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Poster for Captain Abu Raed

Captain Abu Raed

Seen it?

2008 | 102 min | Drama

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

Abu Raed is an old airport janitor who has always yearned to travel the world but has never been able to afford it. One day, he finds an old discarded pilot's hat, and discovers a calling: a group of children in his poor neighborhood assume he's an airline captain and beg him to share stories of the world outside of Amman, Jordan. Through imaginary tales, a friendship forms, and Abu Raed is soon faced with the grim realities of the children's home life. Thus he takes it upon himself to make a difference in their lives.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

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Cast & crew

Directed by Amin Matalqa

  • Nadim SawalhaAbu Raed
  • Rana SultanNour
  • Hussein Al-SousMurad
  • Odai QedeseTareq
  • Ghandi SaberAbu Murad
  • Dina Raad-YaghnamUm Murad
  • Mohammad QteshtatHilal
  • Nadim MushahwarSameh
  • Faisal MajaliZiad
  • Lina AttelNour's Mom