over by the police. The tension in the scene is palpable, as Tania knows that her illegal status could be discovered at any moment. The police officers are intimidating, and Tania tries her best to remain calm and composed. This opening scene sets the tone for the film, as it establishes the constant threat of discovery and the fear that Tania lives with every day.

Things take a turn for the worse when Tania is arrested during a routine check at her workplace. She is taken to a detention center where she is kept for several weeks, while her case is being reviewed by the authorities. The film does a great job of creating a sense of claustrophobia and desperation that Tania feels during her time in detention. She is trapped in a system that is rigged against her, and it seems like there is no hope for her to be released.

The film also explores the relationship between Tania and her son, Ivan. Ivan is a teenager who is struggling with his own identity, as he feels torn between his Russian heritage and his desire to fit in with his Belgian peers. Ivan's character is well-developed, and the film does a great job of showing the complexities of growing up as an immigrant in a foreign land. The scenes between Tania and Ivan are some of the most emotionally powerful in the film, as they show the bond between a mother and her son, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

The film also introduces several other characters who are also living illegally in Belgium. These characters are well-written and well-acted, and they provide a glimpse into the diverse experiences of immigrants in Europe. There is a sense of solidarity and camaraderie between these characters, as they support each other and share their stories of survival.

Overall, Illegal is a powerful and moving film that explores important themes of immigration, identity, and human resilience. The film is expertly directed, and the cast delivers exceptional performances. The film does not offer easy solutions to the complex issues it raises, but it does provide a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of the struggles faced by immigrants in contemporary Europe. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.