September’23 – Nominated By ZA
Nominations
- Open Your Eyes – 1 Vote
- The Color Purple – 1 Vote
- Kes- 1 Vote
- The Land – 2 Votes
Plot Synopsis
The story is set in a rural Egyptian village during the 1930s, where the local community is largely dependent on farming. The narrative centralizes on the villagers’ struggle against the exploitative practices of the local landlords, who are backed by the British colonial forces present in the country at the time.
The primary focus is on Abu Swelam, a respected village elder who stands as a symbol of tradition and integrity. He, along with other villagers, grapples with the severe challenges presented by nature, including drought, as well as the socioeconomic struggles intensified by the greed of the landlords who seek to monopolize the region’s vital water resources to irrigate their own lands. This leaves the villagers in dire straits, with limited access to water for their crops.
As the tension escalates, the villagers decide to unite and resist the landlords’ oppression. The film portrays their collective struggle, illustrating their resilience, unity, and determination to fight for their rights and their land. It doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities they face, including poverty, betrayal, and even death.
Over the course of the film, the villagers’ unity and their fight for justice become a potent force against the landlords, leading to a powerful and emotionally charged climax that portrays the harsh realities of rural life during this period in Egyptian history.
Themes:
The film delves deep into themes of social injustice, class struggle, and the fight against oppression. It’s a poignant critique of the feudal system prevailing in rural Egypt during the time, showcasing the extreme disparities between the affluent landlords and the impoverished peasants. Through vivid character portrayals and a gritty narrative, “Al-Ard” brings to life the resilience and fortitude of the common people as they unite to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
The Land is considered a classic of Egyptian cinema and has been praised for its realistic depiction of rural life and the socio-political issues of the time. It’s a compelling watch for anyone interested in understanding the historical and societal nuances of rural Egypt in the 20th century.
Average Scores
| Enjoyable | Plot | Acting | Camera | Themes | Music | Casting | Wildcard | Total | |
| Average Score | 3.75 | 1.56 | 1.38 | 0.79 | 0.49 | 0.38 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 8.05 |
| Max Score | 5 | 2 | 1.5 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | +/- 0.5 | 11.5 |
| Difference | 1.25 | 0.44 | 0.13 | 0.11 | 0.01 | 0.13 | 0 | 0.15 | 2.46 |
Individual Scores
| Reviewer | Enjoyable | Plot | Acting | Camera | Themes | Music | Casting | Wildcard | Total |
| MA | 5 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 10.9 |
| YA | 5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0 | 10.1 |
| ZA | 5 | 1.75 | 1.4 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 10.65 |
| KS | 0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.55 | 0.45 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 4.5 |