The Land

The Land

1970 · 129 min · AR · 8.5 (28 votes)
Dir. Youssef Chahine · Starring Nagwa Ibrahim, Ezzat Al Alaily, Mahmoud El Meligy, Yehia Chahine, Hamdy Ahmed, Tawfiq Al-Deqen · Music Ali Ismail
Drama

Set in 1933, the mayor informs the peasants that the share of irrigation of their land will be split equally between them and feudal lord Mahmoud Bey. The peasants send Mohamed Effendi to submit a petition to the government. Mahmoud Bey then proposes a project that would require taking part of the peasants' lands.

VIBE

A heavy, grounded drama about the fight for dignity and survival. It feels like a stark, unflinching look at the harsh realities faced by those struggling against powerful forces, emphasizing resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

oppressiveresilientsomberdeterminedslow-burnsocial realismperiod dramagrittyclass struggleland ownershipinjusticecommunity
▶ Stream on Criterion Channel