What is the link between Queen Hatshepsut, Ali Al-Zaibaq -- the Egyptian hero from Ottoman times -- and Bishr Pasha the fictional head of secret police in 1940s Egypt? This is what Egyptian director Sherif Arafa wants you to find out in his two-part movie The Treasure (2017). The events of the first part take place in 1973, with the return of Hassan Bishr to his ancestors’ home after years of living abroad and studying Egyptology. He’s there to sell the house and go back to Europe. Instead, he finds a taped testimony by his father Bishr Pasha asking him to watch the reels he left him and read a few papyruses that contain the stories of Queen Hatshepsut and Ali Al-Zaibaq, before deciding whether to sell the house or not. The father also speaks of a treasure that could be found once all of the three stories are completed. With that, the viewers -- along with Hassan -- start an adventure in three different eras that marked Egyptian history.
Though each era is a thousand years apart yet there are many common factors shared between them such as the eternal link between religion and politics, the struggle that the lead characters in each era have to face in order to do what is right and serve justice, and most importantly: the hopeless love stories they go through due to their social positions.
The stories are presented in flashbacks and Arafa makes sure that you don’t get lost between the three storylines by anchoring you to the present with Hassan; you become him witnessing all different stories and trying to figure out the link between them; and later the treasure that is mentioned and sought in every era.
As the first movie ends, the saga continues in the second part this time with more action and fight scenes. As we get closer to solving the mystery of the treasure, each era is coming into an end and history is re-written; from the abdication of Hatshepsut to the start of the 1952 revolution that strips Bishr Pasha from power. And the question becomes: Does the treasure really exist or is it merely a metaphor?
The movie is studded with many famous Egyptian stars. The most remarkable acting is that of Mohammed Sa’ad, best known for his comical character El Limby. He gives a life-time performance as Bishr Pasha the man of paradox; on one hand he’s abusing his position of power and on the other he’s helplessly in love with a young singer who doesn’t share his feeling. The scenes that they share are powerful as his tenderness is always met with her constant fear of him.
Historical figures of that era make an appearance such as King Farooq and president Anwar El-Sadat. The voice of Nesma Mahjoub used for playback singing is enchanting and heartbreaking at times. The costumes and graphics used in every era are very convincing especially the ancient Egyptian ones.
Queen Hatshepsut’s story and the struggle she faced being a queen in a patriarchal society led by the priests is admirable. Also, the love she shared with Senenmut her lead architect was the highlight of the movie. There are few flaws in the movie including the choice of Ali Al-Zaibaq’s mother who’s too old in an era where females were married off pre-teen at times. Also, the second part loses a bit of its seriousness at times as many characters lean on comedy to appeal more to the younger audiences. Nevertheless, the movie is fun to watch and suitable for all ages. Not to be missed. Available on Netflix.
(Rasha al Raisi is a certified skills trainer and the author of: The World According to Bahja. rashabooks@yahoo.com)
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