El Le3b Ma3 El 3eyal effortlessly blends humour, tradition, and a touch of social commentary. Directed by the renowned Sherif Arafa and featuring the talented Mohamed Imam, this film is entertaining and has important morale.
Here's an in-depth look at the elements that make this film worth the watch:
The Journey of Allam
The story centres around Allam, a young man with dreams of becoming an actor. However, his aspirations are crushed by the weight of familial expectations, pushing him into the teaching profession, a legacy passed down through generations.
Allam's life takes a dramatic turn when he is forced into marrying his cousin, leading him to flee and take up a teaching position in a remote town. Here, he encounters a series of comedic misadventures as he attempts to adapt to a world different from his own.
Director-Actor Collaboration
El Le3b Ma3 El 3eyal marks the first collaboration between director Sherif Arafa and Mohamed Imam. Arafa, known for his successful partnerships with Mohamed's legendary father, Adel Imam, has a history of blockbuster hits such as El Za3eem, El Mansy, El Erhab Wel Kabab, and El Le3b Ma3 El Kobar. This new collaboration brings a fresh dynamic to the screen, yet it retains the classic Arafa touch that has charmed audiences for decades.
Arafa's Comedy Legacy
Sherif Arafa's portfolio is a testament to his mastery of comedy. He has crafted timeless pieces with younger stars in films like El Nazer, Foul El Seen El 3azeem, and X-Large. Despite the underwhelming reception of his last comedy, El Ens Wel Gen, starring Mohamed Heneidy and Menna Shalaby, El Le3b Ma3 El 3eyal rekindles the magic reminiscent of his earlier successes.
Subtle Subtext
A hallmark of Arafa's films, including his works with Adel Imam, is the subtle infusion of political and humanitarian themes, even within a comedic framework. El Le3b Ma3 El 3eyal is no different. Particularly in the film's final quarter, viewers can discern the subtext that speaks to broader societal issues, adding depth to the comedic narrative.
Cameo Highlights
A delightful surprise in the film is a cameo by Maged El Kedwany. Although he never appears on screen, his captivating narration adds an engaging layer to the story. El Kedwany's voice, which famously captivated audiences in Hepta, where he lectured about love from his chair, once again proves to be a powerful storytelling tool in this film.
Villain with a Twist
Bassem Samra plays the villain in El Le3b Ma3 El 3eyal, a role that he masterfully plays with both menace and a surprising softness. Known for his compelling portrayal of comedic villains, Samra's performance in this film reminds us of his memorable role in El 3atawla last Ramadan. Despite the similarities between the two characters, Samra's acting ensures each villain stands out distinctly.
Asmaa Galal's New Territory
via Menna Eltelt's Instagram
Asmaa Galal takes on a role that challenges her to explore new dialects and personas. While she previously dabbled in portraying a girl from Upper Egypt in La Totfye El Shams, her character pushes her even further this time. Her dedication to taking on fresh and challenging roles is evident, though the romantic subplot between her character and Imam's felt somewhat unnecessary.
The Misstep
Unfortunately, the film falls into the problematic trope of using body shaming for comedic effect, mainly targeting the character played by Weezo. What initially seems like a one-off joke turns out to be a recurring theme throughout the whole film.
