I'll say it up front - writer-director Mohammad Skawky Hassan's debut feature is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but that's not to suggest it's without merit. This experimental piece presents viewers with a sonnet to the nature of gay male love, relationships and eroticism in all their myriad forms. The film's artistic, nonlinear narrative incorporates a combination of live action, animation and music video-style sequences, along with more than its share of sexually explicit sequences (sensitive viewers beware). It combines elements from a series of stories drawn from the filmmaker's diary, creating a montage of images and poetic anecdotes styled after an array of classic works drawing from such influences as Shakespeare and Scheherazade. It's also a truly bold gay-themed work to emerge from Middle Eastern culture, an accomplishment to be praised for its audacity. The result is an intriguing mix of artistry, eye candy and camp, though the lack of a more unified narrative can be a tad frustrating, especially among those expecting a more conventional storytelling approach. Perhaps the best way to enjoy this one is to simply sit back and let this one wash over you and not try to over-analyze it.
6 Reviews
Unusual and Beautiful Flm
rklein1239 November 2023
It's tough to categorize this film, because it's unusual and innovative style defies simple categorization and description. It blends storytelling with acting, music and animation in a beautiful, colorful visual delight.
It weaves a tapestry of stories about love and relationship - told in a beautiful and direct manner. The actors, who are beautiful to watch, and to listen to, speak directly and so naturally to the camera, interspersed with color and fantasy that are nothing less than delightful. The spoken language changes here and there, but I found listening to the voices and language to be an integral part of the pleasure I found in this film. The prevailing Arab flavor of the film was so interesting and enjoyable to watch.
I loved the straightforward presentation of gay life, and gay relationships. There is something very authentic in the presentation, although they may be wrapped in a somewhat convoluted package.
It weaves a tapestry of stories about love and relationship - told in a beautiful and direct manner. The actors, who are beautiful to watch, and to listen to, speak directly and so naturally to the camera, interspersed with color and fantasy that are nothing less than delightful. The spoken language changes here and there, but I found listening to the voices and language to be an integral part of the pleasure I found in this film. The prevailing Arab flavor of the film was so interesting and enjoyable to watch.
I loved the straightforward presentation of gay life, and gay relationships. There is something very authentic in the presentation, although they may be wrapped in a somewhat convoluted package.
Fabulous
laduqesa20 June 2023
This was a wonderful telling of an invented tale from the one thousand and one nights by Sheherazade herself. Through music, posed camera shots, animation, dialogue and recounting, the story of a group of Arab men and their hook ups and interpersonal relationships is told.
Another reviewer said that one had to be careful of explicit scenes. Unless I had a censored version, this is not correct. There was some nudity but no physical coupling shown. Or perhaps people's morality differs. What one person counts as offensive doesn't faze the next.
One sore point was the subtitles. The font was too small and their washed-out grey colour made them impossible to read in several lengthy scenes. I speak some Arabic, but a completely different dialect to those being used in the film so I could follow after a fashion but it was hard.
This is the second "arty" film I've seen in a fortnight. Both used techniques successfully to advance and enhance the story instead of the artiness being there for effect and nothing else.
This was a runaway success for me. The sixty six minutes flew by as I learnt about the complexities of the guys' love lives and fantasies. I adored the stories of the merman too.
An absolute definite recommend.
Another reviewer said that one had to be careful of explicit scenes. Unless I had a censored version, this is not correct. There was some nudity but no physical coupling shown. Or perhaps people's morality differs. What one person counts as offensive doesn't faze the next.
One sore point was the subtitles. The font was too small and their washed-out grey colour made them impossible to read in several lengthy scenes. I speak some Arabic, but a completely different dialect to those being used in the film so I could follow after a fashion but it was hard.
This is the second "arty" film I've seen in a fortnight. Both used techniques successfully to advance and enhance the story instead of the artiness being there for effect and nothing else.
This was a runaway success for me. The sixty six minutes flew by as I learnt about the complexities of the guys' love lives and fantasies. I adored the stories of the merman too.
An absolute definite recommend.
I have never been impressed by Arab Queer movie like that
omarxahmed19 December 2023
Amused by Egyption accent and all the Arab actors telling our story by our native language
This queer film, featuring Arab and Egyptian actors, is a masterpiece of artistry and representation. With its stunning art direction and exceptional voice-over work, it delivers a powerful message.
The artistry displayed in this film is truly remarkable. The visuals are captivating, with meticulous attention to detail in every frame.
I have never been impressed by arab queer movie like that.
This film breaks new ground in representation. It explores queer experiences within the Arab and Egyptian context, challenging societal norms. By shedding light on How different and beatiful thier are , it sparks important conversations about acceptance and identity.
This queer film, featuring Arab and Egyptian actors, is a masterpiece of artistry and representation. With its stunning art direction and exceptional voice-over work, it delivers a powerful message.
The artistry displayed in this film is truly remarkable. The visuals are captivating, with meticulous attention to detail in every frame.
I have never been impressed by arab queer movie like that.
This film breaks new ground in representation. It explores queer experiences within the Arab and Egyptian context, challenging societal norms. By shedding light on How different and beatiful thier are , it sparks important conversations about acceptance and identity.
Just beautiful!
adammourad8525 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have never seen anything like it before, which makes it impossible to box under any particular genre. It takes you on a truly enjoyable rollercoaster, there is so much passion, honesty, humor, boldness and life in this film!
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