The Yacoubian Building (2006) - full transcript

Cairo: a 70-year-old building of once-luxury flats with tenements on the roof. Zika, an aging libertine, feuds with his sister. Pius Haj Azzam takes a second wife, in secret, to satisfy sexual drive within religious bounds. Bothayna, poor and beautiful, supports her family, wanting to do so with dignity intact. Her former fiancé, Taha, the janitor's son, humiliated by the police, turns to fundamentalism. Hatem, a gay editor, seduces and corrupts a young man from the sticks. Two brothers, Copts, one a tailor and one Zika's factotum, connive for property. Allah is on most everyone's lips, and corruption is in their hearts. European values, both refined and worldly, provide a subtext.

Adel lmam

Yussra

Hind Sabri

Khaled Elsawi

Ahmad Ratib

Khaled Saleh

Basem Elsamra

Tamer Abelmeneim

Abbas Abulhassan

The role of Dawlat was played by
lsa'ad Younis

ln 1937, the chief Armenian in
Egypt, Hagoub Yacoubian, built...



a residential building and
named it after his name

The style was European
and the architect was ltalian

And the Armenian gentleman
was so fond of it...

that he wrote his name in Latin
on the inside of the entrance

When the building was still new,
it had residents such as...

ministers, high ranking Pashas
and foreigners

there were even Jews, two of them
were from the Nosseir family

The building's roof was vast,
it had a room for the doorman...

and a room for each apartment
for laundry and storage...

and related things

Everything was beautiful

the country looked beautiful

and the building was beautiful

The revolution broke out,
ending the era of the Pashas



and the 1 956 war was the beginning
of the end for foreigners and Jews

Apartments that became vacant
after their owners left the country

were taken by high ranking
officers in the army...

whose wives never forgot their
passion for raising poultry

and it was OK for the rooms to be
residence for the maids

and of course, the whole makeup
of the residents changed

Along with the openness system,
the streets started to change

Stores changed
their type of business

and people changed as well

Just as the officers' moving into
the building ruined it...

their leaving it totally
destroyed it

They'd become rich and had moved
to Mohandessin and Nassr City

and the building became available
to anyone with money

and of course, the whole makeup
of the residents changed

The roof became full, each room
had a whole family in it

lt wasn't just the building that
changed, but the country too

Nour Elsherif

Ahmad Bedeir

Sumaiah Elkhashab

Tala'at Zakaria

Mohamad Eldafrawi

The new actor: Mohamad lmam
playing Taha Elshathly

''The Ya'acoubian Building''

Based on the novel by:
Doctor Ala'a Elaswany

Artistic producer
Nabil Sobhi

Executive producer
Kareem Shaker

Distribution in Egypt and World
Arab Company for Production

Clothes Designer
Nahed Nassrallah

Technical Supervision and Decor
Fawzi Ela'awamri

Music
Khaled Hammad

Editing
Khaled Mar'ee

Head of photography
Sameh Seleem

Supervision: Adel Adeeb,
Sameh Jubran

Script
Waheed Hamed

Directed by...
Marwan Hamed

l told you a million times that
this place is respectable

lf you want to stay here,
you have to be well-mannered

A lot of people drink here,
but they're respectable

Give me 3 Brandys

- Cheers
- Cheers, Hamama

Sit somewhere else, No'man,
the Pasha is waiting for his friend

Would you like another beer or
some fresh peanuts?

No, beer causes flatulence

- and makes me urinate a lot
- Why don't you order whiskey?

Whiskey? lf l drink whiskey
l'll stay here

and l'll go out and find it dark,
and it'll stay dark

You're very funny, Pasha, why not
go to the hotel bars?

l mean 5 star bars,
you can afford it

Listen, lt's not the
alcohol l'm after

- and you know that
- l'm still thinking about it

lt doesn't need thinking, we'll
have a couple of drinks together

That's all?

That's all

ln that case, l should come by
your office, right?

- When?
- Whenever l'm in the mood

Tomorrow...
Go get me the check

At your service

Send 6 crates, but more beer
because it's in demand

Yes, but don't be late

The check for table 9

- What's with that table 9?
- Make up you mind...

if l'm straight with customers,
you tell me to be nicer with them

He's respectable and generous,
what's wrong with talking to him?

Listen, l don't like anything
to happen behind my back

That goes here only, but on the
outside, l'm free

l'll go give him his check

OK, go

What is it, Taha?
Are you stupid like your father?

No one washes the stairs
at this hour

Mr Aouny, the stairs should only
be washed at night...

when there are very few people
going up and down

OK, are you going to
chat with me?

- Dry up a spot for us to walk on
- At your service, Pasha

Out of the way

Did you finish high school, Taha?

- Yes
- What college will you apply to?

Thank God, my average can get
me into a respectable college

but l applied to the
police academy

You want to become a police
officer, Taha?

Put the mat back in front of the
door after you're done

- Good night, Buthaina
- You, too, uncle Hamed

- Don't leave the TV on
- Don't worry

What is it, man?
l've already gone to sleep

You can get up, woman

l will pray to God,
God the greatest...

No, l've done it before

- What is it, Khamees?
- This is not the place to talk

lsn't it late enough?

Or are you waiting for the
loved one?

- Don't you have work early?
- l quit

- When?
- Today

Why did you quit?

- l want to watch the movie now
- What damned movie?

Am l destined to live in anguish
day and night?

Get up, get up and tell me
what happened

Come in, your father left me a
burden more than l can handle

Why'd you quit your job?

- The store owner grabs everything
- No one steals his money

- No, he laid his hands on me
- He hit you?

- No
- Well then...

- how did he lay his hand on you?
- He caressed

You know what caress means,
or don't you?

l'm going to look for a new job
tomorrow morning

A friend of mine will take me to
clothes store owned by a Syrian...

she says he's married to a
beautiful woman and is satisfied

What? l told you that Fifi the
daughter of Salama the ironer...

- will take me to a good job
- What's the use...

if you can't stay
in one job for long?

- Should l lose my virginity?
- No body said that

but you should think of your
brothers and our tight situation

A smart girl knows how to
protect her virginity...

without upsetting anyone
or quitting her job

l said that the guy l work for
unzipped his pants

Everyone is free with his clothes
as long as you keep yours on

God is the greatest

l testify that there is no God
but Allah

l beg forgiveness of God
the greatest

l testify that there is no God
but Allah

l intend to purge myself
of all sins

God is greatest

Good morning, Dawlat

What are you getting all dressed
up for?

How strange you are, sister,
l've always been like this

l wish l could know where you go
every day

Thank God you're my sister
and not my wife

lt's daytime, so where am l
going to go? To the office

- You look like you want something
- Of course...

While you're walking around like
always, checking out women...

Enough, Dawlat

l'm your sister, Zaki

your sister, l know exactly
what you do every day

- What do you want?
- My diamond ring...

is being fixed by Papazian the
jeweler, go pick it up

OK, the first thing l do today
will be to get the ring...

and l'll pay for it, too

- How are you, Mondy?
- Good morning, Zaki Pasha

- Zaki Pasha
- Hello, Hassouna, what's wrong?

- My affairs aren't quite right
- What affairs?

THE affairs, and you know
everything, Pasha

l've been married for one month,
but l feel like l'm not quite right

At your age? There must be
something wrong? Any problems?

No one doesn't have problems

l'm talking about your problems,
forget other people's problems

l'm in debt to some annoying
people who don't stop asking

and my boss fired me,
and l don't know hwy

in addition to my mother-in-law
who's staying with us

and my sister is divorced
with 3 kids

All these problems and you want
to be OK with your wife?

- No way, that's impossible
- l was thinking if you...

had one of those pills,
they told me that it...

What? Using pills at your age
is certain suicide

Listen, all the pills and creams
in the world won't help you

This has to be in a good mood

As long as this is OK,
everything will be OK

Go, get rid of your problems
and you'll be fine

OK, Pasha

Move it out, driver

What is it, sergeant?
Mr Hatem is due down now

- Good morning, Nabil
- Good morning, Mr Hatem

Good day, Hajj

- come in for a second
- How's the market?

We're at the end of this month,
it's OK

- But in general
- ln general, we're number one

- and we have the highest sales
- May God bless

l wish you'd come in for a couple
of minutes

l'll come down and drink tea
with you another time

- Good bye
- Good bye

No, l won't be able to come down

Why, Hajj?
You're a blessing to us

- Anyway, how's work?
- Excellent

May God bless,
Tell everyone l said hi

- l will, Hajj... Good bye
- Drive on, driver

- l hope he's a good man
- ln what sense?

- That he's not a dirty old man
- All men are like that

All men stare at women, and
their bluntness is by the kilogram

- like potatoes
- l've quit several jobs...

- because of men's lechery
- You're stupid

that way you'll never get a job,
you have to get along

- What do you mean?
- l mean that there are limits...

a girl can allow, and there are
things that are off limits...

and that's how a smart girl
does things

And l thought that life was
going to smile upon me

Why should it? You're pretty?
There are prettier girls

You're a high school graduate?
They're a dime a dozen

Your article has caused
a commotion

Such article should be translated
and published in Arabic magazines

We're done with yesterday's
issue

Let's concentrate on what's at hand
What about the next issue?

l think the main subject is
the arrest of the terrorists...

who tried to kill our great
novelist Nageeb Mahfouth

Exactly, l want complete details
of their arrest

l want their pictures, and l want
to know who they are

- l want the whole story
- lt will be ready before printing

OK, who's willing to write about
the late Lita Gallad?

Lita Gallad... the founder of
Journal D'Egypte

since we're a French newspaper
and we should honor her

- l, sir
- OK

We have to write about the
police efforts in upper Egypt

We've to reinstate trust in tourism
we don't want Egypt to look...

like it's at war,
where's the normal life?

We can talk about tourism in
Sharm and Hurgada

The activity there is not bad,
and there are no troubles

l have a very good subject

a new trainee wrote it

he's written a great article
about homosexuality in Egypt

What's this nonsense?
What homosexuality?

How will that interest our readers
who are mostly foreigners?

Take, for example, in the
investigative section...

the article about the relics
in Tal Elamarnah

it's a new subject with nice
pictures

that's what's called
an important subject

- What about sports?
- What sports?

Write about anything,
Soccer...

Hello, Le Caire newspaper... yes...

lt's the office of the
French ambassador

Janmy, How are you?

We had a good time last night,
right?

The lslamic Philanthropic''
Society''

What is it, Hajj? You don't usually
come this early

- lt's a necessity, Sheikh Salman
- What is it?

Listen Sheikh Salman, l've been...
l don't know what to say

Talk, man, l'm your confidant,
have faith in God

Until now, when l sleep...

- l see nice things
- This is a gift from God

Can you imagine that at my
age... l have wet dreams!

and once or twice a week

Twice! How great, so God has
given you strength

These things are not related to
age, this is a natural outlet

God bestows it onto his
good worshipers...

who don't take the way
of vice

But the question is
where's your wife?

The Hajja is with me

but you can say that she
doesn't desire that anymore

and every time l go near her,
she tells me l should be ashamed

because my sons are grown
men with moustaches

Even if she agrees, she's my age
and time has taken it's toll on her

This is very simple, get married
and God bless you

- That's what l'm afraid of
- Afraid of what?

What will people say about a man
my age getting married?

When it comes to God's law, what
people say has no importance

What's with you, Hajj? You can
marry 4, it's God's law

And the kids, Fawzi and Kadri?
or Hamdy the district attorney?

Hajj Azzam, what God allows
no one can oppose

not a district attorney,
nor anyone else

What's with you, Hajj?
lt's God's law

''The Engineering Office For
Construction''

l told you a 1 00 times
the sign needs cleaning

- l swear by Christ, l just did
- And why is it stuffy?...

- open the windows
- l'm afraid of flies

What flies? Open the windows

- Do you have a meeting?
- Yes, there's a meeting

- Shall l prepare things?
- Prepare things

''l quit loving you''
''and you don't love me''

- OK... Fifi...
- Yes, sir

Take her and show her
how we do things here

- and train her yourself
- Yes, sir

Thank you very much, God willing,
l'll live up to your expectations

- Who shall l say it is?
- Rabab, he's expecting me

Welcome

How beautiful!

Come in, whoever comes in here
becomes a member of the house

- ls this a house?
- A house... or an office...

lt's a safe place, comfortable
and cozy

l was afraid you wouldn't come

l always keep my promises

- And who is this?
- My father, rest his soul

- He looks like a real Pasha
- Of course, what did you think?

That l was a fake Pasha?

This picture is of my dad in the
hall of the regal palace...

after taking the oath in front of
the king... lce?

lt was the first time he heads the
Ministry of Public Works

That's why l agreed to come, to
have something l can be proud of

l can say l knew a real Pasha

lnstead of the misery l'm in,
you see the people at the bar

You're so cute

But l've no luck, Pasha

Where's the toilette?

Oh, when you go out, it'll be
on your right

Excuse me

Everything is set, l'll go out
for a couple of hours

l'll meet my brother Malak, there's
something we're taking care of

Take your time

Was the door just opened
and shut?

Yes, this is it exactly,
l like a practical woman

Listen, l've known many women,
from princesses to maids...

but l swear l've never seen
one like you

- l was talking about the door
- What door?

lt's Fanouss... and he left

He'll be late

Good

ls this office for accounting or
import and export, or law practice?

Does it matter if it's for
accounting or law practice?

lt's an engineering office,
l'm an engineer

But l don't see any engineering
going on

l set up this office after l got my
degree from France

- So, you know French, then
- Of course l know French

You'll see for yourself
just how good l am at French

Oh, Pasha!
Why'd you quit engineering?

The country doesn't need
engineers these days

it needs hoodlums...

thieves

- Where are we going to sleep?
- ln the conference room

- Did the man get there?
- He got to the club 20 minutes ago

Oh, Mary, mother of grace...
Malak...

Whatever happens between me
and this man, you stay out of it

l understand, brother, does he know
we're going to meet him?

He set up the appointment, and left
word at the gate so they let us in

So?

- Did you bring the money?
- Of course, Pasha

we keep our promises and Christ
will bear witness on judgment day

l brought my brother Malak
especially...

so you'd see for yourself how
respectable he is

Listen, Fanouss...

l'm not required to conduct
a police check for everyone...

- who wants to live on the roof
- He won't live there, Pasha

the room on the roof has been
shut since it's owner died

and my brother Malak, as you
know, is a tailor...

so, he'll work in it all day
and then go home at night

he has a family and kids,
and a heavy burden

Whatever...

- You got the money?
- Not all of it

A true Copt never lies

And a true Copt keeps his
end of the deal

l said 6 thousand, Shall l write up
a contract to that effect?

4 thousand,
Mr Fekry

By Christ, we're sure that you'll
embrace us with your kindness

You've done a lot of good
to all people

and you've taken so many cases
without asking for retainer

think of us as one of your
cases

and he has children, and the
church gives him charity

and as you see, l'm handicapped
and l can't help him

and you do a lot of good, the
priest at the church told us

- we belong to the same church
- What are you doing?

OK, leave the money

and have one of you come
tonight to get the contract

May God reimburse you
for your love

Of course, we have all the
colors you can imagine

but, delivery will be
after 3 months

- ls there a problem, dad?
- No, son, it's nothing

- You don't look right
- My mind is preoccupied

but don't worry

what's on my mind has nothing
to do with work

- You want some marijuana?
- Oh yes, perfect timing

Fawzi, Shekh Salman wants to
see you and your brothers

and l want you to listen
to him carefully

- What is it, Hajj?
- When you see him you'll find out

Enjoy it, Hajj

- Tell me
- What?

How are things going with
the Japanese?

Excellent

- Consider it ours
- God bless

May God keep the vultures
away

By the way, l forgot to tell you

Selim Za'atar the customs agent
has a new big office

and he insists that you
attend the opening

He deserves it, l'll go

Fifi got me a new job at a
clothing store

Where's this job?

- For a man called Talal Elshamy
- What's wrong with you, Buthaina?

You couldn't find anyone other
than Talal Elshamy to work for?

- What's wrong with Talal?
- He has a very bad reputation

What do you know about him?
Did you work for him?

Listen, l know the whole area
very well

and l know the people, l was born
and raised here

Anyway, he didn't do anything
bad to me

- He will
- When he does, l'll deal with it

but it's 250 pounds a month,
and for us to live...

we need 4 times that amount,
my mother works as a maid

for 300 a month and is exhausted,
my father died while indebted

Some of the creditors waivered
their rights, but others didn't

and we have to pay off his debt
or he won't go to heaven

you're telling me Talal has a bad
reputation, well, who doesn't?

or do you just like to talk?
And listen here...

you can have your silver
engagement ring back

l won't let you police my life
starting now

Hey, Pasha...

Zaki Pasha...

Pasha...

Are you tired?

Are you ill?

- Shall l call a doctor?
- No

What time is it?

Seven thirty

Where's my watch?

ls there a problem, Pasha?

My wallet, there were 900
pounds in it

l was robbed, Fanouss

that girl took everything

she took my sister Dawlat's
ring

and took a set of gold plated
pens

what will a prostitute do
with gold plated pens?

She'll either sell it or give it to
her lover, let's call the police

What police? Are you stupid?
What am l going to tell them?

l don't care about the money

the problem is Dawlat's ring,
l have to get it back

''Oh my love, l'm full of
confusion...

and fire''

Good evening, Pasha,
at your service

- Send me Rabab
- Won't l do?

You'll do, but l want Rabab
for something private

She's off today, and l'm
at your service

- OK, get me the manager
- The manager?

- won't you drink anything?
- Get me the manager

- There they are, count them
- You're right...

you had 6 beers, but you also
ordered 9 Brandys with them

because you were mixing
beer with brandy

There is no Brandy

Will you pay here, or would you
rather go to the bathroom...

- What do you want, Pasha?
- and we'll make you pay...

- l want Rabab
- Wasn't she with you today?

- you miss her already?
- You know everything, then

Anyone who has my job
has to know every little thing

- Rabab robbed me
- You asked for it

You cheated

Pasha, you tricked me and the
owner of the bar...

and the customers

This place is respectable,
we only offer drinks...

nothing else,
we are respectable people

that's why l fired Rabab

and you're fired, too

and don't even let me see you
pass in front of the bar

Do you want to leave on your feet
or on a stretcher, lover boy?

Get up before l beat you up
in front of the bar trash

How did l miss that?

How did l miss that you're
a pimp?

- Good evening
- Good evening

- Where's Hoda Sha'rawy street?
- l don't know

Are you a stranger here?

No, but sometimes a person
gets disoriented

l don't know anything about
all these streets

we stand where they tell us to

You mean you stay standing
all night?

- lt's our destiny
- You can't sit?

Oh God, if they catch me sitting
or sleeping, l'll get punished

- But you can walk around
- ln the area of my watch

You look like an excellent
young man

Thank you, sir

Walk with me for a few meters

- l told you, sir...
- Come on

- Here
- No, l can't

we're not allowed to take
anything from anyone

- What's your name?
- Abd Rabbu Abdelbary, sir

Nice to meet you

Listen, Abd Rabbu, first of all,
l'm not just anyone

secondly, no one can see us,
here, don't upset me

But this is a lot, no one
does anything like this

l do this

l like to make people happy

May God bring you happiness, sir

When you know me better,
you'll be sure

God bless you, sir

Where have you been, Pasha?

- Good evening, Dawlat
- ''Good evening, Dawlat''!

What is it with you?

Do you think you live in a
hotel? Wait and talk to me

- Yes, Dawlat?
- Do you know what time it is?

l've been sitting here worried
about you for 4 hours

- Do you think l'm a little boy?
- Am l going to worry about you...

- or about the diseases l have?
- l'm tired and l want to rest

You're tired, Pasha?
Tired from what?

From running after cheap women
in the streets and dirty bars?

At least think about your age,
you shameless man

You have one foot in the grave,
Zaki

Think about God in your
last days

and you'll be crazy if you think
that there is one woman...

who can actually like you,
you dirty old lecher

Open the door, don't let me
break it on your head

You've dirtied your family history
and ruined your father's reputation

Open up, l want my
diamond ring

- What are you doing here so early?
- l'm waiting for you

l was wrong, Taha

but you have to understand

The world around me is like a trap,
l don't know what l'm saying

Give me the engagement ring

No

Give me the ring, l know
you have it

Give it to me, don't make like
Abdelhalim Hafeth

What can l do with your craziness?

l have to be patient
but it's almost over

- Did you look in the mirror?
- A little bit...

You look great

- Pray that l get lucky today
- God willing, you'll be lucky

You look like an officer already,
better even then an officer

l should go, l want to catch the
busses while they're still empty

or else the crowds might
mess up the suit

No, take a taxi so that you
can stay calm

and say this prayer in front
of the exam committee

Say... God, help me overcome
all their hurdles

and don't forget the two verses
seeking refuge in the Lord

- Bye
- Good bye

Come in, Hajj

Look, Hajj A'azam, ministers and
other higher ranking officials...

attend openings of new institutes,
come in, Hajj

Thanks to God and you
and people like you

l've become a huge institute

but l thought Hajj A'azam must
bless it himself

You're very dear to me, Za'atar,
and l'm happy for you

and the children too, may God
add to your wealth

- What would you like to drink?
- We can only drink coffee

What coffee? We can drink coffee
anytime

Suad...

- Yes, Mr Selim
- Get Hajj A'azam some juice

- Yes, sir
- Bring it yourself, Suad

Of course, Mr Selim

ln the name of God

- ls this your daughter?
- My daughter!

She's an employee, my daughter
is still in prep school

ln the name of God,
she must be your secretary

We don't have secretaries
and all that, Hajj

- Mrs Suad is very energetic
- She's a Mrs?

And she has a boy about
6 or 7 years old

her husband went to work
in lraq, He died there

- God rest his soul
- l've no idea how he died

= Here you go, Hajj A'azam
- Thank you very much

l'll go make your coffee myself

- But with very little sugar
- At your service

What is it, Hajj?

There are pretty faces that give
you a feeling of comfort

She looks decent

You have a high average,

Why'd you choose the police
academy over other colleges?

- To serve my country, sir
- Even the engineering graduate...

- can serve his country
- Of course, sir

but if everyone serves in his
field, his service will be better

Good, what are the characteristics
of a good police officer?

Discipline, a sense of justice,
determination, honor

and above all, he must be humane
in all his actions

What does your father do?

He's an employee, sir

- An employee or a doorman?
- Well, sir...

- the doorman is an employee
- Thank you, Taha, dismissed

Next

- Where were you?
- With Mr Talal in the storeroom

- Doing what?
- He was doing an inventory

to see what items are low
so he can order more

Why is everyone looking at
both of you like that?

Everyone knows we were
messing around

Relax, it's messing around
with our clothes on

- With your clothes on?
- Yes, with our clothes on

he keeps rubbing against me
until he starts to shake and shiver

and that's all there is to it, and
he looks like a duck in heat

and he pays ten pounds,
is that bad?

we're all in the same boat,
and your turn will come

l don't know why each woman
doesn't take a look at herself

Saddam Hussein killed many
Egyptians

lt's very possible that he killed
the husband of this cute employee

l don't like to talk to her
about that

Why hasn't she gotten married
till now?

Who's going to marry a poor
woman raising a child...

and just barely making a living

Also, women are all over the place

Who's going to marry a widow
with a high school degree...

and a child to raise?

Me

But that's Shameful, she's
a nobody

She's nothing next to you,
you're much bigger than that

Listen, l know God's commandments

to be short...

l want a woman to sleep with

not a woman l'd inherit or
take her salary every month

ln that case, she'd be
very lucky

But l have conditions, if they
agree to them, we'll do it

You lost my diamond ring,
you drunken pervert?

And then you lie and say that you
haven't been to the jeweler's?

- Have some respect, Dawlat
- Which of us should have respect?

Where's the ring? To which
piece of trash did you give it?

You've disgraced the name of
the noblest family in Egypt

- Get out of my house?
- What do you mean your house?

This is my house,
the house of Dosouki Pasha

Dosouki Pasha whose name
you've disgraced

You're worse than me

At least l did it outside the house
but you did it here

The number of men who have
come here to sleep with you...

is more than the members of both
the old and new Wafd parties

You've totally lost your mind

You don't belong here, you
belong in the mental hospital

Then where do you belong?

in the dirty bars, of course, with
the punks you've become one of

or go stay in the streets,
go

go after the woman you look for,
leave my house

Again? This is my house
and you're the guest

an annoying guest, l can't
stand you anymore

neither can l, come on,
leave

l'll make an example of you
in front of the tenants

Go out

What is it?

There's nothing serious,
a brother and sister quarreling

and you know Dwalat,
she was always crazy

When he takes me in his arms

and talks to me softly

l see the world through
rose colored glasses

He tells me words of love

words that live forever

and that made me important

He entered into my heart

as a part of happiness

and l know the reason why

lt's him for me and me for him,
in this life

He said that to me
and swore

When he takes me in his arms

and speaks to me softly

l see life through rose colored
glasses

He tells me words of love

words that live forever

and that made me important

He entered into my heart

as a part of happiness

and l know the reason why

lt's him for me and me for him,
in life

He said that to me
and swore

When he takes me in his arms

Christine, my love

the most precious thing in my life

Zaki, you don't look well,
what's wrong?

You always know what l'm feeling
without me saying anything

You're open just like the
television

There's a sad show
inside of you

There's sadness,
but without the show

lt's your destiny, as you say

Come, let's sit at the table

l had a fight with Dawlat

That's not new,
you always fight

She kicked me out of the house

She's crazy, but kind

Did you make a big mistake
this time?

l lost her ring, l'm willing to get
her a better ring

No, Zaki, that's shameful

A woman can forget her lover,
her husband, her father

but her jewelry, never

What if l told you that she's been
plotting to kick me out?

- To do what with the apartment?
- She'll take it for herself

- Then what'll she do with it?
- She'll give it to her children

but when l die, Dawlat will
inherit everything

- She's my only heiress
- She's older than you

she can die first and you'll
inherit her

ln that case, her kids will
inherit her share

l don't know why she's doing
that?

l don't see things that way
at all

She's probably calmed down by now,
l'll call her...

and everything will be fine

Don't trouble yourself,
l know her well

Shall we bet a bottle
of ''Black Horse''?

l'll talk to her

lt's over Mrs Christine...

that subject is over

any discussions will not change
what happened

Yes, but it's his house just as
it is yours

No, you must understand

Zaki, will never enter this
apartment again...

as long as l live, and even
after l die

OK, just relax and listen

- l don't want to hear anything
- Please, for my sake

What? Who do you think
you are?

You're just one of his lovers

Don't think that you're
something important

What? l'm Christine,
What are you saying?

No, listen... instead of wasting
your time with me...

go see to your clients, maybe
one of them needs something

Zaki, you win the bet

- Didn't l tell you?
- l thought she was only crazy

but she's a vulgar bitch and
God willing, she'll die before you

Good evening

Welcome, Mr Hatem,
you've lit up the place

You've really lit it up

with a thousand watt lamp
You're a sun and a moon, welcome

Aziz, let them bring us everything
you think is nice

- And the drinks?
- Whiskey

- And the gentleman?
- Whiskey, also

- This is my friend Abd Rabbu
- Hello, Mr Abd Rabbu

- Hello, Pasha
- Welcome

Aziz, please send me a shot,
quickly

At your service

Come on, we're breaking bread
together, eat and drink up

You shouldn't have, Pasha

l want you to be happy, Abdu,
very happy

God bless you, Pasha

Drink up

lt doesn't taste good,
but it's nice

lt's nice, sir

You know, Abdu...

after you have another glass...

you'll feel like you want to do
nice things

very nice things, the nicest thing
in the world

l know it, sir, but my wife
is in our hometown

all the way in upper Egypt

Does it have to be with your
wife?

By the way...

most women are not very
nice

- Take your hand off, sir
- Calm down

Calm down, people are
watching us

Be normal

Abd Rabbu

- Abd Rabbu
- What?

Are you stupid?
You want to make a scandal?

You know that l can hurt you

but hurting people is not in me

- Where are you going now?
- l'm going to hell!

Damn!

What your asking me to do is
shameful and forbidden

- lt shakes heaven and earth
- OK, enough

Just come and spend the
night...

and leave in the morning

Come on

What's wrong with the tenants?
There are no more manners...

and people are not responsible

Why doesn't everyone make
sure he closes the lift door?

This is disgusting

Hello, Mr Hatem... these tenants
are unbelievable

Someone went up in the lift
and left the door open

Who's this?

Zaki Pasha, irresponsibility
is normal these days

l know... who's this?

- He's with me
- Oh, he's with you

but he's strong...
he's with you

Why don't you go up and bring
the lift down?

- When Mr Hatem tells me to
- Oh, when he tells you to

Tell him to go bring the lift down

Don't worry,
nothing will happen to him

Enough, Pasha

- Go up, Abd Rabbu
- Go up, Abd Rabbu

Wow! Did you see him?

He went up so fast,
He ran up

He's like a tiger

He's very strong

You're a decent guy and you
deserve good things

You'll have a nice night,
Mr Hatem

That's how nights are, they
are nice to some people...

and crappy to others

Come in

Are you shy?

ls that man a real Pasha
or a fake one?

No, his father was a real Pasha

and became minister a couple
of times in the past

- What does he do?
- Nothing

He lives off of some properties
he inherited, always been a loser

A relic, like you just saw

He's a drunken freak
and a lecher

He's not a relic,
he's a piece of junk

OK, make yourself at home,
l won't be late

Come in

Thank you, sir

You can't sleep in those
clothes

Here

l'm not used to sleeping
early

but if you want to, go ahead,
there's another room inside

No need, after you go to bed,
l'll sleep here on the floor

l'm used to that

- Drink up, Abdu
- ls this ''carcareh''?

What, ''carcareh''?

Try it and you'll know

it's not ''carcareh''

it's the same color as ''carcareh''

You said you'll finish your
duty after 2 months, right?

Yes, sir

- What will you do afterwards?
- l'll go back to my hometown

lt's the first time l see someone
come to Cairo...

and then go back to his
hometown

What can l do? ln order to get
a job here...

- l need someone with clout
- l'm that someone

May God bring you happiness

But like l told you...

l live alone, as you see

Abdu, l have taken an oath
to make others happy

but who's the person who
deserves that?

Drink up

Drink up

You want to watch something nice
on TV?

Something intense

TV is not fun at night

Oh Lord!

What's this, sir?

- lt's very intense, right?
- Very

You said you were married,
right?

- Abdu
- Yes, sir, l'm married

But my wife is plain,
not like these

- Do you sleep with her a lot?
- Why this embarrassing question?

There's no embarrassment

When l go on home leave,
l do it 2 or 3 times a day

- until my leave is over
- 2 or 3 times a day, and you...

say she's plain?!
You're vicious

To tell you the truth, sometimes
she refuses...

or she might feel tired,
but l make her do it

Thank you

Thanks

Thanks

Tamer, go inside and watch
the TV show

Go on, son

This marriage will conform
to the laws of our religion

lt's not common law or anything
else, God forbid

No, we know that you are
a pious and religious man

Thank God, Suad will live with me
by herself in Cairo

and the boy will remain here, and
she'll see him whenever possible

and don't worry, l'll take care
of his expenses

What do you say, Suad?

- Whatever you say, chief Hamidu
- OK, then...

the wedding gift will be 1 0
thousand, the dowry 20 thousand

and the differed dowry 5 thousand,
and l'll take her as she is

God bless

Anything else, Hajj?

This marriage will remain secret

lf my wife finds out,
l'll divorce you right away

What if she finds out from someone
else, why blame me?

No secret ever gets past me

lf an ant enters my home, it
won't find an exit

ln that case, l agree

- Any other requests, Hajj?
- The most important one

God has bestowed both of us
with children

so, l don't want any children
or any pregnancies

and this is not negotiable

Let's hear your agreeing

- Yes, of course
- l'll setup the house in a week

and come to register the marriage
and take you with me

Let's hear some trilling

Congratulations, Hajj

Fanouss

Fanouss

- Hope you slept well, Pasha
- What are these bags?

Your sister sent them

- Make me a cup of coffee
- Ok

Your sister changed the apartment
lock and installed extra locks

the guy who brought the bags
said that

Yes, Dawlat... we're brother
and sister, Dawlat

things can't get to this sorry
state between us

Dawlat...

Why are you sitting so far?

We're both alike, and our poverty
shows, it's best to stay alone

No, l was sitting with them

but l didn't like what they were
saying, so l moved away

- What were they talking about?
- About their dads and moms

One's dad is an under secretary,
another's is a judge or an engineer

and another's mother is an expert
in the United Nations

To be honest, l was afraid they
might ask about my dad's job

That's why l came and sat with you

What does your father do?

A building guard...

a doorman, and yours?

a shoemaker

We have a small shoe store

lf they'd known that the
coordination office...

would put the sons of the doorman
and the shoemaker with them

they would have blown up
the coordination office

l don't know how we'll be able
to go on with such people

we'll find people like us

Allah the most gracious

Teacher of the Quran

Creator of the human beings,
He taught them how to distinguish

The sun and the moon
are perfectly calculated

The stars and the trees
prostrate

He constructed the sky
and established the law

You shall not transgress
the law

God, forgive me and open
heaven's gates to me

- May you pray in Mecca, sir
- May we pray together

God has bestowed on you a
beautiful voice and piety

Thanks be to God

Piety to god is the best
of gifts

Are you always in the mosque?

- Thanks be to God
- Thank God, what's your name?

- Taha Elshathly
- Are you in first year?

- Yes
- l'm Khaled Abdelrahim

l'm in third year, and as you can
see, l'm from upper Egypt

but it's obvious you're
a city boy

- l live here in Cairo
- Where do you live?

- Downtown
- So, you're high class

Exactly, if you're talking
about the roof being high

Brother Khaled, l live on the
roof of a downtown building

Downtown roofs are better than
roofs in low income neighborhoods

Thank God for what you have

Thanks to God is always present
in the heart and soul

and at all times, be they good
times or hard times

ln the name of God,
you are pious...

you are devout by nature

- Where do you pray on Friday?
- ln a small ''zawiyah''

- close to where l live
- No, that won't do?

Friday prayer cannot be held
in a small ''zawiyah''

plus prayer in a mosque even
if it's far from home...

- there's great reward in that
- Tell me what mosque you pray in

even if it's at the ends
of the earth...

And l'll come pray all prayers
with you

Listen, brother Taha, your zeal
to perform prayer...

shows the depth of your
faith

that's why l'll do you
a good deed...

and take you to goodness,
God willing

l'm with you

l'm late, right?
Forgive me

Come, don't be afraid

- Mr Talal
- Yes

l need 20 pounds...

even if you deduct them
from my salary

Ten pounds are enough

Stay till your clothes dry up,
then come to the store

Turn the lock five times,
OK?

1 0 pounds you son of a bitch!

Here, Pasha

- What's this?
- Mr Hatem's newspaper

- He sends us a copy now
- put it here

What's all this banging upstairs?
What's this chaos?

Hajj A'azam is redecorating
his apartment

- l wish you'd talk to him
- Talk to whom?

- A'azam Pasha
- A'azam Pasha?

When did A'azam
become a Pasha?

l saw him shining shoes in front
of El-Amrecain

Can that be? He owns half
of Seliman Pasha street

- You don't believe me?
- No, l believe you...

but how can a shoe shine boy
own all these stores...

- and all that money?
- l'd tell you if l knew

and you would have quit being a
maid and become like him

You go tell him that l said
stop this banging

- and get the door
- OK

A'azam Pasha!

- lsn't this Zaki Dosouki's place?
- Zaki Pasha

OK, don't get upset,
Zaki Pasha

l'm a process server and l have
a notice for your Pasha

would you like to take it or let
the Pasha come get it?

l've become crazy and a
squanderer

Whoever says that about you...

he himself is crazy and a lunatic

Dawlat has filed an incompetence
case against me

she claims l'm a squanderer
and l'm crazy

Since it's your sister...

l can't be impolite

Dawlat is not only tyrannous

she's tyrannous and crazy

Aren't you afraid to walk
by yourself like that?

- How are you, Taha?
- Fine, What's wrong?

Nothing, l'm tired, l've been
standing since morning

a soon as l get to the room
l just drop dead

l just wanted to make sure
you were OK

Tell me about yourself
How are you doing in college?

l feel like a stranger there

This is not our country anymore

People like us have become
like strangers in it

There's something behind
your words

Listen to me...

and be patient until you
finish the college you're in

and take your degree
and go to the Gulf area

- l can, but on one condition
- What?

That you come with me

Who knows? Who knows what
tomorrow is hiding

l feel that you're feelings
for me have changed

l didn't change, lt's life that is
changing around us

l can barely talk

Hello

What is it, darling?

Abdu, what is it?

l'm afraid, sir

Afraid of what?

Of God

Why? Are you doing something
wrong?

What are you? All l'm doing is
wrong

Alcohol day and night, lechery
with you, l've quit praying

l heard the sheikh talk about God's
punishment of homosexuals

we are rocking heaven and earth,
that means an earthquake, sir

You're from upper Egypt
and you're not very smart

You think only you and me
do this?

no, there's a lot of us

here, in Europe and in
America

and in the Gulf,
all over the world

An earthquake!

What's wrong with a man
loving another?

What's wrong with that?

God is very great, and He's
very gracious

- l want to put your mind at ease
- How?

Do you know what is
truly forbidden?

and this is not open to
argument

lt's adultery

sleeping with a strange woman,
to prevent the mixing of posterity

to get pregnant by her lover and
saying her husband is the father

or getting an abortion

and that is forbidden, of course

but a man loving another man,
what's wrong with that?

What's wrong with that?
What's wrong with that?

What do you mean?

Men don't get pregnant, Abdu

Put this cloth roll here

Put this cloth roll here

Watch it, don't drop
the scissors

Put this merchandise down

Everything is fine

And you...

Hello, cutest of girls

How are you, Miss Buthaina?

Won't you greet me with...

''Good evening, uncle Malak''

- How are you, chief Malak?
- That's better

l have a job for you which will
open doors for both of us

- What kind of job?
- Talk to Talal on my behalf...

and convince him to buy
shirts from me

My work is excellent

and you'll get your commission

What are you saying? Who am l
to speak on your behalf?

l'm just a sales girl,
nothing else

Business discussions shouldn't
be dry like this...

wait just a second

This is a gift for you

lt's your size

l don't take gifts from anyone,
why would l take a gift from you?

Because of the business
that will be between us

Forget it, Talal gets his
merchandise from large workshops

lf you talk to him,
he'll listen to you

- Why would he listen to me?
- Miss Buthaina...

l've been in this business since
l was six years old

and l've lived in this area
all my life

so, l know what Talal does
and where he does it

and you certainly have some
effect on him

a beautiful young girl

like a fresh apple

Talal will never refuse
anything you tell him

You're not respectable
and impolite

ls it impolite to say the truth?

OK, look me in the eye

Have you never gone to Talal
at the storeroom?

You're a cheap rascal

This means you've gone to him

We'll talk again

Enough, Hajj

l won't take much of your time

l know you're very busy

And l'm at your service

l don't want you to be upset with
me because of the past 2 weeks

l didn't have any free time
to see you

l understand, Pasha

What do you want, Hajj?

l'm sure you checked me out when
you heard l wanted to meet you

and all l found out is good,
you're a stand up man

Thanks be to God

Everything comes from God

Listen, Pasha...

l want to contribute to the
service of the country

and the service of the people
where l have my businesses

and where there are people l've
lived amongst and loved

We're all like you, Hajj

but as they say, to each
his way of doing things

l've prayed and consulted God
almighty

and l thought l'd nominate myself
to the parliament...

for the Kassr Elnile district

- Kassr Elnile?
- Yes, they're my people

Do you know what we call that
district in the parliament?

The piece of cake

Could you explain to me?

Explain what?
l said ''the piece of cake''

meaning that it's sweet

lt has no problems,
no low income neighborhoods

no one to keep asking
for things

or the young people asking
for apartments or jobs...

until they make you hate
your life and get hypertension

- Where did you say you were from?
- From upper Egypt

Why don't you look for a sweet
district in upper Egypt?

l haven't been there for a long
time, and no one knows me there

- but in Kassr Elnile...
- Listen...

there are people who have asked
for that district

they've only asked, which means
there's room for negotiations

- Give me some time to think
- Good deeds should be expedited

lt's a million, Kamal Pasha,
right?

Yes, but what do you think
of the drawing?

The drawing is very beautiful

but it's a lot of money

this money is not for me

it goes to several people

as for me, well, l have
enough money

l know, Pasha

l want you to know who was
asking for that district

- Who?
- Abu Rihab, you know him?

- Owner of Rida Welnour stores?
- Right

He's with the Moslem Brotherhood,
and you know that

and you're not on good terms with
them, how will you accept him?

When he runs for parliament,
no one can say no to him

that's democracy

- and we're a democratic country
- Yes

But if he runs he might win

he's blowing the market, selling
for half the price, and less

he has so money he can
buy votes

Nomination is easy

Anyone who wants to run, let him
run, no one will stop him

but how he can win?
That's our game

not by forgery, God forbid

but you can say we've studied
the psyche of the Egyptians

the people are holding on to
the government...

as if it were their mother

even if this government
does whatever it wants

this is our job

l know, but this the first
time we do business together

forget the million, for my sake,
make it half a million

Listen, Hajj...

l only know how to draw
two things

either a million...

or a billion

what do you say?

l agree, let's recite
the ''Opening''

ln the name of God most gracious
Praise be to God...

Master of the day of Judgment
You alone we worship...

The money has to be here next
week, in cash

of those whom You blessed, not of
those who have deserved wrath...

- Amen
- Congratulations, Hajj

Why is this wine white and that
other one red, Hatem?

When we eat fish, we drink
white wine

Then, the red one is for meat

How smart you are!
Bravo

- But why is all of this?
- We're celebrating

Celebrating what?

Everyone who finishes his tour of
duty goes home quietly

No, we're celebrating your
working full-time

also, the second surprise...

is that you won't go back
to your hometown

How? What about my son
and my wife?

They'll come live with you here

l found you an apartment,
and in the same building

there's a room on the roof whose
owner left and went home

and l rented it right away, for
your wife and son... Cheers

- What?
- Cheers

Cheers

- Cheers
- Cheers

Cheers, Hatouma

lt's not like you think,
Zaki Pasha

l mean, the reciprocal cases...

between you and your sister,
won't be solved quickly

she's filed an incompetence case
against you...

and that will take years
to be over

and you've filed a case to prove
your right in the apartment

and this might take
a year or two

Could that be, Mr Fekry?

Mrs Christine...

this is our country
and we know it well

- What can l do, then, counselor?
- l'll tell you

but don't say that l suggested
this

some hoodlums

some hoodlums who can break
into the apartment in any way

either by breaking down the door
or a wall

the point is they should
occupy it...

and then you go in...

and live in it normally

of course, she'll file a lawsuit

which will take the courts forever
to come to a ruling

she could die before they ever
rule on it

- ls there no other solution?
- That's the only solution

- l can't do that
- But your sister is evil

she is very evil

We are the siblings of Abdela'al
Pasha, we don't that to each other

But you're the victim

Even if l am the victim

Dawlat is my sister and l have
to put up with her

and anyway, l'm not out
on the street

- Where's my coat?
- Where to, Zaki Pasha?

Zaki

Zaki

Zaki, l've never seen you
like this

and l've never seen you neglect
yourself like this, what is it?

Why didn't l get married?

l could have had children

and they would have definitely
changed my life

of course, you'll say that you
were available to me

but what can say about stupidity?

l was afraid l'd marry you and
then cheat on you

l'm weak in front of any whim

and then you would have
hated me

and that's the one thing l could
never bear

No, l would have forgiven you

That's what you think

My problem is that there were
important things in front of me

and l didn't see them

or l saw them after it was too late

- l'm going to go
- l'll take you

l've never hurt anyone

l've only hurt myself

even the women l slept with,
they were all consenting

they used to come into my house
and then leave very happy

that's why God will be very
merciful with me

He'll give me the greatest
discount...

You are forgiving...

and merciful

- How are you, Buthaina?
- What's up?

A great day, God willing...

and by the blessing of the
Virgin Mary full of grace

- What's your problem, man?
- ls that how you greet people?

There's no need to frown,
your secret is safe

- l have no secrets
- OK, you have no secrets

but l owe you a favor
for the sake of being neighbors

and your nice mother

What do you want?

- How much does Talal pay a month?
- 250 pounds

Because you're stupid, l swear
what l'm saying is no joke

l have a job for you
for 600 a month

a very respectable job

and if it's not, you'll make it
respectable

Our leaders claim...

that they rule us by the laws
of lslamic Shari'a...

and that they implement
democracy

and God knows that they're
lying on both counts

lslamic Shari'a is suspended
in our afflicted country

and the government earns
from gambling...

and selling alcohol...

and fornicating tourists

and what's worse...

is that the government turns
this money into employee salaries

and thus feeding its people
from illicit money...

and makes them perpetrators
of the proscribed

and then the curse of the
proscribed plagues us

l'm saying it clearly
and directly...

and without any ambiguity

we don't want our nation
to be democratic...

nor secular nor socialist

we want it to be lslamic

lslamic... lslamic

lslamic... lslamic

lslamic... lslamic

lslamic... lslamic

lslamic... lslamic

- Peace be upon you
- and you

How are you, Buthaina?

As you can see, l'm hanging
the laundry

- Where were you?
- l was praying Friday

Friday prayer has been over for
2 hours, maybe more

l pray at a far mosque,
and l like to walk

plus the fact that the lmam's
speech runs long

Religion facilitates affairs

look for a mosque near by

- What are these books?
- One of them is for you

- A gift?
- God willing

- Are you going to grow your beard?
- God willing, l'll never shave it

after today

Here's your book

Keep it, my hands are wet

or, you read it, l'm not too crazy
about reading

- l don't like your affairs
- You're not my guardian...

- to like them or dislike them
- Be reasonable

Leave my hand or l'll call out
to all the people here

- Has it come to that?
- Listen, Taha

l'll get to the point,
our story is over

ln English, it's the ''end''
they write at the end of a movie

each of us chose a path,
you've grown your beard

l wear short skirts and l like it,
so we don't fit together

He brought me a gift!
The veil before the check

l wish you'd spend one night here

so l can feel like l'm you wife,
like other married women

Smarten up, Suad, ours is not
common law marriage

l married you according
to lslamic law

also, spending the night
is not important

it's not the proof of love

- What are you doing?
- Shining your shoe

No, shining shoes is a science

let me... look...

O Lord! lt's like you're
a real shoe shine boy

Yes, l like shining shoes

and it puts me in a good mood

- Thank you
- But l've noticed that you...

whenever you go to the other
house, you're dressed up

The other one is the origin, and
you've nothing to do with it

So, this house is the fake one?

There it's 24 carat gold,
and here it's fake?

Why ruin our mood?

The 24 carat gold is here

But there it's the house of the
mother of my children

they're not children,
they're grown up men

Then you should pick the words
you use

Forgive me

l wanted to ask you for a favor

Ask away, my love

- l want to go to Alexandria
- Why?

Did you forget that l have a son
l haven't seen for months?

And l miss my family, l'd like to
go smell the sea air

l'm staying in a huge apartment
alone, between the kitchen...

- and the TV and the bedroom
- You will not go alone

- l must be with you
- So, come with me

l can't leave Cairo for one
second these days

We can go in the afternoon
and come back at night...

as if you're resting here, or
let me go by myself

Neither this or that, and don't
forget that we have an agreement

- l have another solution
- Let me hear it

My brother can bring my son
so l can play with him a little

that's not part of the agreement
either

and why don't you play with me?

Seriously, playing with me...

is there anything better than it?
Bye

Thank you very much

Listen, Taha, love is neither
shameful nor forbidden

Real love... un-proscribed
love is allowed

The prophet, peace be upon him,
loved A'aisha

and you say you love this girl,
real love

l've known her since she was a
kid playing on the roof

we grew up together
and dreamed together

and felt happiness and
sadness together

l swear, among all the women
that God created...

l've never seen another,
or desired another

God knows how l feel
towards you

l don't like to see you
in a bad way

and l'd like to tell you that the
believer is always optimistic

and God willing, adversity
will be followed by comfort

She closed the door with every
key there is

Then comfort could be
with another

This girl is not all the
women in the world

Forget about her

Don't be upset

Which is better, loving a woman
or loving Jihad?

Loving God or loving a woman?

God bless you, you've instilled
comfort into my heart

Let's talk about what's important

Tomorrow, the university will not
be like it is every day

and l want you to have
a leading role, Taha

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

lslamic... neither eastern
not western

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

lslamic... neither eastern
nor western

- Steady
- Say God is great

- God is great
- Say God is great

God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- Gos is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

God is great

- Say God is great
- God is great

Your excellency...

Miss Buthaina Elsayed...

daughter of the late Elsayed
A'antar, they live on the roof

Say hi to the Pasha, Miss

- Good evening, Pasha
- Hello

starting today, the office will
be your responsibility

- What's going on?
- Who are these people?

What do they want from us?

What do you want from us?

Why'd you take my son?

God suffices me,
He is the best protector

His name is Taha Mohamad
Elshathly and this is his file

and we found these books in his
house

Bring him down

Taha, l promise no one will
touch you again

and that you'll go out of here
right away

but you have to talk... to which
group do you belong?

l don't have a group

We found the books that all
groups were based on...

why was it at your house?

lt's not illegal to own books

also, this is culture

You shouldn't lie to someone
who is trying to help you

and this is an insult to my
intelligence, l don't appreciate it

l was only participating
in the demonstration

The building where your father
works as a doorman...

a lot of high-class people
live in it

Whom among them do you know?

l know all of them

So, you must know
Mr Hatem Rashid

Of course, Pasha

What do you know about him?

He's a respectable journalist

and the editor of
Le Caire newspaper

What else?

That's all, Pasha

You see how you lie?

We know everything
about every body

We know what you don't know about
your mother or your father

Do you know that your mother was
married before she met your father?

That's the first time l hear
of that, pasha

Ask her when you get out

and see what she'll say

let's concentrate on
Hatem Rashid

He's... excuse my language...

- he's a homosexual
- Good

what does homosexual mean?

Pasha, you just...

you just said you know everything
about everyone

OK, Taha...

we'll do to you what they do
to Hatem Rashid

and we have people who do
this very well

what do you say?

- Take his clothes off
- No!

No!

O God!

- Hello, Pasha
- You're opening the door?

- Where's Fanouss?
- He went up to see his brother

The smell of the apartment has
changed since you came

- Thank you, Pasha
- What's up?

l paid the electric bill,
and Christine called

and your barber wants to know
when to stop by

and Fekry Abdelshahid the lawyer
called and said...

that he attended the court
session and got a postponement

and said he'll tell you everything
when he sees you

is someone suing you,
Pasha?

lt's something trivial, my sister
Dawlat is suing me

These are dark times when a
sister sues her brother

you're her support

She'll go back to her senses

May God show her the
right way

- Do You want anything from me?
- No, Buthaina, you can leave

- l'll see you later
- Good bye

Buthaina...

you're an excellent girl
and l feel comfortable with you

l wish you'd be with me
all the time

l'll be with you as long as you're
happy with me

and you pay me well, and you
treat me very well

Buthaina, don't misunderstand
me

God created beauty...

for people to see...

and to love and respect

- What do you mean, Pasha?
- l mean you're beautiful

beautiful, but you need
the touch of an artist

would you put yourself
in my hands?

l took an oath never to refuse
you anything

May l change your hairdo?

How do you want it to look?

Look at yourself in the mirror

lt's the taste of Pashas

Go on, you're late

''Groppi''

Thank God for your safe
return, son

Thank you

l was worried about you

you've been out for a while

Ever since l came out,
l went into my room...

and l only left it
to come meet you

Thank God you got
the message

What did you tell them?

lf l had told them anything,
l wouldn't have come out

- and you would have gone in
- God bless you, son

Yes, but...

- you don't know what happened
- l can imagine everything

- lt surpasses imagination
- lnfidels can do anything, son

Even infidels wouldn't do
what they did to me

- Calm down
- Good evening, sir

- What would you like to drink?
- Bring me tea

- Two teas
- At your service

l want you to go back to
college and study well

What College and what studies?

That is all over

l want you to be true to me
as l was to you

and just as you had requests
which l carried out...

l have requests l want you to help
me carry out

We'll help you if we can

- l want revenge
- Did they torture you that badly?

- They raped me
- Lower your voice

Calm down

Don't say that to anyone else,
control yourself

people are looking at us

What's that you're wearing,
Abu Wa'el?

A gift form the mister,
may God reward him

Since when do you wear
see through underwear?

l took it because l shouldn't
turn him down

after all, he's given us a lot
and he likes us

Why are you quiet? Answer me,
or am l talking to myself?

l don't feel good about this man

- He helps us live a good life
- The hell with his good life

- Also, this is not your scent
- Hell!

Are you going to smell me?

You're going to be like that?

Smell me as l am, then

Shut up

Shut up

This area is not known
to them

No one knows anything
about it

You haven't come in a long
time, Sheikh Shaker

l come when there is an
absolute need

Our son Taha Elshathly,
the one l told you about

God willing, he'll be
comfortable here

Sheikh Bilal,
the Ameer of the camp

and he's responsible for
preparation and execution

God willing, you'll be
his charge...

until he prepares you
for the mission

Hello

- Hello, Mr minister
- How are you, Hajj?

- Fawzi, my eldest son
- Yes, of course...

- how are you, Fawzi?
- How are you, sir?

- How are you, Fawzi?
- lf you please, Pasha...

- could you move to another table?
- Sure...

- Come, A'azam
- What is it, Pasha?

He says that table is not
well protected

they'll get us another one...
you know how security is

your inquest at the parliament
yesterday was great

it was good, l told the TV
people to air it

so, watch yourself

What, Pasha?
Give it to your uncle

- OK, l'm fine
- Give him Kofta, it's not heavy

- Here you go
- l forgot to congratulate you

Thank you, but for what?

- For the car dealership
- From your lips to God's ears

lt's still just talks, the Japanese
are completing their inquiries

- See how you're father is?
- l swear to God...

- we haven't signed a single paper
- What is it, boy?

What's wrong, Hajj A'azam?

l'm Kamal Elfoly, nothing in this
country gets past me

- This is well known, sir
- May God keep us on good terms

- Here you go
- May God help seal the deal

this contract will get you 200
million a year, at least

and this is too big for
you, hajj

you could choke on it

Can you explain?

We want one quarter

- One quarter of what?
- Of the profits

Shouldn't l know exactly
who ''you'' are?

What's the matter, Hajj? l've
always said you had street smarts

What do you mean?

l'm not alone, Hajj A'azam

there are many people with me

but you can say they like
to keep a low profile

think of me as a delegate

A respectable people who do
not accept impoliteness...

A respectable people who do
not accept impoliteness...

What do you like about the
bull this man is saying?

Wait, let's see time's fiasco

the worst fiasco

Cheap naked girls...

l don't know where they
got them from...

and now there's a TV
in every home

and in every home, there are
our daughters and wives...

- So, we must...
- You're still young

this esteemed representative used
to shine shoes at the corner

You drink a lot
and way too early

- People usually drink at night
- Just passing time, you want some?

- No, Pasha
- You never drank before?

Never, and l've learned from
the films l see on TV

- You want me to drink something?
- l'll give you an idea...

at the beginning, it's sour

but then it makes you
very happy

l don't care what you say

- What a waste
- lt's not a waste

l mean the difference between
us and foreigners

foreigners appreciate alcohol

and they like it

here, we appreciate hash

- There's a big difference
- Zaki Pasha...

l don't like either, you just
live like foreigners do, sir

Listen, if you care about me...

Stop saying ''sir'',
it's true, l'm an old man...

but you don't have to keep
reminding me

- call me Zaki
- l'll say Zaki Pasha

OK, what l want to say...

is that living the life of the
foreigners is not strange

l was one of them, l lived and
studied in Paris

Paris

l know it like l know Cairo

- They say Paris is beautiful
- Of course...

- Paris is the whole world
- Why'd you leave it?

You should have stayed there

l'm stupid

You can say it was stupidity,
or destiny

- You look like you want to travel
- l wish

- Where would you like to go?
- Anywhere...

away from this forsaken place

Do you hate your country?

lt never did me anything good
to make me like it

Buthaina... it's true you're poor

but poverty has nothing to do
with patriotism

What patriotism? Am l the only
one who wants to leave?

Everybody wants to leave

You know if life was like it
was a very long time ago...

before they came up with
passports and visas...

the whole population
would have left

lf you're not good to your country
you won't be good to anyone

That's because you live in it
as a Pasha

What are your problems? Your
sister is quarreling with you

So what?

the problem is with people who
can't eat or feed their families

people who keep looking for jobs
and no one cares about them

people who put up with humiliation
whether they're sitting or walking

you only walk in Seliman street,
try to go somewhere else

and see what goes on, Egypt has
become very hard on its people

that's why every body
wants to leave

not because they hate it, but they
can't bear its injustice

Why did you stand up?

So l can get things off
my chest

You couldn't have done that
sitting down?

Anyway, l'm to blame for
this bad mood...

because l opened up this
touchy subject

Listen, l'm going to get you
out of this mood

You'll listen to the most
beautiful voice in the world

a French singer called
Edith Piaf

Have you heard of her?

l don't know French

You don't have to know French

you just need to feel the beauty
of the voice

and the beauty of the performance

and the lovely tune

This song reminds me
of nice days

and happy memories

This song talks about a girl
standing in the middle of a crowd

and the crowd kept
pushing her away

until she found herself in front
of a man she didn't know

but she had nice feelings
towards him

she felt that she wanted to live
with him forever

live with him forever

then the crowd wave
came back...

and pushed her away from him

and she started feeling lonely
again

What a shame

Come here

Your eyes are very beautiful

This is the first time someone
really sees my eyes

Mind you, we have to stay friends

Of course, friends

You know, Houda...

l'm beginning to like the smell
of cigarettes

But not all cigarettes
smell nice

l know these are
filled with hashish

- Doesn't religion forbid them?
- You think l'd do that?

lf the were forbidden
l wouldn't have touched them

l guess this is not good stuff
because you're not in a good mood

No, l'm in a good mood...

but l'm preoccupied with work,
and work is not all good

it has a lot of problems, too

What if l tell you something
that will make you happy...

and just float up high,
what would you do for me?

Talk, maybe you'll
ease my mind

l'm...

l'm...

- l'm 2 months pregnant
- What?

God damn you and
your parents!

l don't need this?
Didn't we have an agreement?

What's this got to do with
agreements? lt's God's will

Can anyone say to God's will
that there was an agreement?

l'll say it once, you have to have
an abortion, l don't need it

- and you don't need it either
- l do need it

it's a piece of me, do you want
to cut out a piece of me?

lf you don't have an abortion
then l'll divorce you

Divorce me, and God's
law will rule between us

- Thank God for your safe return
- What's wrong with you?

Do you see me coming back from
my job in the Gulf?

- Where are you coming back from?
- From work

But it's nice work,
the nicest work

- Didn't we have an agreement?
- Yes, and l'm committed to it

You said l'd have to repay your
favor, so what's the agreement?

Come inside and l'll tell you
exactly what l want from you

''Contract of partnership''

- Have you lost your mind?
- Listen here, girl...

this is work, not fooling around

that hunk of junk called Zaki Pasha
is over

he's already got one foot
in the grave

when he dies the apartment will
belong to Fekry Abdelshahid

this is a contract of partnership
between me and the Pasha

when he dies, the apartment
will be mine

so l can go in and never
have to leave it

l want his signature on
every paper in the contract

and this is a simple job
for you

make him sing when he's drunk
or when you're sleeping together

- l don't care
- You're nothing like your name

you're not a Copt, you're a devil
hiding among the Copts

l'll give you 5 thousand pounds

you'll get them when you bring
me the Pasha's signature

l don't think there's another man
as straight as me

whether l was Coptic or Jewish
or Moslem

think of your mother
and brothers and sisters

you need the money

You might die before Zaki

ln that case l will have at least
tried

take the contract

Assuming that l'll get the
signature of Zaki Dosouki...

- how do l guarantee you'll pay?
- We'll exchange...

- no money no contract
- Malak Armanious...

never goes back on his word

l'll give you the money before
you give me the contract

Who is it?

Quick, your son is burning with
fever and throwing up...

and l don't know what to do

What are you waiting for?
Your son's condition is serious

tell the Mr to call an ambulance,
if he really cares for you

Go get the boy and meet me
downstairs quickly

Why are you still here? Go

- lt's a catastrophe
- God willing, it'll be fine

don't worry, your son will get
the best of care

don't worry

What's wrong with him?

Be strong, and may God
grant you patience

They took my boy away!

My boy, Abd Rabbu!

My boy!

Oh, fruit of my womb!

They took my son

Abd Rabbu, they took my son
away!

My son!

My son!

Did you talk to your sister?

- Yes, Hajj
- Did you convince her?

Listen, Hajj...

you're a regular guy and you
like to do what's right

true, l can talk to her, but not
when it comes to God's law

And the agreement between us?

Any agreement which negates
God's law becomes void

- This is you have to say?
- lt's all she has to say

Thank you, you did what you
could, chief Hamidu

l think you can just about
catch the train

chief Hamidu...

shouldn't you take some time
and rethink things...

and do what's good? Personal
relations should be respected

l don't need to think, you're
the one who needs to think

we don't go against God's laws,
and God is on our side

But keep in mind...

no one knows where God's will
might lead him

Leave me, you bitches!

Smother her with it

After this, we'll get another
one that's bigger

Hello, mister minister

- How are you, congratulations
- Thank you, Mr Kamal

A picture, Kamal Pasha

l want to talk to you urgently

Set the time and place you like

- Now, find a place to sit in
- Come this way

- You've made a mistake, Hajj
- l ask God's forgiveness

- l always keep my word
- You're stalling

You've had the contract for
2 months, what's going on?

This is a contract for one quarter,
the Japanese must be told

ot they'll think l'm cheating and
they'll take away the dealership

What's wrong? Do you think l
run a furniture store?

You're talking to a man who
can move the whole country

Everybody knows who you are
and what you can do

No, wait...

we have a saying that goes...

whoever carried the donkey
up the stairs...

is the only one who can
take it down

The donkey?

What does that mean?

lt means that l can get you out
of the parliament...

- and with a scandal
- ls this a threat?

l'm not a nobody so that you or
someone else can threaten me

Well, well...

- you've become quite strong
- You started

l hope you're not counting on
the parliament immunity

or you'd be very naive

a couple of sessions in parliament
can make you lose it

- and people with skeletons...
- No, l've no skeletons

You have skeletons everywhere

l'll tell you about a small
skeleton

What did you do about
the mandatory draft?

Nothing in your file proves that
you performed military service

So what if l leave the
parliament?

The parliament benefited from me,
l didn't benefit from it

Without the Parliament you'd be
naked in a crowded street

l told you before, l'm not alone

l'm just a delegate

and l'm the nicest one
in the group

- Don't be stubborn
- Tell you what, Mr Kamal...

- why don't we sit and talk
- Who's ''we''?

You and me and the ones
you say you represent

give me a chance to explain to them
and they might understand

No, there no use

Mr Kamal...

l went into parliament
with my money

and even if l leave it...

l'll just think of it as
merchandise that got burnt

Dad, the Japanese guy looks
like he wants to leave

lsn't he going to listen to the
singer? Join us, Mr Kamal

No, l'll leave you to your
singer

- Good night
- Good night

- What is it, dad?
- Everything has a limit

and your father knows when
to say ''no''

l swear you must have known
this Mrs Christine

lt's like she's singing
just for you

She's singing for both of us

No woman forgets the man
she loved

You're right

but Christine and l dealt with
each other like foreigners do

the love that was between us
turned into friendship

it's difficult for two people
in love to become enemies

even if they leave each other

You know, Zaki Pasha...

if l find someone like you,
but younger...

l'd marry him right away

You'll never find a younger
version of me, my beauty

we are the last of the
respectable men

Don't ask me to sing again

l can listen to you all night

Christine...

you are all the happy memories
in my life

- You've had a lot to drink
- That's true...

Please, Madame, for my sake,
take the bottle away

- Only you can handle him
- She's from the roof

Welcome back, Mr Hatem

you don't usually stay late
at work like this

Thank you, Shathly,
l just got back from Alexandria

l was invited to a party which
the prime minister was at

- ls there a problem, Shathly?
- Yes, sir

Here you go, sir

- What are these?
- The keys to the Nassr City kiosk

and this is the key for the room
on the roof

Abd Rabbu took his wife
and left the building

That dog!

That Dog!

May God show you the right way

God suffices us,
He is the best protector

Mister lssam

Madame Rashid

Professor Rashid

Mister lssam, your wife
is with the French Consul

- Hatem, go out
- Hatem, go out

Typical Parisian prostitute

You've nothing to do with ldrees,
you never loved me like ldrees

Father

Father

A half hour a week...

- l'm very busy
- lt's not a half hour...

you've never played with me

ldrees, what are you doing?

You left me for the servants
to play with me

What do you want? Why are you
upset? why're you looking this way?

Thank you

Thank you very much

you bastard...

You asked me once and said...

why didn't you...

why didn't you stay in Paris?

and l said it was destiny

the truth was something else

This country was better than
Paris

The latest fashions started here

before they hit Paris

the streets were very clean

they used to wash it every day,
and the stores were fancy

and the people were polite

Let's talk upstairs, people are
staring at us

Why do they stare at us?

Let them stare at the country
that went to hell...

at the buildings that were better
than European buildings...

and now have become garbage
dumps on top...

and an abomination
at the bottom

We live in the time
of abomination

l'm the oldest tenant in this
building

the oldest one

l lived the best days of my life
in it

and the best people live in it
with me

from the first princesses...

till you, my princess

Zaki Pasha, let's go upstairs

and then you can say all you want

- Let's go
- l'm the oldest tenant

the oldest one

l want a favor from you, Pasha

You can ask me for anything

ask for the whole of
Seliman Pasha street

l'm the oldest tenant
in the building

l applied at the bank for a loan
for 5 thousand pounds

but they said l need
a guarantor

l'd guarantee you with my life

lf l don't guarantee you...

then who will?

l have the papers

would you sign them?

No, this way

Yes, l got the...

the pen

What is it, Pasha?

- What is it?
- l want to go to the bathroom

Are you OK, Pasha?

l hope you're OK, come with me

Come with me, l hope
you're OK, Pasha

l hope you're OK, Pasha

Come

- l hope you're OK, Pasha
- l'm well

Zaki Pasha

Get up

- What's wrong, Madame?
- Where am l?

Thank God for your safety,
you suffered a bad hemorrhage

A hemorrhage, you bastards!
They aborted me by force

l'm going to take you all
to hell

Save me, Hamidu

They aborted me by force,
Hamidu

They killed my son

They did their evil deed

Mrs Suad, everything is
destined

Hajj A'azam never went against
the agreement, but you did

and everyone should bear
the consequences of his mistakes

May God take revenge on you
and your father and your family

you infidels, you disbelievers

l will not put up with
any impoliteness

You suffered a hemorrhage and we
took you the best hospital

The Hajj knows God's
commandments very well

and he has never gone
against his laws

Hajj A'azam has divorced you

And you'll get all your legal
rights, and more

You brother has a cheque
for 20 thousand pounds

and he hospital bill
has been paid in full

and anything of yours in the
apartment, no matter how small

will be sent to your house
in Alexandria

What's this?

What's going on?

l apologize, Hajj, our job
is always annoying

l'm major Hamdy Sha'aban from
the drug enforcement agency

- What do we have to do with drugs?
- Ask your father

- You know l have immunity
- We know that very well...

Mister representative,
but why are you so worried?

The men might not find
anything

What are you photographing?

No, they'll find something

May l use the phone?

As you wish, sir

Yes, Pasha...

Thank you very much,
Mr Armanios

Malak, Mrs...
Malak Armanios

Mr Malak...

this is a small sum
for your gallantry

Mrs Dawlat, you don't know
me well

l own a workshop

l informed of this...

to save the reputation of a
respectable and noble family

But l still need you for the
more important favor

And l'm at your service

Brother Taha, the Amir
wants you now

l wish l'd met you
a long time ago

lt wouldn't have worked out

Why not?

l was just a kid

a baby

You're still a baby

a baby full of femininity

and caring

and compassion

and gallantry

l wish l would live long

so l could live with you
the longest time possible

May God let you live long

l'm 65 years old

You could live till 1 00

l heard someone on TV...

say that when you love life,
life love you back

That's possible

Zaki Pasha...

l've fallen in love with you

because you respected me

and protected me

you were never lecherous

Let's travel somewhere

After a week or two...

l'll get the revenue
from the land

and we can travel

- To Paris
- To Paris

Paris

and you can look at the
restaurants and stores...

and theatres and museums

and the forests just outside
of Paris

we can chase each other around

l'm still a virgin

Come in

feel at home...

anyway, the last time...

Enough adultery!
Enough filth!

What is it?

How can you come into people's
homes without permission?

- We're the police
- Do you have a court order?

Are you going to teach me my
job? The Mrs is your sister

and filed a report that you
practice adultery in her home

My sister filed the report?
This is not her home

this is my office and she
doesn't live with me

She opened the door
with her own key

and you can say whatever you want
at the station

- lt's a case of flagrante delicto
- Yes, flagrante delicto

l'll show you! You're violating
the sanctity of my home

The sanctity of the home or the
prostitute next to you?

Prostitute?

She's more honorable than you,
you bitch

You see, officer? He's calling me
names and hitting me

This is another crime,
add it to the report

Calm down, Madame, everything
will be in the report

Bring him and the girl to the
station, as they are

Get off me

l won't leave naked,
and neither will she

even if you kill us,
Don't you come close!

Come close...

l need you

ldriss...

l'm so lonely

Sit, A'azam

Major Hamdy said you came clean
before they found the drugs

Because they were going to
find it

Just so you know that we know
everything about you

Neither car dealerships
nor shoe stores...

make all this money

we know everything about you
from the beginning

Your file is full, everything
is in it

What are you going to do?

l'm ready to sign the contract

Some articles have been altered

l agree to them, of course

l saw you photographs,
what the hell...

Whenever the drug enforcement
people are sure of something

- they take journalists with them
- l don't need a scandal

No, everything is fine
since you talked to me

What are we going to do to
get out of this dilemma?

lt's already over

after they checked the
heroine canisters...

they turned out to be full
of car shining powder

50%%%, A'azam

Go to my son's office
to sign the contract

Mr Kamal...

- Congratulations on the company
- Thank you

we're partners in everything...

right?

lt's true what they say...

Do whatever the monkey wants
on it's turf

There's nothing wrong with a monkey
obeying another monkey

''Today's journalism''

The coast is clear

You'll be next to the building,
on the other sidewalk

You'll find the guards,
once he comes out, get away

because he'll be in the line
our fire

- How will l recognize him?
- Once he comes out of the building

l'll blow the horn,
depend on God

- Good evening
- Good evening

- Where's Dewan street?
- Where'd they tell you it was?

- Here, in Garden City
- Where in Garden City?

- Close to Mamal Elsukar street
- Mamal Elsukar is the next left

- Yes, sir, the car is coming
- l see it

- Get the car
- Do you know Dewan street?

l don't know

Help!

Taha!

Abdelshafee, cover me and l'll
get Taha

Taha!

l believe l have the right
to use the phone

Quiet, lover boy

A man like you should
be ashamed of himself

He looks like the guy on the
tea packages

There's a book called
The elder regresses to his youth

This is the elder

There is law in this country,
Mr Zaki

and what's going on is
a crime

l have to talk to the assistant
minister of the interior

so he can come see what
the junior officers...

- do to respectable people
- And who are you?

l'm Fekry Abdelshahid
the lawyer

have you heard of me?

These people insulted me,
and insulted this poor girl

Very good, let's fill out
report of cursing and slander...

by the police officers...
what's with you, Dawlat?

What did your brother do to deserve
all these insults?

Anyway, the law will
give Mr Zaki his rights

Buthaina...

what we went through tonight
is the best of the worst

there are much worse problems

What's all this evil
that's inside Dwalat?

And where did she get the key
from? l don't understand

We have to forget what happened
to us tonight

We have to forget the
insults

or we'll die from grief

l've always been unlucky

l have no luck

Come in

Over there

Good evening

- Congratulations, bride
- Thank you

- Sing ''La vie en rose'', Christine
- Just for you

When he holds me in his arms

and talks to me softly

l see life through rose colored
glasses

He tells me words of love

words that live forever

and that makes me feel
important

He entered into my heart

as part of my happiness

and l know why...