Movie spotlight
The Citizen
The heart-wrenching story of The Citizen begins with a citizenship exam, where the examination committee rigorously questions a middle-aged African man. No matter how beautifully he recites Hungarian poetry, Wilson, a political refugee in his late fifties, fails the exams for the umpteenth time, because he doesn’t know where the periodical ‘Magyar Közlöny’ got its name from, and what the Corvinae are. Moreover, inspired by Vörösmarty’s poem, the committee chairman even questions his reasons for leaving his mother country. Wilson argues that his reasons include his fellow citizens cutting pregnant women in half, yet he doesn’t manage to soften the heart of the committee members.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the life of a Palestinian refugee named Yousry who dreams of becoming an Egyptian citizen. Facing numerous bureaucratic hurdles and societal prejudices, he navigates a complex journey of identity, belonging, and the struggle for basic human rights. His unwavering hope is tested as he encounters both kindness and indifference in his pursuit of a place to call home.
Critical Reception
"The Citizen" received a mixed to positive reception, praised for its powerful and timely subject matter, and the lead performance by Khaled El Nabawy. Some critics lauded its emotional depth and its portrayal of the refugee experience, while others found its pacing uneven or its narrative somewhat predictable.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its poignant exploration of refugee struggles and the quest for identity.
Praised for Khaled El Nabawy's compelling central performance.
Noted for its emotional impact, though some found the storytelling could be more dynamic.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'The Citizen (2017)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film faced significant production challenges and delays due to its sensitive subject matter and the complexities of filming in certain locations.
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