Sea Shadow

As soon as I saw the trailer for the Sea Shadow I was certain this was one movie that would raise the bar for Arab movies all over the Middle East, and quiet honestly that is exactly what it achieved.

Right from the first scene of the movie you understand that Nawaf Al Janahi's approach was to make a subtle lighthearted charming drama of life outside the glam and glamour that is often represented as the 'UAE' lifestyle. This is perhaps why the movie would appeal to the masses, because behind all the charity balls, concerts and horse racing there is a different life in the UAE. A more simpler life where a bicycle is one the most important possessions in a family, smart phones are not norms and roasting crabs at the beach could be the high light of your day.

In technical terms the movie was amazing, you have to realize the movie was entirely shot in Ras Al Khaimah, there were no sky scrapers or fancy cars and to make an old community look as charming as it did, must have taken a fair amount of hard work from the entire cast and crew. There were some absolutely sublime shots and crisp editing in the movie that provide make you nostalgic for life outside of the city. One must mention the background score in the movie, it was absolutely brilliant and just fit in perfectly with the feel of it.

Acting department was quiet natural with most character's playing their parts pretty well, but to be fair Neven Madi simply stole the show. Her portrayal of the vulnerable girl next door might actually be one the best ever. There is more character development of Kaltham's character than any other, which is one of the only thing I think the movie lacked. I would avoid discussing the story here in for anyone who hasn't seen the movie yet, but to say the least it was charming.

Overall this is one charming movie that shouldn't be missed. Its one of those immersive experiences that allow you to escape out of the city for a good 90 minutes and transport you to a much more simple and serene lifestyle that has never been shown before in a major UAE based motion picture. Lets hope the DVD comes out soon because this is definitively entering my library!

UAE filmmaker Nawaf el Janahi's second feature draws an intimate portrait of life in the small seaside vicinity of Ras Al-Khaimah. Emirati teenager Mansoor delivers fresh juices made by his mother. He's in love with Kaltham, the prettiest girl in the neighborhood, but has to find the means of expressing his sentiments within the restraints of local etiquette. Kaltham on the other hand, is struggling with her indifferent father who's ignoring his family after the death of his wife.

The struggles of a young man moving into adulthood has a universal reach. Janahi portrays this with a deep understanding of the local environment and built the narrative around it. Written by one of the most gifted UAE scriptwriters today, Mohammed Hasan Ahmed, these young filmmakers are marking a new wave of cinema coming from the GCC. They are basing their work from within their culture in content and style.

"Sea Shadow" accentuates a part of the Emirates unfamiliar to the rest of the world. This film goes to the very essence of traditional Emirati families, living in homes and sometimes facing financial troubles amongst other things, just like anybody else. It creates the proper mood that helps the audience identify with its characters without drifting away from local values.

The development of characters succeeds by understanding their motives. Kaltham's father's reaction, as much as it is annoying, is due to prolonged grief. While Mansoor's mother's aggressive nature is that of a woman in charge of her family now that her husband is in a wheel chair. The consequences of their actions might turn dramatic, especially for Kaltham.

The films follows a nice rhythm all the way to its conclusion, but misses at times the climaxes needed to close certain scenes. As much as the events are crucial, the thrill is sometimes lacking.

Al-Janahi succeeds in this initiative to portray the complexities of growing up in the Emirates.

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