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Documentary

Human Flow (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Human Flow (2017) movie poster

Human Flow is a 2017 documentary starring Amir, Peter Bouckaert and Hanan Ashrawi. It runs 2 hours 20 minutes and earned $1.8 million worldwide. Critics gave it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
91%
worldwide gross
$1.8M
Echo Score
78
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Human Flow (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 20m (140 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Human Flow About?

The premise of Human Flow without spoilers.

Driven from their homes by war, famine, and the escalating effects of climate change, over 65 million people are displaced worldwide. This powerful documentary follows the journeys of refugees as they navigate treacherous borders and search for safety. Through intimate portraits and expansive landscapes, Ai Weiwei’s film reveals the human stories behind this global crisis, highlighting the challenges and resilience of those seeking a better future.

Human Flow Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • artist
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Cast & crew

Human Flow Cast & Characters

Amir leads the cast, with Peter Bouckaert and Hanan Ashrawi as Interviewee.

Ratings

Human Flow Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Human Flow 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

78 /100

Human Flow Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of its overall impact, Human Flow combines striking visual imagery with a heartfelt exploration of the refugee crisis, though its extended duration occasionally undercuts narrative cohesion. Critics praise the sweeping cinematography and the film’s capacity to evoke empathy, while noting that the macro scope can feel abstract at times. User feedback highlights the documentary’s compelling testimonies but questions its balance of context. Altogether, the film leaves a powerful impression through its emotional urgency and aesthetic ambition.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of visual composition and direction, Human Flow offers consistently evocative imagery that captures the scale and intimacy of displacement. The film employs a diverse array of camera techniques and deliberate framing to underscore both sweeping landscapes and individual moments. Critics note the poetic use of light and color, while users appreciate the immersive travelogue feel. The unified visual style delivers a compelling portrait of global migration.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    In terms of emotional resonance, Human Flow delivers heartfelt testimonies that humanize the refugee experience. Interviews with displaced individuals provide moments of genuine vulnerability, conveying their aspirations and hardships with clarity. While some observers wished for deeper personal context or follow-up, the film’s candid portraits foster empathy and understanding. Overall, the emotional narratives create a powerful connection between viewers and the subjects’ lived realities.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of narrative structure and pacing, Human Flow presents a broad survey of global migration that unfolds across multiple regions. The film’s expansive scope and episodic transitions highlight diverse contexts but can occasionally impede momentum, especially given the extended runtime. Observers praise its ambition and thematic coherence yet note that the macro perspective sometimes sacrifices deeper analysis. Overall, the storytelling remains compelling but benefits from a more focused progression.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    In terms of sensory impact, Human Flow combines a striking visual palette with immersive ambient soundscapes that enhance its emotional weight. The documentary’s rhythmic editing and careful use of natural sound create a visceral atmosphere, while the sparse musical cues underscore moments of tension and reflection. Critics highlight the cohesion between image and sound, noting how auditory elements amplify the film’s sense of scale.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch value, Human Flow offers moments of compelling insight but remains challenging for multiple viewings due to its weighty subject matter and lengthy runtime. While the documentary’s striking visuals and emotional interviews invite reflection, the sprawling scope and lack of a tighter narrative arc may limit its appeal for repeated engagements. Overall, the film’s thematic significance endures, though its heavy tone may deter frequent revisits.

Box office

Human Flow Box Office

Human Flow grossed $1.8 million worldwide. $527,845 came from the US and Canada and $1.3 million (71%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.8M

US & Canada
$527.8K
International
$1.3M
US & Canada 29% Rest of the world 71%
Videos

Human Flow Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Human Flow.

Human Flow Official Trailer [HD] | Amazon Studios
Details

Human Flow Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Marea Humana” and “Human Flow: Não Existe Lar se Não Há Para Onde Ir”.

Also known as
  • Marea Humana
  • Human Flow: Não Existe Lar se Não Há Para Onde Ir
  • Ανθρώπινη Ροή
  • 人流
  • 유랑하는 사람들
  • Migruojantys žmonės
  • הזרם האנושי
  • Marea Humana (Human Flow)
  • Човешки поток
  • ฮิวแมน โฟลว์

Seen Human Flow?

FAQ

Human Flow FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Human Flow, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Human Flow?

Human Flow runs 2 hours 20 minutes (140 minutes).

When was Human Flow released?

Human Flow was released on October 13, 2017.

Who is in the cast of Human Flow?

Human Flow stars Amir, Peter Bouckaert and Hanan Ashrawi as Interviewee, among 23 credited actors.

How much did Human Flow make at the box office?

Human Flow grossed $1.8 million worldwide ($527,845 domestic, $1.3 million international).

How is Human Flow rated?

Human Flow has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Does Human Flow have a post-credit scene?

No. Human Flow has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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