The Yacoubian Building (2006)

An eye-catching construction, the Yacoubian Building in Cairo was long regarded as the last word in comfort and elegance. Nowadays the veneer has cracked and the shine has dulled to reveal the truth underneath the façade. Through interwoven stories of a number of the residents, the film paints a portrait of corruption, fundamentalism, prostitution, homosexuality, and drugs in central Cairo and creates a vibrant but socially critical picture of contemporary Egypt. Product Description

Raihin fen ?Were are we heading?

I purchased this film with apprehension, upon request of many of my friends to see it.I am an Italian born in that era of post Nasser ism,and decided to follow the advise of my friends.
At first I thought it was going to be a boring movie, with some vulgarities.Moving along with the film I began to see issues that have never been seen in the Egypt that I lived.I left Egypt in 1974.Homosexuality,and other issues of this film were taboo in those days.It seems no more,which I think it is better than being in the closet.
The religious fanaticism was something that I never saw as clear as in this movie.I am a Catholic therefore going to the mosque was not something I did.It is very interesting as to how they recruit young people.Very smart,searching for those people who have been let down by society.
The old Pasha days are gone of course.The cleanliness of the country,the freedom,the society itself.And yet with all that is said and done Egyptian people are very kind hearted and friendly.The movie also tells the story of a young sales girl what she has to do to get a couple of pounds extra.That I am not sure it is true, but it could be.People are struggling all across the country until today.If you want to follow more as to what is going on in Egypt read the El Ahram newspaper online.I enjoyed seeing this movie very much as many of us born in Egypt and leaving overseas rekindle the days that were,and will never come again. September 17, 2008

Superb realistic plot

For someone who knows Cairo and Alexandria, as a foreigner, the story told here of different levels of society and their intrigues, successes, and failures it is a fascinating and compelling film. June 19, 2008

Modern Egyptian life

If you have any interest in modern Egyptian or Middle Eastern culture, you really should see this film if you haven't already. The movie is based on the best selling novel of the same name published in Egypt several years earlier. The residents of the Yacoubian building are intended to be a microcosm of modern Egyptian society and covers most of the significant themes and problems in Egyptian life today, with a profound sense of nostalgia for the more cosmopolitan Cairo of pre-Nasser Egypt. Many of these themes are highly controversial, such as homosexuality, and couldn't even be mentioned in most other Middle Eastern countries. One of the main characters falls into the arms of radical Islam out of utter dispair. You'll get a much better understanding of that here than you'll ever get from Syriana. The acting is top notch.


April 25, 2008

True reflections

I enjoyed this movie a lot. It truely reflects how society changed over time in Eygpt. It also reflects the real life in Eygpt more than any other Eygption movie.

The acting is excellent. All aspects of of it are great. Serious Comedy. No body should miss the oppotunity to watch it. April 6, 2008

Controversial Egyptian Movie

This is a classic Egyptian movie, with an all star cast such as Adel Imam and Noori Sharif. The story depicts the contemporary life style of Egypt and the story is told through the lives of all the different tenants that live in the building. One of the tenants has a controversial story which focuses on a gay Egyptian professional and his encounters with other men. Its a great way to get a feel for Egyptian life and perspective on current affairs. Very entertaining for those who are feeling nostalgic of Egyptian life. March 18, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...