"A sprawling, boisterous, at times unruly movie that tracks the up-and-down-turns of Egyptian society over the years through the tenants of a decaying downtown Cairo residence. The best-selling novel by Alaa Al Aswany and now the film version offer a revealing window into the secular world of a modern Islamic country—its indulgence in alcohol, sexual promiscuity, political corruption and personal betrayals. From such 'deformities,' the movie argues, Islamic fundamentalism gains its most passionate adherents." (Hollywood Reporter) "The Yacoubian was a luxury apartment building built in Cairo in the late '30s. At the dawn of the 21st century, it still has charm and a reputation for elegance, but is beginning to show clear signs of decay, and the rooftop laundry facilities now double as flats for the less fortunate. Among the residents of Yacoubian are Haj Azzam (Nour El Sherif), a self-made business tycoon noted for his strict religious views. Hatem Rasheed (Khaled El Sawy) is a respected newspaper editor who has a shocking secret—he's gay, and is romantically involved with a handsome young soldier. Meanwhile, Bosnaina (Hind Sabry), who lives in one of the rooftop apartments and cleans Zaki's room, has grown tired of her relationship with her boyfriend, Taha (Mohamed Imam), who has developed a troubling interest in Muslim extremism." (All Movie Guide) More at strandreleasing.com 35mm
2007, color, 2 hours 45 minutes, Egypt