Film Review: Esabat Azeema, fictional movie centered on a family forced to reclaim their own narrative

• When a series of unfortunate events threatens to bankrupt her family, she takes matters into her own hands and, together with a few trusted confidants, creates a “gang”
• Directed by Wael Ihsan, the film stars the legendary actress Esaad Younis as Azeema

Starting 2024 with a bang, the new Egyptian movie, Esabat Azeema, is part suspense, part musical, and completely centered on a family forced to reclaim their own narrative. It is a fun ride — almost goofy at times — but also touches on issues such as disability and finding hope when you feel engulfed in grief and defeat.

The story begins with a flashback of an Egyptian athlete called “Azeema,” which translates to “great” in Arabic, as she wins a medal at the 1988s Olympic Games. While it is true that an Egyptian woman competed at the Olympic Games that year, it was for another sport and she did not win any medals. In this fictional portrayal, they make her a champion. 

And, indeed, we see Azeema as one. Fast-forward to the present, and Azeema has lost her eyesight in a car accident sometime after the “win.” Now in her late 50s, she has never let her disability slow her down or prevent her from hitting her targets; she can still “see” things even if no longer able to see.

When a series of unfortunate events threatens to bankrupt her family, she takes matters into her own hands and, together with a few trusted confidants, creates a “gang.” That gang, made up of her blood relatives and some others, goes on an adventure to become amateur criminals and scheme to steal from the criminals who stole from her. The title of the movie can be translated to “a great gang” or “Azeema’s gang.”

The film is fast-paced, full of drama, suspense and humorous dance and song breaks that merges the serious with the silly. It is about a group of people who become family and form an unlikely alliance that is worth more than gold. 

Directed by Wael Ihsan, the film stars the legendary actress Esaad Younis as Azeema, with iconic actor Mohammed Mahmoud and a stellar performance by Kareem Afifi, Rana Raies, Mustafa Enba, Farrah El-Zahed and Mohamed Tharwat.

Esabat Azeema is playing in cinemas across the Kingdom and is in Arabic with English subtitles. Check your local listing for timings.