SYNOPSICS
The Citizen (2012) is a English,Arabic movie. Sam Kadi has directed this movie. Khaled Nabawy,Agnes Bruckner,Rizwan Manji,William Atherton are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2012. The Citizen (2012) is considered one of the best Drama movie in India and around the world.
Yearning to leave behind his life of misfortune in the Middle East, Ibrahim Jarrah wins the U.S Green Card Lottery for a chance to become an American citizen. Ibrahim lands in New York City the day before 9/11... and the events of the September terrorist attacks forever shape the struggles he faces on his journey to capture the American dream. Inspired by true events, filmmaker Sam Kadi's feature debut is a gripping tale of courage, love, and perseverance, the qualities of a true CITIZEN.
The Citizen (2012) Trailers
The Citizen (2012) Reviews
Director, Sam Kadi, has a promising feature film career ahead...
Firstly, let me say that I'm a Canadian living in Michigan. Although I like action flicks as much as the next guy and was very excited by block-busters such as Avatar (Canadian director!) as a Canuck I tend to like thought-provoking, character-driven dramas. Movies where the story-line and people involved stand on their own. I listen to dialog and empathize with the plight of those involved... IF IT IS REALISTIC. "The Citizen" is just such a film. I was very pleased with it and came away feeling uplifted and hopeful. (does a positive outcome count as a spoiler?) Now, I feel a bit defensive here at the moment. I've read comments by viewers who were tired of this subject; the preponderance of racial profiling brought on by 911 and the portrayal of authority that can be overzealous and without empathy. For me, however, until these kind of injustices end, I'm happy to revisit the subject occasionally and am not put off by the fact that it is 12 years after the events portrayed. If you're looking for an Bond-like action flick, with white knuckle, edge-of-your seat suspense, you're going to be disappointed. The Citizen was a labour of love about an important subject that haunts the American sociopolitical landscape and seems little to improve over time. In driving home the realities of this disease the film MUST prove to be REAL and this film is just that... Compellingly realistic. Egyptian actor, Khaled El Nabawy, (gawd he looks like Benjamen Bratt!) plays the protagonist Ibrahim Jarrah, very convincingly. What is not to like about a very handsome, manly guy who is also incredibly kind to all around him. Faced with persecution, we can't help but feel for his pain. But he also has a face that, when the disarming smile drops away, could make you suspect that he could be a very hard-edged, and unfeeling man... Could he actually BE a terrorist? Ibrahim is befriended by street savvy Diane (Agnes Bruckner) and there is enough plot-twists and angst involved with their characters (as well as another woman) to make you wonder about their "relationship". The Citizen does have minor flaws. Even I was hoping for more grit and more eye-ball to eye-ball confrontation, sweat and suspense in the incarceration and courtroom scenes. But that might have added more cliché then realism and I'm glad that Sam Kadi chose to stick with realism. This is a very good film and I highly recommend it. I give this film an 8 out of 10. Good job!
The True Colors of Arabs
What I really liked about this film is that it really embraces the true colors of Arabs in general and especially Muslims. The horrible stereotypes that always picture Islam as the "terror religion" have become so annoying these days that I try to avoid any movies that tell stories of Arab terrorists. Egyptian actor, Khaled ElNabawy plays a very believable Ibrahim who is a Lebanese immigrant coming to the US in search of the American dream. I have to say that I'm Egyptian and never was a fan of Khaled ElNabawy, but this film showed me what a great actor he is with his solid performance. The rest of the cast were also great but the main role was outstanding making you feel every step of suffering this guy went through. Of course, this movie isn't a movie to go down in history books as a great film but it's more like a message being sent especially to most Americans who unfortunately don't really know that much about other cultures and religions. In general, if you are a Muslim, Persian, Indian or certainly an Arab; you will find this film very satisfying. I gave it a 7 because of some flaws and plot holes noticed throughout the film, usually I point them out, but this time I'm going to let it go.
Good, but too much of a cliché
An immigrant from Lebanon arrives here on September 10th, 2001. You can imagine what happens to him; pretty much everything you can think of. I wanted to like this movie, but it was too much of a cliché for me. Nothing unexpected happened; the bad guys were all bad, the good guys were all good, the Lebanese immigrant didn't make a wrong step. If only life were like that. Despite everything bad happening to him, he rises above it all and is determined to live the American dream. Nothing gets him down. Nevertheless, I did watch the whole thing which was rare for something I had never heard of before, and I enjoyed it. It was a feel-good movie, which I also enjoyed. Sometimes I, or anyone, needs some of that.
Awesome
This movie is representing the real Arab Muslims, unlike other American movies showing to the world that Muslims are just a bunch of terrorists, which is a big misleading as our religion Islam is originally against terrorism. Islam is prompting people for love, help, work and live, exactly like what mentioned generally in the movie. We need more movies like this one to show the world the real Islam specially the Arab Muslims. Special thanks to Khaled El Nabawy and the rest of the crew for this great movie. and I wish this movie to be nominated for international awards.
A great film about decency and cruelty
i was deeply moved and disturbed at the same time while watching this film. it's a great film, telling the exact journey of millions immigrants who migrated to this country with so many naive and hopeful dreams. great cast and superb directing. i like the casting agency to choose a very naturally talented actor to play the main role of this film, he is very likable and so convincing from the first scene. all of the other cast also performed well and looked pretty realistic. the 9/11 disaster and its aftermaths that have changed so many peoples' lives and so many countries images are beyond any measurement can fathom. this and before this tragedy, L.A. riot and the O.J.Simpson's ridiculous trial, all damaged the great image of USA, the ridicule of the American presidency, the run-off-the-mill US military and soldiering authenticity's, their hardcore butchery and cruelty. the L.A. riot and the O.J. Simpson trial also exposed the ridiculous legal system of this democratically proud country and had further damaged this once great nation. and now, a film like this to remind all the citizens of this country not to become so mindless and ruthless to each other. it also reminds us that racial discrimination, racial bias, the hatred and animosity among all the people in America will never go away but only become more tolerate. there are so many excuses for us to act crazily and become so cruel to each other. this film has told us something and reminded us something that we should never judge other people with different races. but it certainly a box office disaster.