Pharaoh (1966)
(Faraon, Jerzy Kawalerowicz, Poland 1966, 180 min., DCP, Polish w/English subtitles)
Pharaoh is an epic Polish film adapted from the novel by Bolesław Prus. A young pharaoh, Ramses XIII, takes power in Egypt after the death of his father. He does not realize the strength of the influence from the priests. Ramses XIII tries to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the state, the power of the pharaoh, and the army. Ramses XIII also experiences personal tragedies when he loses his beloved Sara and her son. Ramses XIII becomes entangled in a net of intrigues aimed at leading to a war with Assyria and Phoenicia. The priests, who know astronomical phenomena, use the solar eclipse to control the Egyptian people. Ramesses XIII, indebted to the Phoenicians, deceived by his lover, and deluded by the image of his doppelganger, falls into a trap.
The shots were taken in Luxor and Giza among the pyramids, Bukhara in the Kara-Kum desert, and Masuria near Kirsajty Lake as the Nile. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1967). The production belongs to the world classic of spectacular historical films set in antiquity.