Pharaoh (1966)

an important Polish novel. a special film, precise adaptation of the first. and atmosphere of an old empire. short - a kind of parable about power, illusion and generous plans. after decades, its basic force source is the delicacy of details and performances. the slow images, the links between politic and religion, economy and need of change, the supremacy of a group against the king will , the fragility of a young leader and the fall of each great state. the music, the images and the hard work to create a remarkable film. the emotions and the spirit of lost world. more than adaptation of Prus masterpiece, it is reflection of profound roots of each period. and that fact does it not only a form of history lesson but a seed for reflection about present.

This is the kind of movies which impression lasts more than you may expect. That is because FARAON throws fundamental questions about power, religion and a not so usual element in the movies, economy. And from a very realistic approach, surrounded by intrigues and superstition. That was, probably, the world in Ancient Egypt.The cinematography goes flawless, with powerful visuals, and slow pace. Performance conveys audience to states of anguish, uncertainty, fear, rage, and often sensuality, with a perfect theatrical top class acting, and economy of means.Only the music from Adam Walacinski lags a bit behind, and would benefit from some more ambition.A classic from 1966 which track no other movie has followed.

I never liked this endlessly boring epic. Many times I tried to sit through this long work of Mr. Kawalerowicz, and was always deeply disappointed. This excellent film director shines in his recent master work Quo Vadis? but here in his early attempt he mostly drowned us in deadly slow and painfully dull description of the Ramses XIII's struggle against the church clergy. It seems that the film was attempted to be a grand picture, but even the battle scene and the episode of the old pharaoh's embalmed are so slow, so melancholic as if the whole film crew got sun burnt in the Egyptian sands. Other hilarious moments include the impossibly funny wigs that divert all the attention from the play, the poor performance of the main hero and the ruthlessly long dialogs between the clergy members. If you want a film that will make you feel sleepy, go for it!

FARAON, aka PHARAOH, is about a power struggle between Rameses XIII, heir to the throne of an impoverished Egypt, and the temple priests, who are hoarding a vast treasury of gold (tribute to their gods). The film lacks the grand spectacle of Cecil B. DeMille, which is to say that it's probably a much more accurate depiction of ancient Egypt than the Hollywood versions you're used to seeing. Lots of political intrigue, several good battle scenes, and some really wild wigs! The liner notes to the DVD say that this was the most important film in the career of director Jerzy Kawalerowicz.