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8.0/10
9.5K
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A group of Egyptian revolutionaries battle leaders and regimes, risking their lives to build a new society of conscience.A group of Egyptian revolutionaries battle leaders and regimes, risking their lives to build a new society of conscience.A group of Egyptian revolutionaries battle leaders and regimes, risking their lives to build a new society of conscience.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 16 wins & 16 nominations total
Aydah El-Kashef
- Self - Revolutionary
- (as Aida El Kashef)
Featured reviews
this movie really touched me. it showed the real story. the story has almost been forgotten because of the media,the ruling regime,the soldiers of the old regime ... As an Egyptian and as a participant in the revolution since the 28th of January 2011,I can tell that this movie shows one of the most honest images of the revolution as well as a complete one,of course some events were dropped, but as an overall all major events and the complete story- line of the revolution has been told. Despite being a documentary,it is also very clear that the movie reserved the thriller and the spirit in every single moment. can't agree more about all the opinions stated in it. can't agree more about the sequence and the severity and reactions of the events showed in. But our (the Egyptians) major problem until now is that after 3 years we didn't accomplish the demands and the requests of the revolution. I hope there would be more parts of this movie,more parts until we reclaim our freedom and demands.
'It's less a need for a leader and more for a conscience'--quote from one of the revolutionaries I have yet to see "The Act of Killing" and "20 Feet From Stardom", so I cannot say that "The Square" should be the Oscar winner for Best Documentary Feature. However, I have a hard time imagining a documentary better than "The Square". It's what a documentary should be--it involves the viewer, fills them with anger about a problem and offers some sort of hope.
"The Square" is a film about the Egyptian Revolution--something that is not yet complete and is in its third year. The film traces the steps that have occurred from the standpoint of folks who have staged sit-ins at Tahrir Square. The Revolution occurred because, quite simply, folks were sick and tired of the repression, torture and violence done by the Mubarak military-backed regime. At first, all groups opposed to the government banded together--they all wanted change. However, through the course of the Revolution, those opposing the government soon fell into two camps--the Muslim Brotherhood (which wanted a government based on Sharia law; i.e., a strict theocracy) and the rest who were pushing for democratic freedoms. And, sadly, as the process continued, the Brotherhood soon allied itself with the military. It seemed that individual freedom was NOT what the organization was about after all--they just wanted power for themselves and not the other dissidents. What's to happen? After all, the leader of the Brotherhood has just been elected president and the legislature is controlled by them as well. Well, oddly, the democratic groups had one final ally--the military!! Weird, as now the military is back in control--and with the consent, for now, of the democracy movement! Obviously, the Revolution is far from over.
The film is a must-see for everyone, as the news media here in the US has done a terrible job covering the events. And, too often, they just parrot the administration's assertion that the Brotherhood is a representative government. It's also a must-see because it shows various sides of the conflict and is highly informative. Additionally, you really have to admire the filmmakers--they could have easily been killed filming some of the scenes. Exceptional.
"The Square" is a film about the Egyptian Revolution--something that is not yet complete and is in its third year. The film traces the steps that have occurred from the standpoint of folks who have staged sit-ins at Tahrir Square. The Revolution occurred because, quite simply, folks were sick and tired of the repression, torture and violence done by the Mubarak military-backed regime. At first, all groups opposed to the government banded together--they all wanted change. However, through the course of the Revolution, those opposing the government soon fell into two camps--the Muslim Brotherhood (which wanted a government based on Sharia law; i.e., a strict theocracy) and the rest who were pushing for democratic freedoms. And, sadly, as the process continued, the Brotherhood soon allied itself with the military. It seemed that individual freedom was NOT what the organization was about after all--they just wanted power for themselves and not the other dissidents. What's to happen? After all, the leader of the Brotherhood has just been elected president and the legislature is controlled by them as well. Well, oddly, the democratic groups had one final ally--the military!! Weird, as now the military is back in control--and with the consent, for now, of the democracy movement! Obviously, the Revolution is far from over.
The film is a must-see for everyone, as the news media here in the US has done a terrible job covering the events. And, too often, they just parrot the administration's assertion that the Brotherhood is a representative government. It's also a must-see because it shows various sides of the conflict and is highly informative. Additionally, you really have to admire the filmmakers--they could have easily been killed filming some of the scenes. Exceptional.
Director Jehane Noujaim delivers a riveting documentary with "The Square,"which manages to powerfully convey the chaos, complexity, and inherent dangers of a Revolutionary movement. The film boldly provides a perspective unattainable by journalists, and the activity recorded from 2011 to 2013 captures the passion and defiance of a movement first hand. The fight for a democratic Egypt is far from over, which is part of what makes the film so dynamic and riveting.
"The Square" is a documentary that traces the events of Egypt's Tahrir Square protests beginning in early 2011 when millions of people took to the streets to demand the removal of President/Dictator Hosni Mubarek, who held power for 30 years. However, when Mubarek is overthrown, the army steps in to temporarily take over the countries affairs, but does not follow through with their promises to its citizens.
After a free and fair election, the military fascist dictatorship is essentially replaced by a religious fascist dictatorship under President Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. Once again, the protesters unite and return to the Square to face a violent military oppression. It's a harrowing narrative of people twice betrayed: once by the army and again by militant Islamists who insist on a constitution based on religion instead of secularism.
Noujaim tells the story primarily through focusing on three activists, all of whom are friends. A charismatic, young artist named Ahmed Hassan, a British accented actor- turned activist Khalid Abdalla ("United 93"and "The Kite Runner"), and a family man Magdy Ashour, who is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood who finds his loyalties to his friends tested. The film's storyline follows the revolutionaries through the euphoria of victory, followed with the uncertainties and dangers while under military rule that threatens the politics of democracy.
"The Square" documents the promise and hope of a better future at the beginning, but by the end, you are left with an overwhelming sense of opportunities lost. While a more detailed back story of political maneuvering would have provided welcome context, its implications for the future are extraordinary. The revolution is a work in progress, a rebellion against an oppressive regime, and a call to arms for true democratic ideals. Informative international media outlets are few, and international news rarely generates much interest in the US. Ever more so it's the courageous filmmakers recording history with hand-held cameras that are filling the void.
"The Square" is a documentary that traces the events of Egypt's Tahrir Square protests beginning in early 2011 when millions of people took to the streets to demand the removal of President/Dictator Hosni Mubarek, who held power for 30 years. However, when Mubarek is overthrown, the army steps in to temporarily take over the countries affairs, but does not follow through with their promises to its citizens.
After a free and fair election, the military fascist dictatorship is essentially replaced by a religious fascist dictatorship under President Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. Once again, the protesters unite and return to the Square to face a violent military oppression. It's a harrowing narrative of people twice betrayed: once by the army and again by militant Islamists who insist on a constitution based on religion instead of secularism.
Noujaim tells the story primarily through focusing on three activists, all of whom are friends. A charismatic, young artist named Ahmed Hassan, a British accented actor- turned activist Khalid Abdalla ("United 93"and "The Kite Runner"), and a family man Magdy Ashour, who is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood who finds his loyalties to his friends tested. The film's storyline follows the revolutionaries through the euphoria of victory, followed with the uncertainties and dangers while under military rule that threatens the politics of democracy.
"The Square" documents the promise and hope of a better future at the beginning, but by the end, you are left with an overwhelming sense of opportunities lost. While a more detailed back story of political maneuvering would have provided welcome context, its implications for the future are extraordinary. The revolution is a work in progress, a rebellion against an oppressive regime, and a call to arms for true democratic ideals. Informative international media outlets are few, and international news rarely generates much interest in the US. Ever more so it's the courageous filmmakers recording history with hand-held cameras that are filling the void.
The Square is a powerful movie with its focus on the quest for freedom and the desire to escape the prisons of oppression, violence, and evil leaders animated by merciless power and total disregard for human rights.
On and off between late 2010 and 2013, thousands of protesters against "injustice, corruption, poverty, ignorance" filled Tahrir Square in Cairo,
But it was not over when Mubarak was ousted as the military took control. The people once again marched to the square demanding civilian rule.
We see incredible footage of the people's occupation of Tahrir Square, the violent attacks on the protesters, and heated political arguments in the street as secular Muslims express their embarrassment at the religious-based oppression by the newly powerful Brotherhood.
This is a sharp warning to the powerful not to mess with the people that will resonate with anyone anywhere.
On and off between late 2010 and 2013, thousands of protesters against "injustice, corruption, poverty, ignorance" filled Tahrir Square in Cairo,
But it was not over when Mubarak was ousted as the military took control. The people once again marched to the square demanding civilian rule.
We see incredible footage of the people's occupation of Tahrir Square, the violent attacks on the protesters, and heated political arguments in the street as secular Muslims express their embarrassment at the religious-based oppression by the newly powerful Brotherhood.
This is a sharp warning to the powerful not to mess with the people that will resonate with anyone anywhere.
10tvstew
This is a very important documentary. Not only is it a historical record from the people's perspective of the revolution in Tehrir Square, it's a message to the world about the power of the people and human consciousness awakening in the face of oppression. You can't really comprehend this as a news story until you see the immense outpouring of emotion and energy that was (and still is) created by the Egyptian people from the ground level. I learned a lot about the struggle and situation in Egypt from this film. This should be a must see for young people all over the world. This film has been revised since it's earlier form (to take advantage of recent events) so I can only speak to it's current form but the editing assistance from Pedro Kos can't be understated. A tour de force by director Jehane Noujaim and amazing footage from their crew. This is a powerful, must see documentary.
Did you know
- TriviaThe film is both the first Kickstarter (crowd-sourced) film to be nominated for an Oscar, but it is also the first film released by Netflix to receive a nomination.
- Quotes
Ahmed Hassan - Revolutionary: We're not looking for a leader as much as we're looking for a conscience. What is a leader anyway? Are they going to offer solutions from the heavens? They won't do that. The thing is, if we are able to create this conscience within the society, we'll be able to find a good president. We are not looking for a leader to rule us.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards (2014)
- How long is The Square?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- The Square
- Filming locations
- Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt(the main location)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $124,244
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $16,359
- Oct 27, 2013
- Gross worldwide
- $124,244
- Runtime
- 1h 48m(108 min)
- Color
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