Captain Abu Raed

Art imitates life – although some say that life imitates art. One person trying to prove the latter referred to an episode of CSI (the American TV series Crime Scene Investigation) which showed the use of bleach to remove DNA. Apparently criminals are now increasing their use of bleach! This is an unusual sort of example but it makes a point. I think we all are aware that words and pictures have a powerful influence on people.

If you want to see art imitating life, the Jordanian feature film ‘Captain Abu Raed’ is a must see. I recommend it highly from my expertise as someone who loves a good movie and has a lifetime of movie going to back it up. Last night we left the theater thrilled by what we saw, and proud that it was a purely Jordanian production. The story takes place in Amman throughout, but a number of scenes were shot in Salt. Our daughter in law grew up there, and she was excited to see the stairs in Abu Raed’s neighborhood were the ones that she ran up and down as a child. Of course, the scenes at Queen Alia airport and many other places in Amman were familiar and made the movie quite personal. The acting and cinematography were professional. Although the theme of the story was universal, it was a difficult one to depict. I thought they did a marvelous job and dealt with it simply, realistically, and well. The movie Captain Abu Raed is an eye opener. Bravo to all involved in the production.

ASH