Theeb

This film is an excellent all-around package, as long as you're not overly addicted to slambang mindless Hollywood productions. The actors were every bit the characters they played, and the story makes you think about the issues of brotherhood, taking sides, growing up, the impact of colonialization on far-off lands.

The cinematography is gorgeous, spanning the North African landscapes in all their vastness, adding to the viewer's understanding of the isolation the tribal people lived with. (It also made me want to ride camels...) While this movie takes place in WWI, it is not a "war movie." Yes, there is a British soldier and an element of culture clash when he seeks help from young Theeb's brothers. But the story has much more to do with the character of the boy Theeb, the dilemma he finds himself in when trying to balance survival and loyalty, and the reminder that while empires fight their wars, local populations are far more concerned with going on with their lives.

While the movie is serious, I didn't it find it at all depressing. Thoughtful treatment, and pitch-perfect acting and direction.

As an Arab born and raised in the same spot I found it reflecting the true image almost the same culture and language and conversations at that point of time. Even Badwen words and culture was presented fine. Unlike other movies presenting clowns pretending to be Arabs. However the story wasn't great and it could be better also the conversations and actors were very weak and not big and loud as it should be.

I am raising the hat for the director and I know he can do better than that in the future but should work more on the story and the conversations.

These days with every kid in town -- along with their cat -- signing up for film school, it is refreshing to attend what amounts to a clinic on how to captivate and hypnotize an audience with one powerful star and scenery that captures the eye and seems almost an character on its own.

All the more remarkable since, for viewers in the west, you have to deal with subtitles as well.

So to sum up, you have a slow moving film with subtitles that has a star unchallenged by puberty, and nothing really seems to happen for most the film, but you will be unable to turn away.

Not too shabby.

When is the next one due?

This film tells the story of a young boy's awakening to the dangers and treachery in the adult world. He lives in a time of change, during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, and the coming of a railway has already changed the lives of the tribesmen of the area. There are bigger things going on around them, than these tribesmen, living out their traditional lives, actually realize. One day Theeb's older brother is approached by another Arab who is guiding an Englishman, in a desert crossing. The stranger wants Hussein, older brother of Theeb to escort them through an area that he's not familiar with. Theeb tags along, and from events that take place on this journey comes his rapid advancement into manhood. The desert settings shot in wide-screen ratio are superb. It's the dawn of a new age, unbeknown to Theeb and his brothers, sons of a departed but highly respected Sheik. The performances are excellent, particularly the intelligent wariness tinged with fear, that young Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat shows, playing Theeb (Wolf). You can read in his eyes,and face that his sharp mind is calculating the risks of alternative courses of action during the several scenes when events reach crisis points.From watching this young man, we understand that the life of desert tribesmen involved strong traditions, a strong sense of hospitality to other travelers (once identified and shown not to be a threat), and the sharp sense of self protection that must always be at 100% efficiency.

It's always wonderful to see a well-made film like this, but it's a special treat when the events are happening in a place and time, that is unfamiliar to us on screens of today. "Theeb" reminds us of Lawrence of Arabia, because of it's setting, but the film is on a much more modest scale than that Epic masterpiece. However, it is very well worth our attention. Highly recommended, this is a very good film for young adults as well as for their parents.

I just can't believe i waited until now to watch it !!

The story is sensational and captivating .. I could only imagine that replicating such a powerful story from that period of time is so hard .. My only note is it just felt a bit short or just fast, yet the plot itself was clear and easily engaged with and the script appeared strong and connected even though again it would look short and simple but i think maybe for the Arabic viewer that would be more digestible than having a long conversation in bedouin accent.

As for the cinematography I would be 100% confident by saying this is a huge step for the Jordanian Film movement , as The movie looked so professional and i'd say in an eye bat it deserves a spot in the Oscars short list.

The Cast was Amazing, The young boy was just so into the role .. it's just like he is and always has been Theeb for so long.

And to the most Important and (In my opinion) most noticeable part in the movie and made it pop; The Soundtracks .. I mean My goodness !! the songs the humming, the low level clap on the background .. my heart just synchronized it's beating with the music in the movie ... first time i'v heard of Jerry Lane but i'm hoping, Oh hell i'm sure it won't be the last.

So overall, The movie was really good, again wished the the story would'v gone a bit longer with a little more pages on the screenplay .. but that does not make the movie any less charming and delightful ... And i really hope you guys do it in February 28 next year ;) fingers crossed.