Review of A Hologram for the King (2016) by Bill S — 01 May 2016

The movie needs three certain factors to enjoy better.

1) Knowledge in Arabic (Language).

2) Understanding, a bit more than basic level, of Islam (Religion).

3) Open mind for "other" cultures. (Arab in general, Saudi Arabia in particular).

Because it scores big on these three aspects. Added to the excellent performance by Tom hanks, it fulfills the purpose it tries to present.

This is the first movie I have seen showing fluent-Arabic-speaking cast WITH THE RIGHT DIALECT. Ever. I even enjoyed the cussing between the arguing cousins while driving, it was the "fitting" type of cussing.

The occasional introductions to a Muslim state were natural, gradual, clean and not offensive (in a movie aspect, because no matter what, someone, somehow, is gonna find something offensive).

The most impressive thing is how the movie handles the culture in general and in particular. All the little things that make it harder for the stranger in a strange land to deal and comply with. Here again the movie handles matters carefully and tenderly, some matters that many people may find unacceptable according to the western civilization, and some other that Saudis and Muslims may find also unacceptable.

A motion in Tom Hanks' hands, changing from one form to another, while in a car visiting Mecca (accidentally), summarizes plenty of issues and emotions within a second.

Now that every little thing was handled perfectly well, comes the performance of Hanks. Natural. If I had to imagine a western man in a position similar to his character, I would not come up with anyone who has done better.

He was full. Three dimensional. Deep with his character and expressing his emotions according to his challenging circumstances. Watching his collaboration with the rest of the cast made the experience immensely enjoyable.