Cast
View All
Athmane Ariouet
as Cheikh Bouamama
Sid Ahmed Agoumi
as
Ahmed Benaissa
as
Sissani (Mohamed Djediat)
as
Pierre Belot
as
Jacques Bouanich
as
Robert Bazil
as
Mahmoud Aziz
as
Abdelkader Belmokadem
as
Mohammed Ben Mohammed
as
Georges Bruce
as
Brahim Bsissa
as
Djalal Chendali
as
Mustapha Chougrani
as
Laurent Claret
as
Crew
Director
- Benamar Bakhti
Writer
- Boualem Bessaih
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane War/Action/History film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Epic of Cheikh Bouamama distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Benamar Bakhti brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Epic of Cheikh Bouamama took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 178 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 211 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 362 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Epic of Cheikh Bouamama shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Flying Supersonic, which focuses more on action than character development, The Epic of Cheikh Bouamama subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Four Musketeers and Gorillas in the Mist explore similar territory, The Epic of Cheikh Bouamama stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 7, 1985
- Runtime: 2h 58m
