The Cruel Sea

About This Movie

The Cruel Sea is a fascinating window into Kuwait's pre-oil era, crafted by Khalid Al Siddiq. The film's atmosphere is heavy with nostalgia and the struggles of a life tied to the sea. It tells the tale of Bas Ya Bahar, a pearl diver confined to his home, grappling with his own fears and the fate of his son, Mussaid. The performances are heartfelt, especially the portrayals of familial tension and sacrifice. The pacing feels deliberate, mirroring the slow, arduous life of fishing communities. It's interesting how the film employs practical effects to evoke the ocean's vastness and danger. The way it captures the essence of a time long past, before the wealth of oil, is quite distinctive.

First feature film from Kuwait · Explores themes of family and sacrifice · Captures pre-oil Kuwaiti culture