Jerzy Kawalerowicz’s dazzling epic, an adaptation of Bolesław Prus' renowned novel, revolves around a lethal power struggle in ancient Egypt. As the youthful Ramses XIII ascends the throne, he clashes with powerful priests who seek to undermine his ambition to become the greatest Pharaoh in history.
Resplendent with huge battle scenes, towering sets, stunningly choreographed sequences and spectacular design and cinematography, Pharaoh authentically evokes a world characterised by rigid hierarchy, mysterious ritual and often brutal conflict. This mesmerising film is anchored in ideas as well as spectacle – exposing a society distorted by fear, betrayal and hypocrisy.
Second Run present Pharaoh from a 2K restoration by WFDiF, Poland, supervised by the film’s cinematographer Jerzy Wójcik.
Our region-free Blu-ray also includes an an expansive and in-depth discussion of the film by critic, curator and scholar Michał Oleszczyk, fascinating archival footage and a booklet with new writing on the film by Michael Brooke.
