5 Must-Watch Classic Arabic Movies Starring Farid Shawki
The richness of old Arabic movies is unmatched. Many factors have contributed to the high rating of Egyptian classics, including cast and crew members, narrative and scriptwriting, and the entire production process.
Farid Shawki, the star that never fades
Farid Shawki left a legacy of more than 300 Arabic movies. He succeeded brilliantly in reinventing himself on numerous occasions and was able to reach out to his fan base whenever he wanted.
Throughout his career, Shawki gained various nicknames that no one else had, including futwwat ālġlba, or “Guard of the Wronged People.” The futwwa is an admired hero who defends the weak and, due to his power, frequently appears as the hero who battles the evildoers. He is also known to the audience as wḥš ālšāšh, or “The Screen Monster,” because his physical strength creates the impression of a "monster" that defeats oppressors.
Shawki has presented a series of phenomenal films in the history of cinema and left a prominent mark in Egypt and the Arab world.
To start, check out these 5 Arabic classics, starring Farid Shawki.
Baba Amin- 1950
The narrative follows Amin Zohdi, a father who aspires to get rich quickly. Amin gives his friend all of his cash to open a business. Tragically, Amin dies, but his soul comes back to see check up on his business and family.
Director and Writer: Youssef Chahine
Cast: Hussein Riad, Faten Hamama, Farid Shawki, Kamal Al-Shennawy and Nabawiya Mustafa
Seraa Fel Wadi -1954
Ahmed, an agricultural engineer, returns to his hometown to help his father on the farm. When he returns, he returns to a life he left behind with the woman he still loves – and her father, a Pasha who still bears him a grudge.
Director: Youssef Chahine
Writer:Ali El Zorkani
Cast: Omar El Sherif, Faten Hamama, Farid Shawki, Zaki Rostom, Abdel Wareth Asar and Hamdy Gheith
The Beginning and the End-1960
Claiming a spot among the top 10 Egyptian films of all time, this story follows the devastation of a woman and her four children after the death of her husband.
Director: Salah Abouseif
Adapted from a novel written by Naguib Mahfouz.
Cast: Omar Sharif, Sanaa Gamil, Farid Shawki, Amina Rizk, Salah Mansour and Amal Zayed
30 Yom Fel Segn-1966
Amshir is working as a bouncer at his well-off friend Medhat's cabaret when Medhat is condemned to one month in prison for burning a wealthy Egyptian man's mustache. In return for a certain amount of money, Amshir goes to prison instead.
Director: Niazi Mostafa
Writer: Naguib El Rehani
Cast: Farid Shawki, Abu Bakr Ezzat, Nawal Aboul Fotouh, Mohamed Reda, Mimi Shakib and Hassan Hamed.
Al-Saqqa Mat
After losing his wife and all but one child to death, a water carrier attempts to strengthen the relationship between his surviving son and Amna, a woman who reminds him of his late wife.
Director: Salah Abu Seif
Writer: Mohsen Zayed
Cast: Ezzat El Alaili, Farid Shawki, Shwikar, Amina Rizk, Taheyya Kariokka and Nahid Jabr.