Ardh el-Khof

A great movie. A blockbuster of all time. This film was nominated to the Academy Awards (Oscar), but it didn't make it to the shortlist because the raw film was UNFORTUNATELY so poor.

However, Daoud Abdulsayed is a great director and he keeps on astonishing me every time he gives us a masterpiece. In this movie, which is a superb work on philosophy, Abdulsayed reviews the story of humanity as it was told in the three main religions in a simple yet admirable way, benefiting from the great performance of the great Ahmed Zaki.

The movie is full of symbolism, from using Adam as a code name for the undercover agent Yehia El Manqabadi, to Moses (the senior officer receiving his letters, then meeting him in the mosque). Also, you'll note Adam eating the Apple, while listening to his commander's orders regarding his mission, and the abstract that Yehia must die to give all the others the chance to live, with all its intersection with the tale of Jesus.

You'll never solve all the symbols in this movie, but you'll enjoy it, whether you like brain teasing or you just want to see an action movie.

This is a MUST-SEE film.

"Ard El Khof" is a gripping psychological drama that delves deep into the complexities of identity, morality, and inner conflict. Directed by Daoud Abdel Sayed and led by an unforgettable performance from Ahmed Zaki, the film tells the story of a police officer who goes undercover in the drug world and gradually loses himself in the role. The film masterfully blurs the lines between good and evil, duty and desire, making the viewer question what truly defines a person's character. With its intelligent script, haunting atmosphere, and emotional depth, "Ard El Khof" stands out as one of the most powerful and thought-provoking films in Egyptian cinema.

I have seen many Egyptian movie, and this one by far is my favorite. The directing is great, the acting and imagery are amazing.

My favorite part is the part where Yehia visits his future wife, who is an architect, in her office. I really liked how the office was decorated, and how she was playing Edith Piaf music in the background.

Another part I liked is the part where he visits some big drug dealer in Old Cairo. The dealer's house has a unique architecture that dates from more than 100 years ago! It's just amazing..

If you haven't seen the movie,

you've missed a lot!

Land of Fear is definitely one of the greatest movies ever to be made in the history of Egyptian cinema. Everything starting with acting, directing, dialogue... the whole nine yards; however, I couldn't help realizing after 30 minutes of the film that it's an Egyptian remake of Donnie Brasco which is, somehow, an insult to both Hollywood and the Egyptian cinema for not mentioning that that piece of art that everyone thought was great... isn't actually original. I still think that it's a not-to-be-missed kind of film especially for those who hate slow paced plot less films. I'd have given it a 9, but for bad faith... I'm downgrading it to 7.

This is one of the best Egyptian movies ever made, why is that ?

Well, here is why: 1. Acting is exceptional from everyone, specially Ahmed Zaki & Hamdi Geth. 2. The story itself and the hidden meaning is great, the more you watch, the more you understand that this is a great story and plot. 3. The soundtrack is really amazing.

This is truly a masterpiece.