Captain Abu Raed (Jordan, 2008)

To the responses I am getting from you folks, it’s encouraging to write about the world of movies. Travelling long distances by facing multiple cultures is a fascinating journey.  I heard this is the first Jordanian film to be produced in Jordon for 50 years of its history. Directed by Amin Matalqa, this film got many accolades worldwide when it got released.

Abu Raed a Janitor in airport. One day he finds an old captain’s hat. He wears it and leaves home as usual, on the way a boy named Tareq mistakes him as a captain and also invites some of his friends to Abu Raed’ home to share his adventure. Abu Raed initially denies it, but eventually yields to them by telling stories that her read as his adventure. The lone Abu Raed finds story telling as means to get rid of his solitude, he is a widower, lost his son and leaving alone and waiting for death.

Meantime he meets Noor, a lady Captain who is in her 30’s, trying to escape from her father clutches to getting married. Tareq’s friend Murad proves to him that Abu Raed is not a captain, but a janitor. Abu Raed comes to know about Murad, that his father’ ill treatment to Murrad, his brother and their mother. Abu Raed tries to find a solution to the problems of Noor, Murrad and Tareq, succeeds much, but eventually sacrifices himself.

The story is depicted in a kind of novel-like scenarios. With the magnificent backdrop of the Amman city and the ancient Roman ruins, Arabian music and wonderful cast and well performed character. It’s a touching film from the Arab world. This was the first Jordan film, which was submitted in 81stAcademy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

It’s a film about a simple man who is living in the verge of death, want to bring a change around him, at least a small change, will be a big leap for the under privileged.

Trailer

Waltz with Bashir

Waltz with Bashir, a film by a Israeli director Ari Folman. The film is a very rare genre "animated documentary". The movie is nominated for the "Best Foreign Language" film category for this year' Academy Awards. By reading the reviews before watching this film, i thought it will be a boring one. The reason is it says about a person ( A soldier) who is affected war and trauma to overcome it and moreover it is said in an animation movie. The belief and what we have seen is animation is used only with fish or rat speaks. Those are fun,  like a talking donkey, fighting cats, but this film deals with a serious point and told with the canvas which was used to create fun and frolic.

The Fact - The story of the film can be said here, because some research for this movie will get us the story which are actual events, Middle East conflict and massacre of Palestines in the war camp by Lebanese militia where Isreal goverment failed to stop the massacre and turned deaf ears to it.

The Movie - Its interesting from the start, the first thing that captivates one is the color, bright yellow with dark colors. The next be the music and some little dark comedy and good story telling.

A good watch for movie goers, for people who like history and for who like Psychology.