Title in relation to the film:
The film’s title, River of Love, is an allusion to the myth of Osiris and Isis. It is believed that Isis, the goddess of love, came down from the heavens to Earth and was very sad by how barren and unloved Earth was. She willed her tears into becoming rain and these rains were so heavy they created the Nile River. This river washed away the ugliness by granting life, fertility, and prosperity.
The last words Nawal wrote in her letter to her brother are “For humans must see the great secret of life. Those who desire life must make space in their hearts for a river of love”. I interpret this as for humanity to continue, people must always have it in their hearts to love and this should be ongoing and continuous.
“For humans must see the great secret of life. Those who desire life must make space in their hearts for a river of love”
Start of the film:
The film starts with dramatic music and nature scenes starting with the sky, barren ground, rain and then the Nile river. A narrator is explaining how the Nile river was created.
The final image in the film:
The ending is very similar to the beginning and features the Nile River in the background and Mamdouh crying as he reads Nawal’s suicide note. The final image is of the Nile river with clouds and the sun shining brightly.
Similarities or differences to Hollywood films:
Very similar in many aspects and akin to many Hollywood romantic tragedies. The way everyone dressed was comparable to Hollywood in the 1930s. Out of all the films we’ve watched I would say this is the most similar and if it was in English, one could mistake it for a western romantic tragedy.
Characters:
Nawal: Main character the film is revolved around
Taher Pasha: Tyrannical husband of Nawal/ Legal scholar/ Running for Government (Minister)
Khalid: Young general and Nawal’s lover
Mamdouh: Nawal’s older brother. Lawyer
Safiya: Mamdouh’s wife and Nawal’s sister in law
Hani: Nawal and Taher Pasha’s son
Wasfy: Khalid’s best friend, helps Khalid in his pursuit for Nawal although he was interested as well
Repeated Elements/Objects:
1. Train
2. White Lilies
Themes Within The Film
- Love
- Reputations
- Laws (If one performs adultery they are sent to prison)
- War
Familiar as an American:
-Masquerade Balls
-The way they dressed
-A rich person employing a nanny, doorman, private investigator, etc.
Exclusively Egyptian:
Nawal slept in separate room from her husband and even when she was away with Khaled, a person she loved, they did not sleep in the same bed as well. In the U.S you would usually see married couples, or lovers sharing a bed. It gave a sense of how women have to remain virtuous even throughout marriage or romantic relationships.
Emotions to River of Love:
Sad and Angry