The President's Cake Review: A Sweet Portrait of Life in Wartime Iraq
In his debut feature, Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi crafts a uniquely charming and bittersweet narrative set against the backdrop of early-1990s Iraq. The President's Cake follows nine-year-old Lamia, played with unselfconscious excellence by Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, who is obligated by her school to bake a birthday cake in honour of Saddam Hussein. This seemingly simple task becomes a profound adventure, unfolding amidst severe sanctions and ingredient shortages that mirror the country's broader struggles.
A Bake Off-Style Adventure Amidst Conflict
The film opens with Lamia's greedy teacher devouring the apple she brought for lunch, before announcing that the class must draw lots to determine who will bake the Saddam cake. Fate selects Lamia, while her friend Saeed, portrayed by Sajad Mohama Qasem, is tasked with supplying the fruit. What ensues is a desperate shopping expedition through town, accompanied by her grandmother Bibi, played by Waheed Thabet Khreibat, and her pet cockerel, Hindi, whose unpredictable crowings add a layer of spontaneous humour.
As Lamia and Bibi navigate the streets, they encounter a series of vivid characters that paint a rich tapestry of Iraqi society under duress. Saeed, groomed as a pickpocket by his beggar father, plans to steal fruit or other items to sell. Their journey echoes classic tales like The Bicycle Thieves, introducing a grocer who trades rare treats for sexual favours with a pregnant customer and, in a particularly grim sequence, a paedophile who offers baking powder in exchange for a visit to his apartment.
Hollywood Influence and Nonprofessional Brilliance
Hadi, a former Sundance Lab fellow, benefits from executive producers Chris Columbus and Eric Roth, who may have encouraged a sprinkle of Tinseltown sugar into the mix. This influence is subtly felt in moments like Lamia gazing at her reflection in a river, a scene reminiscent of The Lion King. However, the film's heart lies in its largely nonprofessional cast, whose performances lend an authentic, raw quality to the narrative.
Throughout the film, placards and posters of Saddam Hussein loom large, complicating every street scene with demonstrations of forced loyalty. This constant presence serves as a stark reminder of life during wartime, where even simple joys are shadowed by political oppression. A poignant subplot involves a postman who gives Lamia and Bibi a lift, enthusiastically declaring, "I adore cake! It's the greatest invention in human history!" His other passenger is a man blinded by an American bomb, engaged to be married to someone he hasn't seen, highlighting the personal tragedies woven into the fabric of conflict.
From Meandering Journeys to Explosive Climaxes
The President's Cake saunters and meanders through its runtime, occasionally accelerating into mad dashes as the children are chased by adults. The pacing mirrors the unpredictability of life in a war zone, where moments of calm can swiftly turn chaotic. The cake-tasting itself culminates in an explosively important climax, symbolising the tension between innocence and the harsh realities of dictatorship.
This film is not just a story about baking; it's a nuanced exploration of resilience, childhood, and the absurdities of living under a repressive regime. With its blend of sweetness and sorrow, The President's Cake offers a compelling glimpse into a world where even the smallest acts carry weighty significance.
Release Information: The President's Cake is currently in US cinemas, with UK and Irish releases scheduled for 13 February, and Australian screenings from 2 April.
