The Court of the Pharaoh (1985)

The Court of the Pharaoh Poster
Original Title: La corte de Faraón

In the early Spanish Civil Post-war, in Madrid, during the most hard times of the Franco dictatorship, a group of second-rate players try to get out of their wretched lives taking advantage of the artistic caprices of the son of a rich man who supports the regime. They try to stage a Pre-war 'zarzuela' (a sort of Spanish operetta), 'La Corte Del Faraón', which ironically, thirty years later, is too obscene for the regime censorship. They finally manage to perform the 'zarzuela' but end up in the police station where they confirm that justice depends on which side are you on

The Plot
"The Court of the Pharaoh" is a Spanish film launched in 1985, directed by José Luis García Sánchez and produced by Francisco Lara Polop. The movie is a light-hearted comedy-drama that incorporates components of ancient Egyptian culture into a modern-day setting.

The film begins with a regular insurance representative Pedro (played by Antonio Resines), who is drawn into a series of strange and comically misfortunate events after getting an old mirror as a parting gift from his shifty, outgoing boss. Upon looking into this mirror, Pedro is transported back into the ancient Egyptian members' court of the Pharaoh.

In this time-warped truth, the Egyptian court lives in an enormous city apartment or condo in the middle of Madrid. The Pharaoh (Luis Ciges) and his court members hold theatrical efficiencies, have ostentatious feasts, and live in a fancy way of life, puzzling Pedro in this weird paradox.

Secret Characters
Pedro, the film's protagonist, is browsing his method through this odd new world, while his personal life in today suffers. He overlooks his pregnant partner and his job due to his repeating journeys to the Egyptian court.

Antonio Resines plays the character of Pedro brilliantly, showcasing his comic timing and relatability. The character of the Pharaoh, played by Luis Ciges, is a loveable tyrant, whose deeply established beliefs in the afterlife and magnificent entities develop humorous situations.

The Cast & Crew
Other notable actors include Chus Lampreave as the Queen and Antonio Gamero as the High Priest. The acting expertise of the whole cast brings the movie script alive, offering audiences a humorous and amusing efficiency.

The film's script was co-written by Rafael Azcona and José Luis García Sánchez, who likewise directed the movie. They masterfully mix the ancient and the contemporary world, producing an amusing narrative.

Themes
"The Court of the Pharaoh" stands out amongst other films for its imaginative usage of timelines, producing a parallel universe where modern-day Madrid and the ancient Egyptian court coexist. The film explores styles of escapism, personal overlook, and the clash of 2 different periods.

The film likewise indirectly offers social commentary on real estate problems in Madrid throughout the 1980s as the enormous apartment housing the Pharaoh's court is a sign of the deficiency and high cost of housing at the time.

Reception
The movie was appreciated for its humor, its ridiculous and creative set-up, and its commentary. It likewise brought in a cult following for its peculiar narrative design, its extraordinary characters, and its successful blend of historic and contemporary elements.

The movie was picked as the Spanish entry for the very best Foreign Language Film at the 58th Academy Awards however was not accepted as a candidate.

In conclusion, "The Court of the Pharaoh" uses a special cinematic experience thanks to its original plot, charming characters, and ability to discover comedy in the most unanticipated circumstances. Whether you're a fan of historic narratives, time-travel plots, or merely a funny enthusiast, this movie has something to use everybody.

Top Cast

  • Ana Belén (small)
    Ana Belén
    Mari Pili / Lota
  • Antonio Banderas (small)
    Antonio Banderas
    Fray José / José en un momento posterior
  • Fernando Fernán Gómez (small)
    Fernando Fernán Gómez
    Roque
  • Juan Diego (small)
    Juan Diego
    Roberto
  • Guillermo Montesinos (small)
    Guillermo Montesinos
    Antonio / José al principio
  • José Luis López Vázquez (small)
    José Luis López Vázquez
    Comisario
  • Josema Yuste (small)
    Josema Yuste
    Tarsicio / Putifar
  • Quique Camoiras (small)
    Quique Camoiras
    Corcuera/Rey
  • Agustín González (small)
    Agustín González
    Padre Calleja
  • Luis Ciges (small)
    Luis Ciges
    Huete
  • Mary Carmen Ramírez (small)
    Mary Carmen Ramírez
    Fernanda / Reina