Abu Raed (Nadim Sawalha) is a janitor at the airport. At home in a poor part of Amman, he talks to a photo of his dead wife and overhears an argument from another home. Nour (Rana Sultan) is an airline captain. Her parents want her to marry. She rejects the latest suitor. Later when introduced to another potential husband, she walks out of the family meeting saying, I'm just going off to shoot myself'.

Abu Raed finds a discarded captain's hat and wears it to go home. The local children believe him to be an airline captain and ask about his adventures. Gradually he takes on the idea and tells them fantastic stories. The children respond and are drawn into his stories and away from their mundane, rather harsh lives. The sunshine on the old ruins in Amman is an ideal setting for this storytelling. The stones and broken columns suggest more ancient legends.

The whole tone of Abu Raed's relationship with the children is of kindness, gentleness and love. At work too he encourages his apprentice janitor, Sameh (Nadim Mushahwar) to talk to a girl he fancies, saying that if he doesn't ask, he will never know. The narrative flows seamlessly from Abu Raed at the airport to home, to the children, to Nour giving him a lift. He tells her 'He who chooses the humble life has guidance in his heart'.

His relationship with Nour develops, and she tells him about her family's pressure to marry and the demand for grandchildren. He tells her about the tragic death of his child and wife. Meanwhile, an older boy - Murad - is telling the children that Abu Raed is only a janitor. It becomes obvious that Abu Raed is a character who is truly good. He says he died with his wife and child but gives life to those around him. Murad is given the captain's hat and told ‘It doesn’t matter’. Another child is given the chance to attend school.

There is danger in all this goodness. There is domestic violence in Murad's family. There is Abu Raed trying to do something to make a difference. The outcome becomes tragic. The beauty in the cinematography and Abu Raed's character highlight the dark undertones of other people's lives. His fantastic stories are an escape from a harsh reality. He is willing to risk all for others. As Abu Raed climbs the stairs into the light for the last time, there is sorrow and hope. The abused escape. Nour has a new family, and a child from a poor neighbourhood achieves the impossible dream in adulthood.

Captain Abu Raed is a remarkable piece of filmmaking. Gorgeous photography, engaging characters and an uplifting message to all those who believe (or don't) that one man can make a difference.

CAST: (imdb): www.imdb.com/title/tt1017428/

COMPANY: (imdb): www.imdb.com/title/tt1017428/

COMPANY: Company website: www.captainaburaed.com END

(c) Peter Andrews 2008

reviewed Tuesday 2 December 08 / The Roxy, Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com