The Godfather

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Ahmed Ramzy, Ahmed El Sakka

Starring

Documentary

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Out now

In Cinemas

Ahmed Samir

Director

Writer

Mehwar TV- 7:15PM

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Ramadan TV: The Godfather - Master and Student

Published On: 16/08/2010

For many Egyptians today, the most iconic leading men of Egyptian cinema are Omar Sharif, Roshdy Abaza and Ahmed Ramzy. These three actors have made some of the most influential films of all time in Egyptian history. While Omar Sharif usually played the lovesick suitor and Roshdy Abaza played the debonair flirt, Ahmed Ramzy always seemed to be the bad boy, the James Dean of Egyptian cinema with impeccable charm and an evil glint in his eye.

While Sharif continues to make films today, and Abaza passed away in the early eighties, Ramzy came out of retirement in 2001 to star in Wagh El Ammar, the much-hyped-up Ramadan series starring his old friend, Faten Hamama. Since then, Ramzy has worked on a few projects, but he himself has remained outside of the spotlight.

This Ramadan, the much-loved actor returns to the screen with the rather awkwardly named The Godfather: Master and Student, a talk show series featuring Ahmed El Sakka. Apparently, El Sakka has always regarded Ahmed Ramzy as his spiritual godfather (hence the title), and claims to have learnt much from the revered actor’s repertoire and acting technique.

During the show’s thirty-minute showing time, El Sakka plays the role of the interviewer and asks Ramzy about his colourful life. If you have any love for Ahmed Ramzy, this show is a little hard to watch. First of all, the setting, lighting and filming come off as rather cheap. For someone as dignified and well-respected as Ramzy, you’d expect a show that pays tribute to him accordingly. Drum rolls and music are used to build tension throughout the scenes, when in fact; it’s just a conversation between two actors.

Second of all, El Sakka tries far too hard to be charming and louder than Ramzy, who often seems uncomfortable to be in the interviewee’s seat. And while El Sakka tries fervently to make the interview more entertaining with his loud chuckle and exclamations of wonder and surprise, he tends to overpower Ramzy’s soft, conversational voice.

Thirdly, the show’s awkward schedule (7:15PM, just twenty minutes after the Maghreb prayer and breakfast time) and its very long commercial breaks make it a tough one to watch. You’ll need patience and a good amount of focus to stay interested in the show

Ahmed Ramzy himself is a very compelling interview subject, full of hilarious and interesting anecdotes about the golden days and his actor friends. While he’s lost his trademark boyish looks and wavy hair, the classic Ramzy glint in his eye is still present and his charming smile prevails.

Despite its shortcomings, this show is a must-see for Ahmed Ramzy fans and those curious about the bygone era of Egyptian cinema and society.

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