Vibrant History, Modern Struggles Intertwined

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Ashkal: The Tunisian Investigation
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Youssef Chebbi
Writer(s): François-Michel Allegrini, Youssef Chebbi
Cast: Fatma Oussaifi, Mohamed Houcine Grayaa, Aymen Ben Hmida
Language: Arabic, French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: in select theaters August 18, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Grab your detective hats, folks, because diving into ASHKAL: THE TUNISIAN INVESTIGATION feels like being in an immersive investigation set against the eerie backdrop of Tunis' once-glorious "The Gardens of Carthage." Remember when your grandparents would tell ghost stories of abandoned places with hushed whispers? Youssef Chebbi brings those to the big screen, adding a dash of enigmatic self-immolations just for kicks.

A walk through the streets of Tunis with ASHKAL feels like an expertly choreographed tour between light and shadow. Youssef Chebbi is the leader here, capturing the city's moods in various hues of the night, letting its buildings and nooks become more than just brick and mortar. They're this tale's silent, brooding characters, their empty windows eagerly gobbling up the unfolding drama.

Our two leading “detectives,” Batal (Mohamed Grayaâ) and Fatma (Fatma Oussaifi,) are the delightful mismatch we didn’t know we needed. Batal, weathered by time and experience, treads carefully between his duty and the pitfalls of a flawed system. In contrast, the spirited Fatma, with her golden heart and silver spoon background, dreams of a just world, even if the path is sprinkled with loneliness and judgmental whispers.

Fast forward a decade after the game-changing Jasmine Revolution, and ASHKAL ties up the socio-political knots of Tunisia’s history with finesse. It’s like watching a vibrant history come to life, each scene reflecting Tunisia’s struggles, be it corruption, societal challenges, or the eerie uptick in self-immolations.

While ASHKAL is mostly a delightful narrative dance, there are missteps. The back and forth between Fatma and Batal sometimes feel stressed; they sometimes seem out of tune with the story. While Fatma’s rich layers as a character are intriguing, they can sometimes create a rift between her and the viewers.

Mixing crime drama with a sprinkle of the supernatural, the movie’s climax might remind you of those series where the ending leaves you scratching your head and calling your buddy to debate. But that’s the beauty of ASHKAL, drawing parallels with Tunisia’s own story, which, like the best mysteries, holds a few cards close to its chest.

Youssef Chebbi and the visual storytelling are like a delicious recipe—just the ingredients to tantalize the senses. While ASHKAL plunges fearlessly into the heart of its mystery, it plays coy with some plot details.

In essence, ASHKAL: THE TUNISIAN INVESTIGATION is not just about connecting the dots of a crime. It’s a journey through the intricate lanes of societal upheavals, political chaos, and the repercussions of a past revolution. It might seem like a puzzle for the everyday Joe or Jane stepping into this world. But whether you’re here for the crime, the history, or cinematic beauty, there’s a little something for everyone. So, if you fancy a mind-jog sprinkled with visual treats, Youssef Chebbi’s latest might just be your cup of tea!

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[photo courtesy of YELLOW VEIL PICTURES]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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