The Idol
The Idol

Movie spotlight

The Idol

2016
Movie
100 min
Arabic

Mohammed Assaf, an aspiring musician living in Gaza, sets a seemingly impossible goal: to compete on the program "Arab Idol."

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Hany Abu-AssadGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Mohammad, a young Christian orphan from Aleppo, Syria, dreams of becoming a famous singer. He lives in a Beirut orphanage and becomes a local celebrity after a video of him singing goes viral. This newfound fame brings him unwanted attention from a dangerous crime boss.

Critical Reception

The Idol received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its lead performance and its exploration of dreams amidst conflict. Some critics found the narrative occasionally predictable, but it was largely lauded for its emotional resonance and timely themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Adel Karam's compelling performance as the aspiring singer.

  • Appreciated for its heartfelt portrayal of hope and resilience in challenging circumstances.

  • Some found the plot to be somewhat formulaic, but the emotional core was often highlighted.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for 'The Idol (2016)' is not widely available or consistently reported.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of a Gazan singer who rose to fame through social media.

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