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Destiny

Play trailer Destiny Released May 9, 1997 2h 15m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In 12th-century Spain, the Caliph of Andalusia (Khaled Al Nabawy) enjoys the counsel of philosopher Averroes , who believes God wants people to interpret and debate the Koran. The Caliph's two sons, Nasser (Mahmoud Hemeida) and Abdalla (Hani Salama), come to embrace opposite ends of the prevailing intellectual climate, with Abdalla falling under the spell of religious fanatics, and Nasser following Averroes. This leads to social unrest and the persecution of the philosopher.

Critics Reviews

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Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times The result is a sweeping historical epic, sustained by Chahine’s characteristic energy and passion. Mar 18, 2024 Full Review Xan Brooks Independent (UK) Destiny takes wing with a burst of traditional dance and deep-colour visuals. Mar 29, 2019 Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times The film is naive and simple at times, even clumsy in its musical sequences, and yet lurking beneath its story is a conflict between rationalism and fundamentalism that is as fraught today as it ever was. Rated: 2.5/4 Feb 14, 2001 Full Review Sean Axmaker Seattle Weekly ... a rollicking intellectual adventure with the emotional tenor of a melodrama. Apr 30, 2007 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Jun 11, 2005 Full Review Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Rated: 3/5 Feb 8, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Falho ao não desenvolver apropriadamente as diversas tramas paralelas que aborda - especificamente, não são poucas as linhas narrativas bruscamente interrompidas, e há um número considerável de personagens mal colocadas ou aparentemente sem nenhuma função na narrativa geral. Mesmo assim, oferece um interessante vislumbre da vida e filosofia de Averróis ao mesmo tempo em que apresenta uma belíssima mensagem sobre a resistência à intolerância religiosa e às demais formas de opressão política, social e intelectual. Grandes momentos musicais (a cena em que os ciganos tentam "recuperar" o jovem alienado é deuma graça ímpar). Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Not as brilliant as "Iskenderia leih?"but still an impressive film with an astonishing direction by Youssef chahine Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member An immortal masterpiece!..it just says it all! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member a piece of beauty all the same.. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Istruttivo e anticipatore nel 1997 di temi di tremenda attualità il film ci racconta attraverso la vita di Averroè come l'integralismo islamico (e non solo) fosse già ben presente 8 secoli fa e rappresentasse un problema per la stessa civiltà araba di quel tempo. Le 3 stellette sono per il merito storico e documentaristico (si parla anche dei Gitani), purtroppo il film à (C) egiziano e sebbene questo possa essere un ulteriore merito per il coraggio di chi l'ha girato e prodotto, la recitazione e lo stile sono talmente lontani dal ns. gusto che avrei dovuto assegnare una stelletta e mezza... Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member An amazing, amazing work of movie direction that redefines the life of Averroes and gives us valuable lessons in the process. A must-watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Destiny

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Cast & Crew

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Youssef Chahine

Director

Laila Eloui

The Gypsy Woman

Hani Salama

Abdalla

Mahmoud Hemida

Al Mansour

Nour El-Sherif

Actor

Safia El Emari

Actor

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Destiny

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Movie Info

Synopsis In 12th-century Spain, the Caliph of Andalusia (Khaled Al Nabawy) enjoys the counsel of philosopher Averroes , who believes God wants people to interpret and debate the Koran. The Caliph's two sons, Nasser (Mahmoud Hemeida) and Abdalla (Hani Salama), come to embrace opposite ends of the prevailing intellectual climate, with Abdalla falling under the spell of religious fanatics, and Nasser following Averroes. This leads to social unrest and the persecution of the philosopher.
Director
Youssef Chahine
Producer
Humbert Balsan, Gabriel Khoury
Screenwriter
Youssef Chahine, Khaled Youssef
Distributor
Pyramide, Leisure Time Features, Kinokuniya Co. Ltd., Kool, Cinema Village
Production Co
Ognon Pictures, MISR International Films, France 2 Cinema
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
Arabic
Release Date (Theaters)
May 9, 1997, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 19, 2020
Runtime
2h 15m