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Destiny

Play trailer Destiny 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 03/18/2024
The result is a sweeping historical epic, sustained by Chahine’s characteristic energy and passion. Go to Full Review
Xan Brooks Independent (UK) 03/29/2019
Destiny takes wing with a burst of traditional dance and deep-colour visuals. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 02/14/2001
2.5/4
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. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Seattle Weekly 04/30/2007
... a rollicking intellectual adventure with the emotional tenor of a melodrama. Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 06/11/2005
3/5
Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 02/08/2005
3/5
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Audience Reviews

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06/19/2014 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). See more 01/15/2013 Not as brilliant as "Iskenderia leih?"but still an impressive film with an astonishing direction by Youssef chahine See more 05/23/2012 An immortal masterpiece!..it just says it all! See more 01/27/2012 a piece of beauty all the same.. See more 03/28/2011 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... See more 04/16/2010 An amazing, amazing work of movie direction that redefines the life of Averroes and gives us valuable lessons in the process. A must-watch. See more Read all reviews
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