LE GRAND VOYAGE - (2004)
A very good spiritual movie titled ‘Le Grand Voyage” or Ar-Rihlatul Akbar or The Great
Journey.
The Movie wins 4 International Award and 2 nominees, in addition, it uses French as its main language. Starring by Nicolas Cazale, Mohamed Majd dan Jacky Nercessian. This film told us about a
journey made by a Father, and his son, in reaching of Mecca (Mekkah), Saudi Arabia. During the travel, this Father and son were sometimes had a difference perception, and different argumentation as well. Reda (Nicolas Cazale) was asked by his Father (Mohammed Majd) to accompany him in a moslem spiritual journey of 'Haji' to one of Islamic holy city, Mekkah. But, instead of using plane as fastest transportation ever, the father choose to travel in land by car. The boy asked him why, he said that "It is better to walk rather than using a car, a car than using a train, and a train than using a plane".
The father is a strong-willed person, he has settled his heart on his faith. It is not a common occasion to travel from French - Mecca, it took about for almost 5000 km. In the middle of the journey, Reda is asking his Father, “Why would you prefer to use a car on your journey? Why not using a plane, it is fast and safe, and simple". The Father answered,” When the water from the sea rises to the sky and vaporized, the salty taste is gone and become pure as it is before.” That is why i choose this way, when i was as young as you, your Grandfather taught me, he was riding on a back of a donkey. I was never forget the day. He was a very brave man. Every day i climbed up to the hill, and i saw a very good scenery, the greatest moment i have ever seen in my life. And, i want to be the first person who can see it again”.
This Father and son's journey of 5000 km was not as easy as it can be done by anyone. From French went to Italy, and then Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria, Jordania, and finally it reached Saudi Arabia as a final destination. This journey, somehow needs a great consistency of patience and stamina as well. It is also imbued with many obstacles like internal conflict between Father and son, the loosing of money when they really need it, covered by snow, and so much more.
The main interest of the journey itself was not the Father's, Father is well convenient and is already prepared. The real journey of all, was the truth finding answer of the son's doubt. He learns the greatest spiritual changes in his life alongside the journey. Reda, the son, is not a religious-type teenager. He was likely being forced to do this. He is willing to join his father's journey, because the unable of his father to drive a car, while, his brother was losing his driving license also. Reda is still registered as a senior high school student. He has a girlfriend. Almost every time his father are unaware, he tried to contact her. Until his father found the cell phone and garbage it. Besides, Reda is an egoist person and adore of wealthy and glamor so much.
However, Reda is gained experienced through this journey, a very rare moment on his life. Each event he went through, take a deep concern on him. And, every conflicts he make with his own father, the hardest part, were passed until they found the place. In the end, Reda can not avoid his destiny, he was separated with his father. Ready or not, he has to face it. He found his Father is passed away in the holy land.
The Father's great journey has reflect on son's own religious way in learning life.
(It is a very high recommended movie)