What is this film? And how did it manage to hold the audience captive throughout the entire screening? And what about Ahmed Zaki's outstanding talent? This giant who left us too soon, his body departed but his cinematic legacy will shine forever like the midday sun.
Don't you feel like this film connects us and keeps us glued to the screen with a strange magnetism? Is it the direction of the late Akbar El-Tayeb, or is it the result of Montassir's (played by Ahmed Zaki) repeated killings and his own eventual demise in the espionage tale of Mohamed Wafi? Or is it the magic that emanates from the Upper Egyptian accent, which moans with such emotion that it touches our hearts without explanation? What an extraordinary combination of cinematic humanity and creativity!
Did the honest officer's betrayal add another layer to the story, or did the dancer's love contribute to our affection for it? Or did Ahmed Zaki surpass even himself in his transformation from the innocent victim to the superior killer in his repeated escapes? Perhaps it's because Ahmed Zaki embodied a complex character who embodies the emotions of the broken, innocent victim and the strong, assertive killer who imposes his will on society. Did you notice that the innocent child remained alive within the killer throughout his thrilling adventures?
What is this film, and why do we feel its power so strongly? In fact, I have only questions, and perhaps the questions in describing a film like this are far better than the answers.
Yes, this film is a true masterpiece of Egyptian cinema. The fugitive seeking revenge for his wife's dishonorable act, this killer is also the obedient son who willingly surrendered himself to protect his sick, elderly mother. He is the loyal friend of the officer, attempting to shield him from the bullets of Wafi the traitor with his own body. He is also the man suspended between heaven and earth, lying on a net tied between trees, watching the soaring hawks.
What about the soundtrack of "Al-Harub" which is simply nothing but outstanding? The epic-themed Upper-Egyptian traditional music perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of each scene, enhancing the emotional impact of the film and adding an extra layer of depth to the story. This original and unique soundtrack is a true work of art, and it is clear that a great deal of thought and care went into its creation.
The questions may never end in a film that will never be replicated. Ahmed Zaki needs no praise or testimony from me or anyone else. His history, studded with cinematic jewels, speaks for itself better than any of us, be they specialized critics or cinema-loving viewers. With his unique ability to embody his characters, here in The Escape, he was relaxed and showed the great energy within him.
Finally, I would like to mention something that may seem strange to some. After watching the film more than ten times, I often find myself asking, "Can the international filmmaker Youssef Chahine direct even one scene of the same quality as those in this film?" This question is not meant to detract from the great Chahine, but rather to acknowledge the value of El-Tayeb.
0 out of 0 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
