Theeb
(2014/Film Movement Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: C+ Film: C+
Critically
acclaimed and nominated for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Foreign
Language film, the powerful Jordanian/Arabic drama Theeb
(2014) is directed by Naji Abu Nowar and set in the World War 1
period. Full of great performances and stunning cinematography, the
slow moving drama will appeal to dramatic film lovers and fans of
foreign films but may not appeal as much to the mainstream American
movie going audience.
The
film stars Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat as Theeb, Hussein Salameh
Al-Sweilhiyeen, Hassan Mutlag Al-Maraiyeh, and Jack Fox as Edward.
Two
newly orphaned brothers Theeb (Al-Hwietat) and Hussein
(Al-Sweihiyeen) during the Ottoman province of Hijaz during World War
I. Both brothers are unwittingly pulled into the Arab revolt against
the Ottoman Empire thanks to an Englishman by the name of Edward
(Fox), who meets them while passing through their camp with his Arab
agent. When his older brother is chosen as the visitors' guide to
their mysterious final destination, Theeb sets out to follow them,
and eventually joins the group over Edward's vehement protests. The
film is ultimately a coming of age story dealing with the young boy's
struggles of adjusting to the harsh reality of war and standing on
his own despite the several hardships that he has faced.
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and
a lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 track in Arabic, the film
looks and sounds stunning on Blu-ray disc and captures several
details that you won't be able to pick up on any other format. The
disc also has subtitles in English, Spanish, and French but no
dubbing option. Extras include a bonus short film named Waves '98
that was a Cannes Palme d'Or Winner and some trailers for other
releases by Film Movement.
Not
the type of film that I usually go see, but if you are a fan of
Foreign dramas or the historical subject matter then this highly
rated film will be one for you to check out!
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
