Captain Abu Raed

I watched this movie the other day and I've been thinking about making a thread about it ever since.

It's the story of a janitor who works in Queen Alia airport in Amman, Jordan. This man finds a captain's hat in the trash and when he goes back to his place he is mistaken for a pilot by local kids. Anyway that's how the story begins.

It is a very beautiful tale with very realistic and believable characters. I was lucky enough to live in Jordan for several years and I can assure you that living there you can definitely meet people like the people portrayed in this film.

The lead is gracefully played by Jordanian actor Nadim Sawalha (father of Nadia and Julia Sawalha -the latter is probably better known for playing Eddie's daughter Saffron in Absolutely Fabulous).

It's an interesting film and one that I strongly recommend. Not only it is a vibrant tale of humanism but it also shows Westerners that there is more to the Arab world than religious fanaticism, conflicts and political strife.

Here is the trailer:



And an interview with the lead and the director: link.

Cara, do you know if it can be purchased or rented on DVD? Because of the sub-titles I would need to watch it on My monitor. Sounds like a movie I would really enjoy.

I did a quick search and it seems it has been released on DVD. You should be able to purchase it or order it online.

This film won an award at Sundance so it should be known by movie fans who are into independent cinema: link.

Thanks, Cara. It really sounds and looks exactly like something I would really enjoy. i will see if I can get it somewhere Online.

I rather fed up with uncaring, self-centered, things.

If you can watch it (I think it can be found on Netflix in the US) I'm pretty sure you will enjoy it al lot and if you get to see it please tell me what you think about it.

Thanks, Cara, I will. I don't want to sign up with Neyg;oc as I don't usually watch movies. I will check and see what options I have. I really would like to see it.

I checked, and it is on Netflix. I'll have to give it a watch sometime.

I suppose it is in Arabic with English subtitles. I know it has been dubbed into French (unfortunately I haven't seen it in the original but I'm going to try and watch it in Arabic the next time it is on TV -should be on September 1st).

This film is not about sightseeing and showcasing famous places like Petra and Wadi Rum -what Jordan is best known for (as shown in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade for instance).

It's about a man who has chosen a humble life and remains true to his own heart. It is about taking action instead of simply standing by and letting things happen.

Yeah, it sounds quite good, actually. Can't wait to watch it.

You can watch it on YouTube in parts. I watched part one. Very lovely. The man does not say he is a captain, in fact denies it. Then he becomes a story teller. "When I was young I had a dream..."

That's nice. I don't like watching movies in parts but I'm not surprised, you can find pretty much anything on youtube these days.

I'm glad you're enjoying it!

It saves me needing to buy the film Assuming that the complete film is there. Plus it is actually better for my eyes to watch it in parts. It is a gem of a movie.

I'm not criticizing, I'm really glad you're enjoying this film.

And I am not complaining. I am glad I can watch it. Too.