The Blazing Sun (1954)
A landmark of Egyptian cinema where forbidden love and class conflict collide under the direction of Youssef Chahine.
The Blazing Sun - Movie Information
- Original Title: صراع في الوادي
- Release Year: 1954
- Directed by: Youssef Chahine
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: Arabic
- Spoken Languages: Arabic
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 1, 1954 (Egypt)
- Alternative Titles: The Blazing Sun (US), Պայքար հովտում (AM), 山谷里的战斗 (CN), Tödliche Rache (DE), Siraa Fil-Neel (EG), Ciel d'enfer (FR), Pod žhnoucím nebem (CZ), Ο Φλογερός Ήλιος (GR)
- Production Companies: أفلام النيل (جبرائيل تلحمي)
- Production Countries: Egypt
The Blazing Sun - Plot
A wealthy landlord floods and destroys a village on purpose to prevent the people living there from making a profit off their crops. What he doesn't know is that his own daughter, Amal, is in love with Ahmed, a young man from the village.
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The Blazing Sun - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Youssef Chahine
Main Cast
- Faten Hamama
- Omar Sharif
- Zaki Rostom
- Farid Shawqy
- Abdel Warith Assir
- Hamdy Ghaith
- Zaki Ibrahim
- Abdel Ghani El Nagdi
- Abdel Ghani Qamar
- Mansi Fahmy
Writers
- Ali El Zorkani
- Helmy Halim
Producers
- Gabriel Talhami
The Blazing Sun - FAQs
Who are the main actors in The Blazing Sun?
The Blazing Sun features Faten Hamama as Amal and a very young Omar Sharif as Ahmed — one of his earliest screen appearances. The cast also includes Zaki Rostom, Farid Shawqy, and Abdel Warith Assir in key supporting roles.
Is The Blazing Sun one of Omar Sharif's first films?
Yes, The Blazing Sun is among Omar Sharif's earliest film roles. Released in 1954, it marked a pivotal moment in his career, pairing him opposite the legendary Faten Hamama — whom he would later marry — and helping launch him as a major star of Egyptian cinema.
What is The Blazing Sun about?
A ruthless landlord deliberately floods a village to destroy the farmers' livelihoods and seize their land. What he never anticipates is that his own daughter, Amal, has fallen deeply in love with Ahmed, a young man from that very village — setting up a collision of class, power, and forbidden romance.
Where can I stream The Blazing Sun?
You can stream The Blazing Sun on the Criterion Channel, which offers it as part of its curated world cinema library. It's a great way to discover this classic of Egyptian cinema from the comfort of home.
Who directed The Blazing Sun?
The Blazing Sun was directed by Youssef Chahine, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of Arab cinema. Known for his bold visual style and socially engaged storytelling, Chahine went on to become an internationally recognized auteur over a career spanning five decades.
When was The Blazing Sun released?
The Blazing Sun had its Egyptian release on March 1, 1954. The film was produced in Egypt and shot in black and white, reflecting the cinematic style of the era while showcasing the vibrant storytelling tradition of mid-century Egyptian filmmaking.
What themes does The Blazing Sun explore?
At its heart, The Blazing Sun is about class conflict and forbidden love. It examines the brutal power dynamics between wealthy landowners and rural farmers in Egypt, weaving in a Romeo-and-Juliet-style romance that gives the social critique an emotional and deeply human dimension.
What are some films similar to The Blazing Sun?
If The Blazing Sun resonates with you, consider exploring The Land (1970), another Egyptian classic tackling agrarian struggle, or Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) for its poetic social realism. A Man in Our House (1961) is another Egyptian film from the same era well worth discovering.
More About The Blazing Sun
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