Muhammed Hamdy worked as a cinematographer on such films as Jihane Noujaim’s Emmy winning and Oscar-nominated doc The Square. This time around, he is on the director’s chair for his feature fictional debut, the political Perfumed with Mint. Here, he mixes political cinema with magic realism, imagining a world where – mostly men – grow mint out of their bodies. Having such an affliction, though, makes one target for persecution, making men like Mahdy (Mahdy Abo Bahat) perpetually running. Some magic in here have less consequences, like protagonist Bahaa (Alaa El Din Hamada) carrying a perpetually wet love letter. Being on the run for both of them means having to crash on several apartments belonging to small dealers. As they smoke hash with their dealers, it’s clear that they partake to be numb to politics.
A film like Perfumed with Mint can draw criticism because of two reasons, either stylistically or because of viewers’ interpretations. The deliberate pace here is not for everyone, although it makes sense that a film about fear is slow. Some viewers may interpret these characters’ actions cynically, that they don’t act out of choice, are apathetic towards political oppression. I already had my theories about why these characters choose to flee instead of fight, the former seemingly better. All of this takes place in a world of shadows, imagine Caravaggio with Ozu’s deadpan in the Near East. And after all, the film started because Bahaa helps Mahdy out, despite the dire consequences they both may face.
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/9/2024
- Directed by: Muhammed Hamdy
- Starring: Abdo Zin Eldin, Aladdin Hamada, Mahdy Abo Bahat
- Produced by: Farès Ladjimi, Tarek Geddawy
- Written by: Muhammad Hamdy
- Studio: ANUBIS Film Productions, Supernova Films
