“Lawrence of Arabia”, 1962
Director: David Lean
This historical epic dramatizes the experiences of British officer T.E. Lawrence in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I, highlighting his role in the Arab Revolt and his complex relationships with British and Arab leaders.
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif, José Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Wolfit;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: drama, adventure, war, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 216 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Lawrence of Arabia” on the website imdb.com
“The Kite Runner”, 2007
Director: Marc Forster
An adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's novel, this film traces the story of an Afghan man's journey of redemption, which brings him back to his war-torn homeland from the United States to rescue the son of his childhood friend.
Starring: Khalid Abdalla, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub, Sayed Jafar Masihullah Gharibzada, Zekeria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada, Mir Mahmood Shah Hashimi, Homayon Ershadi, Nabi Tanha, Elham Ehsas;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Kite Runner” on the website imdb.com
“Persepolis”, 2007
Director: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
An animated biographical film based on Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, depicting a young girl's life before and after the Islamic revolution in Iran and her experiences growing up amidst political upheaval.
Starring: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Simon Abkarian, Gabrielle Lopes Benites, François Jerosme, Sophie Arthuys, Jean-François Gallotte, Arié Elmaleh, Mathias Mlekuz;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: animation, drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Persepolis” on the website imdb.com
“A Separation”, 2019
Director: Yalan Hu
This Oscar-winning Iranian drama focuses on a couple facing a tough decision whether to leave the country for the sake of their child's future or stay to care for a parent with Alzheimer's disease.
Starring: Michelle Sun, Yao Zhen, Carlee Soeder;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 15 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,9;
More information about the film “A Separation” on the website imdb.com
“Argo”, 2012
Director: Ben Affleck
A political thriller that tells the true story of a CIA agent posing as a filmmaker to rescue six Americans during the hostage crisis in Iran, employing a Hollywood cover-up as their escape plan.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Argo” on the website imdb.com
“The Square”, 2017
Director: Ruben Östlund
A documentary film that captures the energy and intensity of the Egyptian Revolution through the eyes of several activists in Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Starring: Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West, Terry Notary, Christopher Læssø, Lise Stephenson Engström, Lilianne Mardon, Marina Schiptjenko, Annica Liljeblad, Elijandro Edouard;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Square” on the website imdb.com
“Timbuktu”, 2014
Director: Abderrahmane Sissako
A drama set in the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu during the occupation by Islamist militants, showcasing the impact of jihadism on the daily lives of the local population.
Starring: Ibrahim Ahmed, Abel Jafri, Toulou Kiki, Layla Walet Mohamed, Mehdi A.G. Mohamed, Hichem Yacoubi, Kettly Noël, Fatoumata Diawara, Adel Mahmoud Cherif, Salem Dendou;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, war;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Timbuktu” on the website imdb.com
“For Sama”, 2019
Director: Waad Al-Kateab, Edward Watts
A documentary narrated in the form of a letter from a young Syrian mother to her daughter, chronicling her life through the uprising in Aleppo, offering a personal and harrowing account of the Syrian civil war.
Starring: Waad Al-Kateab, Sama Al-Khateab, Hamza Al-Khateab, Afra, Salim, Wisam, Zain, Naya, Taima Al-Khateab, Dana Abed;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: documentary, war, biography;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “For Sama” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, not only tell gripping tales but also provide viewers with a deeper understanding of a region that is often defined by its conflicts but is also rich with history, culture, and storytelling.
In conclusion, films about the Middle East have offered audiences an intricate tapestry of narratives that illuminate the rich cultural landscapes, historical complexities, and contemporary challenges faced by this diverse region. Through the lens of filmmakers both from within the Middle East and from around the globe, these cinematic works have transcended mere entertainment to become powerful mediums for education, empathy, and exchange. They challenge stereotypes, prompt critical thinking, and foster a deeper understanding of the Middle East beyond the often-simplistic portrayals found in mainstream media. Whether through the raw realism of conflict, the vibrant hues of daily life, or the universal themes of love, loss, and resilience, these films contribute significantly to an ongoing dialogue between the Middle East and the rest of the world, encouraging viewers to look beyond the headlines and appreciate the complexities and commonalities that define human experience across borders.
