There are two reasons to watch this film. One is the story itself. As far as that goes...well...I hope you enjoy boring movies where not much of anything really happens other than the two main characters are gradually attracted to each other
The second reason to watch this film is to see Cairo as it is today...something we don't see much in films. And this is what kept me watching an otherwise boring film. It appears that all or most of the film was shot on location...in fact, sometimes you see bystanders staring toward the camera. But you get a feel for what Cairo must be like, and the desert scenes are interesting, as well.
But back to the plot. A woman travels to Cairo to visit her husband who works in Gaza for the U.N. But he can't get back to Cairo right away, and she can't get to Gaza...although she tries. The husband's Egyptian friend at first assists her, but slowly finds himself attracted to her. They do some sightseeing together, play chess, la la la. That's about it...for the whole film. Weak, weak, weak. The two leads are potentially interesting enough, it's the story that sort of goes nowhere, particularly because before any consummation, the husband finally gets to Cairo.
In terms of the leads -- Patricia Clarkson was mildly interesting...very mildly. And Alexander Siddig was nominally interesting. In fact, the biggest disappointment I had with the film was his last scene that showed nothing but leaving (watch it to see), despite what should have been an explored detachment.
Again, watch it for the on location filming. Perhaps play with your cell phone or something during the dramatic (there's an overstatement) scenes.
The second reason to watch this film is to see Cairo as it is today...something we don't see much in films. And this is what kept me watching an otherwise boring film. It appears that all or most of the film was shot on location...in fact, sometimes you see bystanders staring toward the camera. But you get a feel for what Cairo must be like, and the desert scenes are interesting, as well.
But back to the plot. A woman travels to Cairo to visit her husband who works in Gaza for the U.N. But he can't get back to Cairo right away, and she can't get to Gaza...although she tries. The husband's Egyptian friend at first assists her, but slowly finds himself attracted to her. They do some sightseeing together, play chess, la la la. That's about it...for the whole film. Weak, weak, weak. The two leads are potentially interesting enough, it's the story that sort of goes nowhere, particularly because before any consummation, the husband finally gets to Cairo.
In terms of the leads -- Patricia Clarkson was mildly interesting...very mildly. And Alexander Siddig was nominally interesting. In fact, the biggest disappointment I had with the film was his last scene that showed nothing but leaving (watch it to see), despite what should have been an explored detachment.
Again, watch it for the on location filming. Perhaps play with your cell phone or something during the dramatic (there's an overstatement) scenes.