Le gâteau du président

It's 1990 and Iraq, under the iron fist of Saddam Hussein, is suffering under sanctions. Extreme poverty is on the rise; there are shortages of medicine and food. Despite the circumstances, it's still required that all Iraqis celebrate the president's birthday, or face the consequences. An unlucky classroom draw finds nine-year-old Lamia given the unenviable task of baking the birthday cake for her class. Accompanied by grandmother, Lamia departs her home in the marshes for the big city, to procure the ingredients for the dreaded cake - a task that takes on unexpectedly grave importance. Beautifully shot and acted, and with a keen sense of time and place The President's Cake makes for an exhilarating adventure.

There is a lot to like about this movie not least the combination of resilience and vulnerability in the lead character Lamia and the warmth and durability of her friendships, human and non-human. The film deserves the George Orwell award for an unvarnished portrayal of the effects of poverty and corruption in a personality cult-based authoritarian state under additional duress from an external aggressor. I loved the setting in the Iraqi marshes and the NatGeo-esque insight into the lives of those who live there. Plus if you like mustaches and uniforms you're in for a treat. Best performance was the girl playing Lamia who is an amazing talent. Worst performance was Saddam (as himself) who was strangely unconvincing. No roosters were harmed in the making of this film. The location of weapons of mass destruction remains a mystery to this day.

🌟 My Review: A 10/10 Masterpiece

I rarely give a film a perfect score, but this one absolutely deserves it.

From start to finish, the movie delivers a powerful blend of storytelling, character development, visual quality, and emotional depth. Every scene feels meaningful, and the pacing keeps you engaged without a single dull moment.

✅ Story - Unique, unpredictable, and rich with layered themes. The plot twists are smart and hit hard. It's one of those stories that stays with you.

✅ Characters - Exceptionally written. Every character feels real, with clear motivations and personal arcs. Even the side characters play a meaningful role.

✅ Visuals & Sound - Visually stunning with top-tier animation (or cinematography, if it's live-action). The sound design and music elevate the emotional beats perfectly.

✅ Diversity of Tone - The movie balances action, drama, suspense, and emotion seamlessly. It knows when to slow down and when to hit hard.

This isn't just a good film - it's an experience. A must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality cinema.

I rate it 10/10 without hesitation.

President's Cake stands out as one of the most thoughtful and emotionally stirring films of 2025. It beautifully blends political satire with deep human emotion, making us connect not only with the story but also with the struggles of its characters.

Set against the backdrop of the Iraq wars of the 1990s, the film revolves around a grand celebration that contrasts sharply with the pain and trauma experienced by ordinary people. Through this setting, the movie captures the stark imbalance between the powerful and the powerless-the voices of command echoing over the cries of those who suffer in silence.

At the heart of the story are two children, whose journey to complete a simple task for the celebration becomes a powerful reflection of innocence, hope, and perseverance in difficult times. Their performances are outstanding, carrying the film's emotional weight with remarkable maturity, while the supporting cast adds depth and authenticity throughout.

Visually, President's Cake is crafted with care. The cinematography subtly captures the contrast between grandeur and hardship, and the direction maintains a grounded, sensitive tone.

The film's final classroom scene is especially poignant-a haunting image that lingers long after the credits roll. President's Cake is not just a political satire; it's a moving portrait of humanity caught between obedience and survival. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope often rests in the hearts of the innocent.