AL MASSIR (1997) | [aka... المصير - Destin, Le - Destiny - Maseer, El (alternate title)]

Written by:
Youssef Chahine & Khaled Youssef

Produced by:
Gabriel Khoury

Marianne Khoury

Humbert Balsan

Cinematography by:
Mohsen Nasr

Editing by:
Rashida Abdel Salam

Music by:
Yehia El Mougy

Kamal El Taweel

Genre:
Drama/Historical/Terrorism

Production Company:
Misr international films

Canal Plus+

  The story is set in the 12th century in Arab-ruled Spanish province Andalusia, where famed philosopher Averroes (ebn roshd) is appointed grand judge by the caliph and his liberal court judgments are not liked by everyone. The caliph's political rivals, centered around the leader of a fanatical Islamic sect, force the caliph to send Averroes into exile, but his ideas keep on living thanks to his students. The film gathers so many aspects, and Chahine relates them to todays world. An incredible, well crafted film. DESTINY a deeply felt, exuberant historical fresco with profound implications for today--and spiced it all with a few rousing musical numbers.

Nour El-Sherif
Laila Eloui
Hany Salama
Khaled El Nabaoui
Mohamed Mounir
Safia El Emari
Mahmoud Hemida
Ahmed Fouad Selim
Seif El Dine
Engi Abaza
Mohamed Ragab
Hassan El Adl
Fares Rahouma
Magdi Idris

. One of Chahine's greatest films, a huge success worldwide. Winner of the PRIX DU CINQUANTIEME 50th anniversary. The lifetime achievement award was only awarded to 3 filmmakers in Cannes' history.

. Deborah Young of Variety magazine said: "The most courageous frontal attack on Islamic fundamentalism to come out of the Arab cinema to date...both an entertaining historical biopic...and a blunt allegory condemning the politically driven fanaticism of present times."

 Egypt/France - 135 min - 35MM - Color -  Dolby SRD

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