This was an incredible portrait of what it means to be a displaced person. I greatly appreciated the fact that two-thirds of the film focused on the journey from a war-torn Syria to safe refuge in Germany. The inbetween trek was heartbreaking and frightening, and real-life sisters Manal and Nathalie Issa did an amazing job of portraying the harrowing journey. At its core, this was a story of the indomitable nature of the human spirit and our will to overcome all odds and obstacles. Displaced peoples will go through unimaginable travails in order to find a new, safe life for themselves and their families, and it's not anything to be taken lightly or dismissed.

[spoiler]While medaling in the Olympics would've been great, it would always pale in comparison to what the Mardini sisters chose to do w/ their lives.[/spoiler] They're both champions of human rights, helping displaced peoples find their way safely to new lives. They are both to be commended for their choices.

For a number of years, I've supported an agency that assists widows and orphans in Syria. Their own government has waged an illegal war on the people of that country, and NuDay Syria has helped provide necessary services to displaced families. In addition to providing goods and services, they also teach the women a sustainable skill, so they can make money to support their family. It's really an amazing organization, and they're backed by the UN. If you're able, I highly suggest supporting them and those they help.