Wajib (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Wajib is a 2018 drama directed by Annemarie Jacir, starring Saleh Bakri as Shadi, Tarik Kopty and Ruba Blal. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $594,657 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 36m (96 min)
- Director
- Annemarie Jacir
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Arabic
- Studio
- Amazon
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Wajib About?
The premise of Wajib without spoilers.
A father and son, estranged for years, must embark on a journey together to hand-deliver wedding invitations. The trip forces them to confront their difficult relationship and past grievances as they navigate the challenges of family dynamics. Through shared experiences and conversations, they seek reconciliation and discover a renewed sense of connection amidst the beauty of their homeland.
Wajib Themes & Keywords
· 17 tags- f rated
- palestinian
- wedding invitation
- wedding invitation cards
- father son relationship
- father son conflict
- christmas
- bird
- funeral
- death
- dog hit by a car
- cigarette smoking
+5 more Show fewer
- kiss
- flat tire
- telephone call
- nazareth israel
- animal bite
Wajib Cast & Characters
Saleh Bakri leads the cast as Shadi, with Tarik Kopty as Abu Murad and Ruba Blal as Rami's Wife. Directed by Annemarie Jacir; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Annemarie Jacir
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Saleh Bakri as Shadi -
Tarik Kopty as Abu Murad -
Ruba Blal as Rami's Wife -
Ossama Bawardi as Karam
Also Starring in Wajib
· 6 more- Mohammed Bakri
- Jalil Abu Hanna Waiter
- Lama Tatour Maria
- Monera Shehadeh Um Murad
- Samia Shanan Widow
- Shams Bawardi Rami's Daughter
More from Annemarie Jacir
More films directed by Annemarie Jacir, best-rated first: Palestine 36, When I Saw You, Salt of This Sea and Salt of This Sea.
Wajib Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Wajib 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (75).
Wajib Echo Score Breakdown
In its concise exploration of familial bonds, Wajib delivers a consistently engaging drama marked by emotional depth and narrative clarity. Critical responses highlight the film’s resourceful direction and its nuanced portrayal of intergenerational tension, grounded in authentic locations and punctuated by warm humor. The father–son relationship is consistently praised for its sincerity and measured pacing, contributing to a cohesive viewing experience. While the minimalist execution may feel understated at times, the film sustains interest through its thoughtful observations and relatable dynamics, resulting in a resonant overall impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, Wajib exhibits deliberate minimalism and disciplined composition. The direction emphasizes authenticity through naturalistic framing and unobtrusive editing, with production design rooted in local environments rather than elaborate sets. Cinematography employs restrained lighting and handheld camera work to enhance intimacy. This sparing yet purposeful aesthetic underlines the film’s resourceful approach to visual storytelling.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, Wajib shines through its portrayal of familial bonds and intergenerational conflict. The central performances evoke genuine chemistry and nuanced emotional beats, capturing both patience and frustration. Character arcs unfold organically within everyday interactions, lending sincerity to their resonance. Overall, the film creates memorable emotional depth through its careful characterization.
- Story & Flow 85
In terms of story and flow, Wajib balances a familiar premise with fresh cultural context, maintaining clarity and engagement throughout. The pacing unfolds at a measured rhythm, allowing narrative developments to resonate without feeling rushed. While the core plot of a father and son reconnection is conventional, the film’s grounding in specific social realities brings originality. The result is a coherent and engaging storyline.
- Sensory Experience 75
When it comes to sensory experience, Wajib relies on ambient soundscapes and subtle musical cues to support its intimate tone. The sound design underscores everyday scenes without drawing attention to itself, while visual style uses muted color palettes and natural light to evoke a sense of authenticity. Overall, the film presents a cohesive audiovisual design that complements its restrained narrative.
- Rewatch Factor 80
In terms of rewatch factor, Wajib offers enduring appeal through its understated narrative layers and character subtleties. Subsequent viewings reveal deeper cultural details and nuanced emotional exchanges that may be overlooked initially. The film’s modest scale and thoughtful observations encourage reflection on family dynamics. As a result, Wajib maintains interest beyond the first experience.
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IMDb 7.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 86%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 71% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.9 /5
33 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Wajib Box Office
Wajib grossed $594,657 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$594.7K
- International
- $594.7K
Wajib Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Wajib.
Cars in Wajib
54 cars on screen, including the 1985 Volvo 240 and the 2006 Honda Civic.
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1985 Volvo 240 Main role -
2006 Honda Civic Minor role -
2012 Kia Rio Minor role -
2013 Nissan Qashqai Minor role
Wajib Also Known As
9 alternative titles, including “와지브” and “Wajib, l'invitation au mariage”.
- Also known as
-
- 와지브
- Wajib, l'invitation au mariage
- Invitación de boda
- Wajib - Invito al matrimonio
- Düğün Davetiyesi
- Покана за сватба
- Wajib - Hochzeit in Nazareth
- 责任
- Zaveza
Seen Wajib?
Movies Like Wajib
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including For My Father, Our Father and For My Father.
Wajib FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Wajib, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Wajib?
Wajib runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).
When was Wajib released?
Wajib was released on October 5, 2018.
Who directed Wajib?
Wajib was directed by Annemarie Jacir.
More films by Annemarie Jacir Who is in the cast of Wajib?
Wajib stars Saleh Bakri as Shadi, Tarik Kopty as Abu Murad and Ruba Blal as Rami's Wife, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Wajib make at the box office?
Wajib grossed $594,657 worldwide.
How is Wajib rated?
Wajib has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Wajib have a post-credit scene?
No. Wajib has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Wajib in?
The original language of Wajib is Arabic.
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