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As Not to Fly the Smoke

Name: As Not to Fly the Smoke
Director: Ahmed Yehia
Released: 1984
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

1984

Director

Ahmed Yehia

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ahmed Yehia’s film is a harsh social critique that dismantles the traditional hero's journey. Instead of a triumph of virtue, the story delves into how systemic inequality and economic hardship can erode individual morality. The film effectively uses personal tragedy to highlight the failures of institutional support and the class-based indifference within society. It offers a biting critique of capitalist structures and class-based oppression. However, the representation is limited by traditional clichés. The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ visibility and focuses primarily on a male-centric perspective, often using illness as a plot device rather than a character study.

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Category Breakdown

Does As Not to Fly the Smoke have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or stories related to LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth experiences. It focuses solely on the protagonist's socioeconomic struggles.

How does As Not to Fly the Smoke portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist's descent into cynicism. His mother, a key figure, is portrayed through traditional dramatic clichés emphasizing her vulnerability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is As Not to Fly the Smoke?

Fair

As an Egyptian production, the film showcases local representations of class-based identity. It highlights the tension between working-class students and the wealthy elite.

How does As Not to Fly the Smoke represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative provides a strong critique of capitalist structures and class-based oppression. It portrays the social contract as a failed construct through a socio-politically aware lens.

Does As Not to Fly the Smoke include disability representation?

Limited

Illness serves as a primary narrative driver through the mother's medical condition. However, the character has little control over what happens to them, functioning mainly as a catalyst for the protagonist's journey.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated critique of class-based oppression and systemic inequality.
Offers a cynical, socio-politically aware worldview that challenges traditional moral optimism.
Effectively uses personal tragedy to drive a critique of societal indifference.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
Gender roles follow traditional clichés, centering primarily on a male protagonist's journey.
Disability is used as a narrative catalyst rather than providing ability to act to the character.

Official Synopsis

Fahmi Abdul Hadi .. A distinguished student of law school .. His dreams are simple and his actions are ideal and pure .. Fahmi collides with the bitter reality of life when losing his mother because he cannot afford the price of her treatment. At a time, He watches his colleagues around him spend money like water and making fun of his poverty and even refuse to help him to treat his mother. Fahmi decides to abandon the idealism and take revenge of all who failed him.

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