Conflict in the Middle East has raged for years. On hand to try to patch things up and cool down temperatures is the United Nations. Refugees are a big problem in Gaza and this tale looks at the efforts of a westerner sent down to “manage” things.
Postings of westerners to foreign lands can be problematic on a number of fronts. Fresh in Cairo arrives Juliette Grant. Once on the ground all Ms. Grant wants to do is see her husband again. Unfortunately for her work comes first for her man whose not to be seen. Instead she winds up mainly on her own except for the welcome afforded by Egyptian Tareq Khalifa, a friend of her husband.
Beautiful Cairo fully Exposed in this hot Romantic Drama
For the rest of this 88 minute tale we’re treated to a tale of a westerner having to adapt, albeit briefly, with a different culture. Cinematographically Cairo Time is beautifully shot and does justice to the majestic beauty of this ancient civilization. Customs are also nicely presented and the xenophobia of being a foreigner in a new land is also well handled. Less successful is the slow nature of the developing story with a real lack of tension of passion on display. Any notions of romance are soon dashed as you keep on waiting for some sparks to fly between the headlining male/female performers.
Patricia Clarkson (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) effectively portrays a westerner trying to “fit in” with a foreign population while Tareq Khalifa (Syriana) is very refreshing as a modern Egyptian out to make our guest’s stay all the more enjoyable. What a shame the romantic tendencies kind of fizzle and the surrounding stories of other lovers are much too muted. Shots of the pyramids and the local culture and enclaves of western residents make up for the slow pacing and lack of sparks.
Director Ruba Nada does a commendable job skirting hot issues in the Middle East and serving up some hope with tolerance perhaps a nice byproduct in this dramatic romance that gently touches on a lot of raw nerves. Look for more small stories to take on larger issues as this director continues to grow in stature. Rife with politics and age-old differences the Arab Israeli divide is hard to comprehend. Smart. up-coming directors have carved out a ray of hope and through films like Cairo Time bit by bit some barriers may in fact be eroding. Though not overly political, the trace elements are smartly presented and could well open some more reasonable debates.
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