Watch Sawah

Sawah is a heartwarming independent drama about the power of friendship and the courage to pursue one's dreams, directed by Adolf El Assal and starring Karim Kassem, Eric Kabongo, and Jean-Luc Couchard. The film premiered at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Film Festival and has been screened at several other international film festivals, receiving positive reviews.

The film follows the story of three young men from diverse backgrounds who all share a common dream: to become professional wrestlers. The main character, Omar (Karim Kassem), is a Lebanese immigrant who works as a dishwasher in a French restaurant in Brussels, Belgium. Despite his daily struggle to make ends meet, he remains an optimistic and kind-hearted person who never loses hope of achieving his dream.

On the other hand, his best friend, Lenny (Eric Kabongo), is a Congolese immigrant who works as a bouncer in a nightclub. He is known for his hot temper and aggressive behavior, which often gets him in trouble. However, he is also a loyal and supportive friend who will do anything to help Omar achieve his dream.

The third character, Jacky (Jean-Luc Couchard), is a washed-up wrestler who now works as a wrestling coach. He is a disillusioned and bitter man who regrets not having achieved more in his career. He sees in Omar and Lenny the potential to realize his own unfulfilled dreams and decides to train them.

The three men team up and start training in underground wrestling matches, facing various challenges and setbacks along the way. Their journey is both physical and emotional, as they learn to trust and support each other in and out of the ring.

The film addresses themes such as cultural identity, friendship, and the complexity of chasing one's dreams. It portrays the hardships that immigrants often face in a foreign country, including language barriers and discrimination, but it also highlights the resilience and determination of those who refuse to give up on their dreams.

The performances of the three lead actors are outstanding, particularly Karim Kassem's portrayal of Omar. He brings a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to the role, making the audience empathize with his character's struggles and aspirations.

Sawah also benefits from its gritty and realistic cinematography, which captures the raw and unpolished nature of underground wrestling matches. The film's soundtrack, which blends hip-hop and traditional Arabic music, further adds to its unique and vibrant atmosphere.

Overall, Sawah is a touching and inspiring film that celebrates the power of friendship and the human spirit. It offers a fresh take on the classic underdog story, presenting a diverse and inclusive cast of characters who face their challenges with humor, honesty, and courage. Despite its low budget and indie origins, Sawah is a gem that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Sawah is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.