Movies are where magic comes to life; a world filled with wonder and fantasy. We can imagine ourselves as the hero we see on the screen. We want to be strong like Superman or Superwoman, smart like Sherlock Holmes, or funny like Mr. Bean. In short, movies are an escape but also, movies can be our reality. We crave seeing an authentic take on the world around us, and to see everyday people being depicted with their trials and tribulations. Filmmakers across the world have used movies to showcase the realities of life and send clear messages.
Movies can be a vehicle for change, a lens to see different people and shed light on problems that need to be addressed. Egyptian cinema doesn’t shy away from addressing problems in its society. From discussing equality in comedies such as ‘Lel Regal Faqat’ and ‘Meraty Modeer A’am’ to highlighting the importance of education in the lighthearted comedy El Nazer.
El Nazer’s Impact and Relevance
23 years after its release, El Nazer is considered one of the finest comedies in Egyptian cinema. It’s got all the winning formula, impeccable cast, and great one-liners, and holds a profound message still relevant today.
From the beginning of the movie, the message was loud and clear, no matter how the world is shaky, no invaders or traitors will ever take away the will to learn and the right to education.
El Nazer showed how every generation has its struggle with education but also made a point that in order to have the youth lead the country and make a change, it starts with proper education and good teachers.
With all that being said, it seems that not a lot of people got the message.
Ramadan Mabrouk and Its Depiction of Teaching Methods
Released in 2008, Ramadan Mabrouk Abul-Alamein Hamouda starring Mohamed Henedy, is a comedy about an Arabic language teacher who moves out of the country to work at a private school using old-school teaching techniques with the students.
This old technique used to get students into staying in class and paying attention to their teachers is fear-based, child abuse, and humiliating.
Sure the students are rebellious and entitled, however, the violence or abuse shown in the movie is made to be justified, for they are doing their best to make Ramadan’s life a living hell.
Ramadan is threatening, demeaning, and rude to the students, with no patience nor tolerance for any mistakes, which is totally normal for any student to make mistakes in their homework, but that’s not the way he sees it.
Comparison Between the Two Films
Ramadan goes all the way to make a mockery out of the students and their learning abilities. While El Nazer focuses more on befriending the students, understanding their problems, and helping them reach their goals.
One of the lines said by the late Hesham Selim in El Nazer, “That every generation needs different means and techniques in the way to be taught” is a statement that still holds up but according to Ramadan Mabrouk, it doesn’t matter. Fear above all else is the key to fighting disobedient students. It doesn’t help either that by the end of the movie, it showed Ramadan as the victor who managed to discipline the rebels into obedience and academic success. A message that has aged like milk.
The Final Take
While we can say that Ramadan Mabrouk is a product of its time that cannot be said about El Nazer. In two films that discussed education and share similar themes, one prevails and the other does not. This isn’t an attack piece on Ramadan Mabrouk's cast and crew, but to shed light on what can be done to improve the quality of films.
There’s some truth in Ramadan Mabrouk, we see rebellious students and abusive teachers, but context matters.
If the movie is made to condemn the abusive and backward behaviour exhibited then we won't be talking about it. Instead, the movie chose to celebrate these awful teaching tactics.
In the year 2023, Lots of things have changed, including teaching methods. Movies and writers should capture the new generations' struggles and triumphs while emphasizing that communication and collaboration are key.
We remember the teachers who impacted our lives for the better, it's time to show them in a good light too.
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