mnadi

This could've been a nice short format movie try playing it at 3x speed and you'll get the impression they forgot to edit the movie.

This excellent black drama is a must see despite its nearly three-hour running time, the movie is one of the most watchable and enjoyable pieces of art in Egyptian Cinema.

I didn't read the story before seeing that controversial movie, so I had low expectations. But despite that, got hooked as early as the quality intro that takes you smoothly through an enjoyable ride to discover the background behind that nostalgic building in central Cairo through a Sepia short clip.

The film is an artistic black drama which is full of cultural and political symbolism if you read carefully between the lines, my interpretation is that the building is a clear symbol of the country itself and how it transformed dramatically from the nostalgic early days of the 40s till the present day, shedding light on the price that the Egyptian society had to pay during that rough trip, and how the society has clear double standards that everyone is trying to ignore.

Every side story evolves in a different direction and involves controversial characters who are linked only by the same building (society) in someway or the other, the different stories are interweaves in an artistic way to dramatise different controversial issues and taboos from adultery, political corruption, homosexuality to Islamic fundamentalism.

The movie has a general sad feel around it especially for anyone who lived in Egypt as it touches on the deterioration and many negative issues that are becoming more and more the norm in most Egyptian society levels that was once a conservative and religious society. It is strong wakeup call to those who love their country to stop burying their heads in the sand when it comes to double standards that's affecting everyone in the society making everyone feel inferior to the country. The story will make you think deeply about how and why a country like Egypt could end up where it is today.

The cinematography, steady cams, crane camera movement is brilliant, the smooth cuts and soft transitions boosts the romantic dimension of the storyline. As expected, the music score by Khaled Hammad is expressive, romantic and adds a lot of depth to many scenes. The tempo of the movie is just right, giving enough time for actors to express their feelings through longer than usual shots that will never leave you bored. Action scenes are also very well done.

A must see piece of art for anyone who is living or used to live in Egypt.

An excellent very well done movie with a strong and positive indirect message for a change.

Sheriff Arafa is rediscovering his cinematography talents! his choice of characters, technical crew, camera men, stunts and American lenses, steady-cams, motor-controlled cranes and techniques was of world0class quality. Arafa is a very professional, creative and mature director that really knows what he is doing.

Mona Zaki was very convincing obviously after taking lots of self defense training and loosing a hefty amount of extra pounds.

Ahmed El-Sakka could be the new Tom Cruise of the middle east if he wants.

Hussain Fahmy did one of his best roles (although around 2 minutes on screen), because he wasn't acting.. a very natural heavy weight actor, elegant and convincing... I hope he sticks to those more suitable roles from now on... he started a new phase in his acting career.

Post-production, computer imagery and Special effects, and music are all very well done. Omar Khairat FINALLY! didn't repeat himself. In my opinion, a few minor flows, music recording quality and bullets sound effect left a lot to be desired, it was a bit disappointing and if done right I am sure would've added more depth and complimented a lot to the action scenes.

Also Sakka's side-burns and makeup was too fake for me.. I don't know if it was meant to be though!! slow motion was over-done in some scenes.. and I spotted the Boom Mic hanging on top of Mona Zaki in one of the final scenes! :-) but.... again this is a must see Arabic movie.. THE best Arabic action movie by far... a milestone in the history of Egyptian cinema that will also prove that true audience appreciate good quality art. Me and my wife enjoyed every minute.

I am very sorry that I didn't notice the name of the Directory of photography because he really did an excellent job. (and they didn't write his name in the credits after the movie!) I hope to see a movie of that quality about the 6th of October war.