The Idol

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The Idol

2016

1h 37m

Biography

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Talented teenage singer Mohammed Assaf travels from the Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for the television show Arab Idol.

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Critics Consensus

The Idol wrings fresh enjoyment from its well-worn formula, delivering a crowd-pleasing rags-to-riches biopic fueled by gripping performances and a solidly written script.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Jan 1, 2017

4/5

Ehab Assal's mesmerisingly restless camera and a gaggle of spirited performances ensure there's never dull moment before the final bow.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Oct 10, 2016

3/5

Directed by the twice Oscar-nominated Hany Abu-Assad, it is remarkable for dancing deftly between politics and melodrama without coming down heavily on either side.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Aug 14, 2016

3/5

Tawfeek Barhom, in the central role, is an intense and magnetic presence.

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Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

Feb 26, 2021

Its best moments portray the monumental difficulties faced by the Palestinian population in Gaza.

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Daniel Barnes

Dare Daniel

Jun 6, 2019

2/5

"Perfunctory visuals and sludgy storytelling."

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Mae Abdulbaki

Movies with Mae

Aug 22, 2018

2.5/5

"The Idol" leaves a lot to be desired and a documentary-style format may have served Assaf's journey better. This isn't to say that it's a bad film, but it is ultimately underwhelming.

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isla s

@RT89656869 Sep 2, 2022

I thought this was an interesting story, although it can be said that some elements weren't entirely original, as far as there being other films about similar stories, although I believe its based on a true story, so you can't really say its not at all realistic from that point of view!. The children were nice characters, I found myself hoping for the best for them and there are some tense and emotional moments - I thought Mohammed had a great voice and I very much enjoyed listening to the (Arabic style) songs. Perhaps it is a bit unoriginal but it has elements/themes of hope and perserverance which are admirable and overall I enjoyed watching the film, so I'd recommend it on that basis.

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Jun 12, 2017

Inspiring story!! 3-4 moments of the film where the script appeared weak forcing point of conflict and resolution to keep the film moving, and that where I think the film lost the tone of reality.

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Jul 28, 2016

This is a wonderfully uplifting film though it is deeply moving at times. I got to watch it on an Emirates flight and I don't know if it was the wine but those tears flowed at different times.

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May 28, 2016

Acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now, Omar) directs this biopic about Mohammad Assaf, the Gazan wedding singer who became a worldwide sensation after winning the Arab Idol competition in 2013. "A coming-of-age story that takes place in the wake of tragic events in Palestine, this biopic will bring audiences laughter, tears, and a special sense of hope in the world." - MARYAN SHEIK ALI, TIFF Next Wave Committee

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May 28, 2016

Mohammed Assaf, the son of Gaza that sparked life into his people and put the Palestinians in people's faces to make sure we don't forget their struggle while living under siege and disparity. character that plays Nour is truly a force to be reckoned with.This is not the last we have seen of this raw and talented young lady.

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Hany Abu-Assad

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Tawfeek Barhom

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Synopsis

Talented teenage singer Mohammed Assaf travels from the Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for the television show Arab Idol.

Director: Hany Abu-Assad
Producer: Amira Diab
Distributor: Adopt Films
Production Co: KeyFilm, Cactus World Films
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
Original Language: Arabic
Release Date (Theaters): May 27, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 37m

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