Welad Rizk 3: Saudi cinema’s new use of characters and techniques

Such ambitions were once impossible. But the success of the filming in Riyadh showed how the capital itself could be transformed into a vibrant film set, showcasing the hallmarks of a modern creative industry.

The city not only received global attention and captivated the audience. It set a precedent for revitalising Arab cities and transforming them into global cinematic hubs. And all of that was put on show at the Riyadh Season of cultural events.

A pioneering spirit

Welad Rizk 3 – Al-Qadiya was intended to a groundbreaking enterprise throughout, and described as such by Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. 

The film had a substantial budget of $12m. There was an ensemble cast of Egyptian actors and international celebrities, including boxing legend Tyson Fury.

A show-stopping scene depicts Fury in an epic battle sequence, performed on the back of a truck during a high-speed chase through Riyadh's streets.

The film's financial success was equally remarkable.

It earned 18mn Egyptian pounds in a single day and set a new record for the highest revenue in Egyptian cinema history, surpassing 235mn pounds (£4.8mn) so far.

Beyond the box office, the film has brought cultural and social momentum. As a breakthrough hit, it has encouraged tourism, showing off the region via use of the techniques of the global film industry.

This approach builds on the status and influence of directors like Youssef Chahine, who initiated a modern cinematic movement in the 1950s. Similarly, the success of director Marwan Hamed – who studied cinema in Egypt and embraced global cinema techniques, especially in the action genre – demonstrates the value of this approach.

It was extended by Welad Rizk 3 – Al-Qadiya's director, Tarek Al-Arian, helping make the film into a milestone in Egyptian and Arab cinema.

He studied cinema in Los Angeles, ventured into the most challenging and thrilling areas, demanding both technical and executive precision. Al-Arian's film encapsulates the essence of excellent action through intense, sustained, and continuous sequences.

A truly Arab action film

The story begins with a crisis that sets the tone for the film, as the main characters are drawn back into the lives of crime and misadventure that they had tried to leave behind.

There is much action, and the way it is set in Riyadh makes its sophisticated production techniques thrilling to watch, with more refined and polished performances from the actors. The sense of chemistry achieved among the cast is kept alive. There are numerous plot twists, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

The combined effect keeps the focus on the whole cast, rather than an individual star, which also represents a refreshing new departure and the first steps in a new genre of Arab action films.

By collaborating with esteemed fight choreographers and using cutting-edge camera techniques, the director has skillfully crafted a distinctive style and a blend of local flavour and high-octane action.

The inclusion of familiar headbutting moves – characteristic of Egyptian and Arab brawls – adds an authentic touch.

There is a more realistic feel, with no invincible-looking fighters and combatants all vulnerable to defeat. This gives the action scenes credibility as well as intensity.

The climatic fight scene featuring a drugged world boxing champion is a testament to this approach, showcasing a gritty and suspenseful confrontation that defies conventional action cinema tropes.

Welad Rizk 3 – Al-Qadiya shows how Arab action films are now able to rival international blockbusters like the Mission Impossible series and the John Wick films.

Even so, there remains a desire for more. Al-Sheikh wants to establish a globally recognised Arab action genre. That is coming, but when asked if the film's success meant his ambition was fulfilled, he replied in simple terms: "Not yet."

Brains as well as brawn

The film has faced criticism for allegedly promoting toxic masculinity, misogyny, and glorifying thuggish behaviour.

But a closer examination reveals a more nuanced narrative. There is more to the story than brawn. Much of the events it depicts, which take place in a harsh setting, depend on brain work. Its protagonists need to be cunning.

This trait, often associated with femininity, is a potent tool for women in confronting men and the world, as seen throughout Eastern narrative traditions, including in One Thousand and One Nights.

The film's characters cannot just use brute strength or recklessness. Their need to think subverts expectations and offers a fresh perspective on conflict resolution, as well as suggesting an awareness of boundaries and a strategic attempt to breach them.

Nuanced portrayal

The film's portrayal of women is nuanced. The protagonists are prone to betrayal and have multiple relationships with women. But this is not glorified. Rather it is portrayed as a result of insecurity and inferiority.

Where there are stable relationships, they are central to the narrative, featuring wives and families in key roles. Fleeting relationships are relegated to the periphery.

Critics have argued that the film's depiction of violent behavior against women is degrading. But it presents this behavior as a manifestation of men's fear of loss, rather than dominance. This fear is expressed through emotional violence, which the film does not endorse but rather portrays as a flawed aspect of human nature.

The film's characters see themselves as existing in a heightened reality, bordering on fantasy. This perspective suggests that the film is more interested in exploring cinematic possibilities than promoting a specific reality.

By presenting exaggerated characters and traits, the film creates a unique narrative that defies simplistic judgment.

Beyond its entertainment value and breath-taking action scenes, the film has deeper cultural and political meaning. At its core, the narrative celebrates the values of brotherhood and cooperation, emphasising the unbreakable bond between siblings and the power of collective effort.

This theme consistently woven throughout the whole series of films, highlighting the transformative impact of unity and collaboration.

The message resonates with the Saudi Entertainment Authority's initiatives to promote Arab creative partnerships, underscoring the importance of cooperation in driving positive change.