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The Sin follows Aziza (Faten Hamama), a poor woman that has to work in the fields under harsh conditions. When her husband falls ill and is unable to work as well, the pressure to sustain the family falls solely in Aziza. After being raped by a guard and ending up pregnant, she is faced with some harsh decisions. Does she reveal what happened sacrificing both her dignity and her family's means of survival, or does she carry on risking shame and punishment in the future?
The titular "sin" might refer to an unwanted pregnancy, even if it was a result of rape. Although the Qur'an does condemn sexual violence, some conservative societies still put the stigma on the victim. However tough that might be, Aziza faces tougher choices down the road when she decides to hide the pregnancy. Choices that could lead to "sin", and as is believed by most religions, punishment and "eternal damnation".
As I was browsing for films from Egypt, this often came up as one of the most well-regarded films from the country. Considering the time and place it was made, it's understandable the impact it probably had. Even in more progressive societies nowadays, there are still films that shy away from addressing issues like rape, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, and suicide, or its religious/spiritual implications. So to have this come out from a Muslim country, back in 1965, is quite something.
Unfortunately, the film does take a while to even introduce the main characters, which doesn't really help us connect with them. Moreover, after the main plot point is more or less resolved, the film broadens the scope to use Aziza's situation as a way to address the working conditions of poor people in the country. Although I applaud the intention, I would've preferred the film to maintain a more focused micro-narrative on Aziza and her family, instead of the macro-narrative of the lower class working conditions in Egypt.
Grade:
THE SIN
(1965, Barakat)
A film from Egypt
(1965, Barakat)
A film from Egypt
"Maybe I should kill myself... but it's a sin."
The Sin follows Aziza (Faten Hamama), a poor woman that has to work in the fields under harsh conditions. When her husband falls ill and is unable to work as well, the pressure to sustain the family falls solely in Aziza. After being raped by a guard and ending up pregnant, she is faced with some harsh decisions. Does she reveal what happened sacrificing both her dignity and her family's means of survival, or does she carry on risking shame and punishment in the future?
The titular "sin" might refer to an unwanted pregnancy, even if it was a result of rape. Although the Qur'an does condemn sexual violence, some conservative societies still put the stigma on the victim. However tough that might be, Aziza faces tougher choices down the road when she decides to hide the pregnancy. Choices that could lead to "sin", and as is believed by most religions, punishment and "eternal damnation".
As I was browsing for films from Egypt, this often came up as one of the most well-regarded films from the country. Considering the time and place it was made, it's understandable the impact it probably had. Even in more progressive societies nowadays, there are still films that shy away from addressing issues like rape, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, and suicide, or its religious/spiritual implications. So to have this come out from a Muslim country, back in 1965, is quite something.
Unfortunately, the film does take a while to even introduce the main characters, which doesn't really help us connect with them. Moreover, after the main plot point is more or less resolved, the film broadens the scope to use Aziza's situation as a way to address the working conditions of poor people in the country. Although I applaud the intention, I would've preferred the film to maintain a more focused micro-narrative on Aziza and her family, instead of the macro-narrative of the lower class working conditions in Egypt.
Grade: