Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz
1965
"Pharaoh" is a film based on the historical novel by Bolesław Prus that transports the viewer to ancient Egypt, where the young crown prince, Ramesses XIII (Jerzy Zelnik), tries to carry out reforms in a country ruled by priests, especially the powerful High Priest Herhor (Piotr Pawłowski). Ramesses, ambitious and full of ideals, faces resistance from both the clergy and the aristocracy, who refuse to give up their power. His reform plans are further complicated by his feelings for a young Jewish woman, Sara (Krystyna Mikołajewska), which presents him with personal and political dilemmas. The film depicts the internal conflict of the young pharaoh, who struggles to reconcile love with the duties of a ruler, while trying to take control of Egypt, which in reality is largely dependent on the priests and religious influences.