It was Jordan’s first official submission for a best foreign film Oscar — ever. However, it seems as if an emotional payoff was shoehorned in, one that is not earned. While the movie succeeds in following Abu Raed as he touches several people’s lives, the situations and characters Abu encounters waver between those rooted in real life and ringing true to those feeling tired and cich?©d. Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 The Royal Film Commission of Jordan endorsed Captain Abu Raed to be submitted to the 81st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, the first ever submitted by Jordan. JavaScript is required for full functionality on this website, but scripting is currently disabled. Despite the film's flaws, there's something winsome about Abu Raed in his captain's hat, entertaining kids with visits to cities that exist only in his imagination. Sign up for a FANALERT® and be the first to know when tickets and other exclusives are available in your area. Quiz: US Citizenship Test - Could You Pass? Sidney Poitier’s 7 Most Memorable Performances, All Harry Potter Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer. Learn more, when you purchase 3 participating Suave products 9/1-10/31 at Walmart or Walmart.com. Don't have an account? Sidney Poitier’s 7 Most Memorable Performances, All Harry Potter Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer. They’re not the only ones struggling in society. A beautiful, tender tale that not only sneaks into the hearts of the audience, but may well be a definining moment in Jordanian cinema. Forgot your password? here for reprint permission, Sore losers: Hillary Clinton operatives tried to take down Trump after he won the 2016 election, Texts from Hunter Biden’s business partner show Joe Biden involved in China deal talks. Nour (Jordan television presenter Rana Sultan) is a real pilot. Not Rated | 1h 42min | Drama | 6 February 2008 (Jordan) When an old airport janitor finds a captain's hat in the trash, he gets pulled into the lives of children in his poor neighborhood. Review: Captain Abu Raed. He’s right, of course, but takes an untoward pleasure in his denunciations. The pilots walk by, and their passage reveals Abu Raed, who is cleaning the floor in his janitor¬ís garb. Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. 20 people found this helpful The film is anchored by Nadim Sawalha, who plays Abu Raed in a solid and subtle performance. Writer-director Amin Matalqa’s debut affirms life, plucks heartstrings, and knows no shame. Two boys especially need Raed’s help. Donald Trump delivered on promises and gets results, New York Times asleep at the switch over journalistic ethics. Captain Abu Raed reaches for restrained empathy but cannot hide its bald-faced emotional manipulations and squishy, sentimental core. ...both the somewhat sentimental tale of a senior citizen making a change in the life of a child and a movie that forges its own path with unexpected developments. COVID-19 cases strain rural hospitals, worry health officials, This unique, American-made survival rifle is perfect for your go-bag, How To: Fix Dark Spots And Uneven Skin Tones, Black voter support for Trump soars to 31%, new survey finds, Rapper Lil Wayne meets with Trump, praises president on Twitter, Mnuchin slams Pelosi on COVID relief: 'Your ALL OR NONE approach is hurting hard-working Americans', Click Captain Abu Raed. Review by Joey Ernand. It, too, travels. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! Fandango helps you go back to the movies with confidence and peace of mind. 2020 Toronto International Film Festival Preview Read More; What to Watch on FandangoNOW: ‘The Grizzlies,’ ’Antebellum,’ Pro Football Movies and More Read More; This Week in Movie News: ‘Borat’ Sequel is Coming Soon, Neve Campbell Officially Joins ‘Scream 5’ … Abu Raed (Nadim Sawalha) is a janitor at Amman’s airport. This award-winning film deserves to be seen, if only for its quiet dignity and the power of its performances. Captain Abu Raed ( 2007) Captain Abu Raed. Mr. Sawalha is a genial guide through the country and its battles with modernity, but he’s matched by those who represent Jordan’s future. A slightly older boy, Murad (Hussein Al-Sous), declares the old man a fake. The director was born in Jordan, moving to the U.S. at age 13, but visiting his homeland every year. and the Terms and Policies, Aan engaging Jordanian film about friendship between generations -- and courage at any age. This is a first film, but a well-executed one. Burly and unhurried, Sawalha gives a fine, understated performance. He begins telling the children of his adventures as a pilot, while trying to keep his true profession a secret. and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. Flaws aside, “Captain Abu Raed” is a subdued and affecting movie, a sweet little debut picture that effectively captures what it feels like to come alive again in our twilight years. Between its over-carpentered plot and Austin Wintory’s appalling score, “Captain Abu Raed’’ could be a commercial for manipulativeness. An endearing blend of myth and melodrama that forthrightly explores family abuse in its own society. a genuine find, a humane and compelling movie of scale. and View Comments, Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters. However, it just so happens to be the first Jordanian film to be shown in international theaters, and that milestone deserves to be recognized, if not celebrated. 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As a result, the children of Abu Raed’s small neighborhood immediately assume he’s a world-traveling pilot.