Dheepan (2015) Watch Online Free

Dheepan (2015) Watch Online

Dheepan (2015) Watch Online Free

Director: Jacques Audiard
Year: 2015 Rating: 72
Genres: Crime, Drama

Three people who have lost everything, a soldier tired of fighting, a young woman and a little girl, pose as a family to escape the civil war in Sri Lanka. They emigrate to France and settle in a chaotic neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris, where apparently the law no longer exists; but they, who barely know each other, struggle to survive there, even when the ghosts of war begin to haunt them again.


Dheepan is a 2015 French crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard, which delves into the lives of three Tamil refugees who flee the civil war in Sri Lanka to seek a new life in France. The film follows Sivadhasan (Antonythasan Jesuthasan), a former Tamil Tiger soldier, who assumes the identity of a deceased man named Dheepan Natarajan. To secure political asylum, he forms a makeshift family with Yalini (Kalieaswari Srinivasan), a woman escaping her own troubled past, and Illayaal (Claudine Vinasithamby), a young girl orphaned by the war. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to France, hoping to rebuild their lives.

Upon arrival, they settle in a dilapidated housing project in Le Pré-Saint-Gervais, a suburb of Paris. Sivadhasan secures employment as a caretaker, while Yalini finds work as a caretaker for the elderly father of the local drug lord. The community is rife with violence and drug-related crime, mirroring the chaos they left behind. As the family members navigate their new roles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of their environment, forcing them to confront their past traumas and adapt to their new circumstances.

The film masterfully intertwines personal and societal struggles, portraying the complexities of identity, survival, and the quest for peace. Through its raw and unfiltered depiction of the refugee experience, Dheepan offers a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by displaced individuals seeking solace in foreign lands.

Main Themes

  1. The Refugee Experience and Identity

    Dheepan poignantly explores the complexities of the refugee experience, focusing on themes of displacement, identity, and the search for belonging. The film delves into the psychological and emotional challenges faced by refugees as they navigate new environments, often grappling with the loss of their homeland and the struggle to forge new identities in unfamiliar settings.

  2. Violence and Trauma

    The film delves into the pervasive nature of violence and its enduring impact on individuals. Sivadhasan’s past as a child soldier and the surrounding community’s exposure to drug-related violence highlight the cyclical nature of trauma. The narrative examines how past experiences of violence continue to haunt individuals, influencing their actions and interactions in their new lives.

  3. Adaptation and Survival

    Dheepan portrays the resilience and adaptability required to survive in a new and often hostile environment. The characters’ efforts to establish a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos underscore the human capacity to endure and adapt. The film highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones and secure a better future, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

  4. The Illusion of Safety

    The film critiques the notion of safety in foreign lands, revealing that escaping physical conflict does not necessarily equate to escaping violence. The characters’ experiences in the French housing project demonstrate that new environments can present their own set of challenges and dangers. Dheepan underscores the harsh reality that safety is often an illusion for refugees, who must confront new forms of adversity in their quest for peace.

Impact of the Movie

Dheepan received critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of the refugee experience and its exploration of complex social issues. The film won the Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, a testament to its powerful storytelling and direction. Critics praised the film for its raw and empathetic depiction of its characters, highlighting the performances of the cast, particularly Antonythasan Jesuthasan, who brought authenticity to his role as Sivadhasan. The film sparked discussions on the global refugee crisis, shedding light on the challenges faced by displaced individuals and the societal structures that impact their lives. Its impact extended beyond cinema, contributing to broader conversations about immigration, identity, and the human cost of conflict.

7 Reasons to Watch Dheepan

  1. Authentic Depiction of the Refugee Experience

    Dheepan offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the refugee journey, providing viewers with an intimate look into the lives of those displaced by conflict. The film’s realistic depiction fosters empathy and understanding, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of refugees.

    • The narrative immerses audiences in the emotional and physical challenges faced by refugees, highlighting their strength and humanity.
  2. Compelling Performances

    The film features powerful performances, particularly by Antonythasan Jesuthasan, whose portrayal of Sivadhasan brings depth and authenticity to the character. The cast’s nuanced performances enhance the film’s emotional impact, making the characters’ experiences resonate deeply with viewers.

    • Jesuthasan’s performance is both poignant and compelling, capturing the complexities of a man haunted by his past yet striving for a better future.
  3. Thought-Provoking Themes

    Dheepan delves into complex themes such as identity, trauma, and the illusion of safety, prompting viewers to reflect on societal issues and the human condition. The film encourages critical thinking about the challenges faced by refugees and the broader implications of displacement.

    • The exploration of these themes invites viewers to engage in meaningful discussions about the realities of the refugee experience and the societal structures that influence it.
  4. Stunning Cinematography

    The film’s cinematography captures the stark contrasts between the serene landscapes of Sri Lanka and the gritty urban environment of the French housing project. The visual storytelling enhances the narrative, immersing viewers in the characters’ world and emotions.

    • The cinematography effectively conveys the harsh realities of the characters’ new environment, juxtaposing it with the memories of their homeland.
  5. Social Relevance

    Released during a time of heightened global awareness of the refugee crisis, Dheepan offers a timely and relevant perspective on the challenges faced by displaced individuals. The film contributes to ongoing conversations about immigration, asylum, and the human cost of conflict.

    • By highlighting the personal stories behind the headlines, the film humanizes the refugee experience, fostering empathy and understanding.
  6. Masterful Direction

    Jacques Audiard’s direction brings a nuanced and empathetic approach to the storytelling, skillfully balancing moments of tension with introspective character development. His direction ensures that the film remains engaging and thought-provoking throughout.

    • Audiard’s ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes results in a film that is both compelling and insightful.
  7. Critical Acclaim

    Dheepan received widespread critical acclaim, including the Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. The film’s recognition underscores its artistic excellence and the importance of its subject matter, making it a must-watch for those interested in impactful cinema.

    • The accolades reflect the film’s profound impact on both audiences and critics, solidifying its place as a significant work in contemporary cinema.

How Will You Feel After Watching Dheepan?

After watching Dheepan, you may feel a mix of emotional intensity and reflection. The film’s portrayal of the refugee experience, coupled with its exploration of trauma, identity, and survival, will likely leave you contemplating the complexities of human resilience. The raw, unfiltered depiction of the characters’ struggles to rebuild their lives in a foreign land will evoke empathy and understanding, making you more aware of the challenges faced by displaced individuals around the world.

The emotional weight of the film’s themes may linger long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on the broader societal issues it raises. You may feel a sense of sadness and frustration at the cyclical nature of violence and the illusion of safety, but also a sense of hope in witnessing the characters’ perseverance and determination to survive. Dheepan challenges the viewer to think critically about the impact of conflict, the search for identity, and the human cost of displacement.

Ultimately, you will likely leave the film with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the refugee experience and the ongoing global issues surrounding immigration and asylum. The film’s emotional depth and thought-provoking themes make it a powerful and impactful viewing experience that stays with you long after watching.