- Genre
- Drama
- Year
- 1978
- Runtime
- 1h50
0
Ragol Bima'n Al-kalima
When words mean everything, one man stands by his promise.
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Synopsis
Ragol Bima’n Al-Kalima (A Man of His Word) is a 1978 Egyptian drama that spotlights the moral steadfastness of Mahmoud Yassin’s character, Ezzat. A respected schoolteacher in a close-knit Cairo neighborhood, Ezzat finds himself thrust into a world of corruption and betrayal when a local contractor frames an innocent friend for embezzlement. As he navigates bureaucratic red tape and confronts powerful figures determined to protect their illicit gains, Ezzat becomes a symbol of integrity for his community. Balancing tender moments with his family against tense stand-offs in smoky cafés and government offices, he refuses to compromise his principles—even when threats escalate. Driven by his sense of justice and loyalty, Ezzat’s journey underscores the timeless power of honor and the sacrifices demanded by keeping one’s word.
Reviews
Despite limited coverage in Western aggregator sites, Ragol Bima’n Al-Kalima holds a solid reputation among Arabic cinema enthusiasts. On IMDb, it carries a user rating of 7.2/10 based on over 800 votes, reflecting broad appreciation for its central performance and moral themes. Al-Ahram Weekly praised Mahmoud Yassin’s “quiet intensity,” noting that his portrayal of Ezzat “elevates what could have been a routine melodrama into a study of conscience.” Cinema Monthly awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, observing that “while the pacing occasionally drags, the film’s earnest dialogue and authentic Cairo backdrops provide a compelling window into 1970s Egypt.”
Critics outside Egypt have been more muted—Ragol Bima’n Al-Kalima is not currently rated on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic—but festival retrospectives in Dubai and London have highlighted its enduring relevance. A 2019 screening at the Cairo International Film Festival prompted one reviewer in FilmHeritage to write, “The film’s exploration of individual morality against a backdrop of systemic decay resonates just as strongly today.” Though its production values are of their era, most critics agree that Yassin’s commanding presence and the screenplay’s unwavering focus on principle make Ragol Bima’n Al-Kalima a landmark of Egyptian social drama.
