Amir El Zalam (2002)

Original title

أمير الظلام

Directed by

Ramy Imam

Genre

comedy film

Country

Egypt

Runtime

1h 53m

Rating

5.8 of 10 from 27 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

A blind former pilot fights for his independence inside a rigid care home. An artist treats him as an equal, and they form a partnership that challenges the home's rules.

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What happens

Ameer Al-Zalaam or Ameer Al-Thalaam (Arabic: أمير الظلام, lit. 'Prince of Darkness') is an Egyptian film released on 22 June 2002. It was directed by Ramy Imam and starring Adel Emam, Sherine Saif al-Nasr, and Youssef Dawoud. The movie was distributed by = Al Arabia Cinema Production & Distribution. The Egyptian Air Force provided support for several scenes. Some critics have noted similarities between the film's premise and Scent of a Woman (1992). The film follows Saeed al-Masry (Adel Emam), a former pilot who lost his sight after the October War and now lives in a residence for the visually impaired. The institution is run with strict, often arbitrary rules, and Saeed clashes with its administrators while trying to regain control over his life. The plot tracks his efforts to secure dignity and independence, and the relationships he forms with people inside and outside the home. Saeed's life changes when he meets Alia (Sherine Saif al-Nasr), an artist who treats him as a partner rather than a patient. Their relationship develops alongside his disputes with the home's management, and the pair work through practical hurdles while testing how far Saeed can push for autonomy. Alia's presence steadies him, but the film keeps the focus on concrete obstacles and the choices he makes to regain control of his day-to-day life. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

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