Karnak Café (1975) - full transcript

El-Leithy films

Mamdouh El-Leithy

presents...

Soad Hosni

Kamal El-Shenawy

Great Actor:
Farid Shawky

Karnak

Written by great author Naguib Mahfouz

- Did you clean this glass?
-Yes

Then clean over there

This is Cairo



Fellow citizens, this is
decree number seven

of the General Command of the
Armed Forces

on the 6th of October, 1973

In the name of Allah,
Beneficent and Merciful

Our Armed Forces have succeeded

in crossing the Suez Canal along the
front

and taking over the Eastern
Bank of the Canal

Our forces are currently resuming
the fight successfully

Our navy has also embarked

on protecting the left side of our
forces on the Mediterranean

and striking important enemy targets

on the Northern Coast of Sinai

directly hitting the targets

Allah is great... Allah is great!



Oh, God!

- Lucky I lived to see this day
- Thank God

Thank God, though I don't believe it

- What's wrong, Mr. Taha?
- Nothing at all

- Great is the Lord's mercy
- We must do something

- If I were fit, I'd donate blood
- I must volunteer

They don't need you. Our youth
are sturdy

Stop that tone; it gives
me the creeps

Thank God we made a move

Your army and fleet
the challenge meet

In your name, our land,
with our own hand

Your army and fleet
the challenge meet

Your land and crop,
your sun and moon

Your poems and tunes,
your Pyramids and Nile

Careful

Where to, sir?

-I want to enter
- Have you a pass?

- I'm a doctor
- Have you a pass?

I said I'm a doctor

Have you any ID?

No. Get me someone to talk to

I can't leave my post

- Please, I must enter
- You can't without a pass

Zeinab

Zeinab

Ismail

Ismail

- Ismail
- Zeinab

Tell them I'm a doctor

I want to go in. I want
to work

OK, Ismail. I'll try to get you
a pass

No way. We're at war and have no
time

- But sir...
- Dr. Zeinab, he's an irresponsible man

- Forgotten his theft of morphine?
- But sir...

- It's over
- Please, sir

Let me explain

Ismail went through tough
circumstances, doctor

What he suffered was intolerable

You must give him another chance.
I'm sure he's reborn

Starring: Nour El-Sherif

Mohammed Sobhy Shewikar

Salah Zul-Fugqar
Emad Hamdy

Taheya Karioka Fayez Halawa

Mohammed Tawfiq
Aly El-Sherif

Adly Kasib Younis Shalaby
Wabhid Seif Ossama Abbas

Music Score: Gamal Salama

Set Designer:
Maher Abd El-Nour

Editing: Sated El-Sheikh

Cinematography: Mohsen Nasr

Screenplay and Production:
Mamdouh El-Leithy

Directed by: Aly Badrakhan

Helm Helmy. Well?

- Did you get the loan?
- Wait for your luck

They need us to present evidence
of our poverty

If we weren't, why borrow from the
student bank? How embarrassing!

I'm not embarrassed

I'll advertise my poverty on TV

I'm poor everyone
I'm poor, people

Don't make a scandal

He's right... it's like a riddle

To succeed you must study, so you
need books, which cost money

Heaps of money

A book to explain the Charter costs
2 pounds. The Charter, 2 piasters

So to understand socialism, your
dad must be a capitalist

How smart; it's good of them to
even offer such a service

- Oh, yeah?
- Ismail's right. Listen, Helmy...

Just give me a pen

Wait

Poor... three times over

Work hard. God be with you

- Let's walk home
- Again?

- Won't you come to Karnak?
-Yes

What's with this Karnak these days?

- Since when do you go to cafes?
- It's not just a cafe

What then? A café-au-lait?!

No, an espresso; ask Helmy

- We attend Taha El-Gharib's seminar
- The author?

- At a café with the likes of you?
- We're not nobodies

You're not, but I'm
coming with you

Fine, come with us

Ahly... Ahly

Me sitting at a café?

You'll love it. She's white and
pretty with long lashes

- Who?
- The Karnak, boy. The Karnak

I break my bones beneath
the shadow of sorrow and pain

I beat the walls again and again

My hands shake like a leaf on a tree

The wall stands firm like destiny

Beyond the wall is my bliss, mute

Beyond the wall I'm lonely, destitute

Our white house with green window sill

No, no... in that place don't dwell

For like you I want to be

For like her I cannot be

- Hello, Mr. Helmy
- How are you Lady Qurunfela?

Zeinab, lady Qurunfela runs the Karnak
café and intellectual seminars

- Come in
- We'll join Mr. Taha El-Gharib

Go ahead; Imam, add some chairs

- Welcome, Mr Helmy
- Thanks, Gomaa

O travellers, if you return,
let's sing

I want to build temples
for worshiping

I want pleasure with purity

and unending enjoyability

I want us loyal to remain

I want everything existing.
Am I, then, insane?

That's it; it's finished

The poem's finished

What do you think, Mr Taha?

- Forgive me, but why write it?
- To express myself

To whom? People?

Your words are too hard to grasp
Sorry

But they're metaphors, Mr Taha

You yourself use metaphors
in your writings

I don't use metaphors

People read and interpret
as they like

Please, Mr Taha. I have
a response to your words

- We've not been introduced yet
- Zeinab Diab

- Our colleague in Medical School
- Hello

This is Rashad Magdy, a pensioner

- And Mohammed Bahgat, undersecretary
- "Ex", if you please

Go ahead. At your service

You've never criticized politics
outright

I always feel you're beating
about the bush

That's the nature of art...
indirect

That's how it differs
from journalism

Articles say nothing nowadays

Ages ago, articles toppled ministers

Freedom, strong parties

Parties commercialized slogans
for personal purposes

Pardon them; it's what they learn
in Youth Organization

Not the organization... it's reality

Would parties have been able
to form a strong army?

The High Dam? Free education?

Manufacturing? Agricultural reform?

Those are successful projects
of the Revolution

But the real revolutionists
should be in control

Not the bourgeois that
prospered in the King's days

The Sheik Taha lesson
will go on forever

If you don't like it, block your ears

- No, no
- Calm down

Freedom is the ability to say no.
If one can't say no...

- he'd die
- God forbid. Rather your enemies

Why upset him, guys? Sit down
God bless you

Liberty means responsibility.
Since I chose to be free

I am responsible for my choice

That's what they call commitment

Commitment and liberty are
inseparable

Qurunfela was queen of
belly dancing in the past

- That's apparent
- Know now why Helmy loves seminars?

Those are foreign ideas;
you got them from Sartre

Right! Sartre, a French
philosopher of 5 letters

Now, an Arab country of 4 letters,
starting with M ending in R

- Qatar? Mother?
- Magar? (Hungary)

Mother and Magar indeed!

Let's go. Misr (Egypt), man
Misr, Hajj

Wait a minute

- Spell it. "S" or "C"?
-"S" for soup

The Egyptian renaissance emerged
from the café

where Gamal Eddin El-Afghani went

But at Taha El-Gharib's café, most
attack the renaissance and revolution

- Haven't you noticed?
-Yes

Yes, indeed! Speak your mind

The elderly are backward by
nature. Let me write

Are youth backward too? They all
profited by the revolution

If not for free education, they'd
be unable to philosophize

What do you think?

Let me copy this...
or copy it yourself

- You've eaten up all the pickles?
-Yes

- What horrible handwriting
-I'm in a hurry

What for?

So we can return the book
to Helmy

Plus I was leaning on my knee.
If only I had a desk!

You're a bourgeois, anxious to
climb the social ladder

Me? Why?

Hadn't we agreed to serve people
in the countryside?

- Or do you want a doctor's 5 C's?
- What 5 C's?

Clinic,

Car, Construction building,
Country estate

and Civilized bride

I want one C

The Cute daughter of Diab as bride

Where's our home?

- Whenever we get here you ask that
-Yes

There it is. Look, over there

I swear I'll kill you

- I'll take you to the police station
- Promise, I won't do it again

- You, come here
- Isn't that improper?

Ismail. We're entering our alley

- Shall we conceal forever?
- No need for their gossip

- We do nothing wrong
- You madman!

You backward woman

- Zeinab
- How are you & your mom, Nahed?

She sends her regards

She was going into labor yesterday
but didn't, same today

- Give her my regards
- Thanks

- Evening, Hasaballah
- Hello

Just plain Hasaballah?!

Ismail, son of the leek seller...

- will be an arrogant doctor
- He's nothing compared to you, boss

- Evening, Chief Hasaballah
- Evening, officer

I haven't forgotten; it'll happen

- Come in
- Thanks

I swear you're a stupid woman.
One pound monthly for this mess?

You squander your money
on worthless booze

Watch your words. Booze heals
any wound, woman

- Good evening
- Good evening

The sewing machine arrived?
Congrats

- You're as stupid as your mom
- You're the dunce

Watch your tongue, or I'll
cut it off

Isn't it better than your
wandering from house to house?

Tell him. You should go to the
government for help

- A sewing machine, say?
- No, a cigarette kiosk

- And quit my trade?
- Your trade?

You're no doctor... get what
you can from the government

- Why do we have dates?
- Ismail's mother sent it

Her son Moneim's arrived
from Aswan

Really? I'll go say hi

Indeed?! No kidding?!

- And get my notebook from Ismail
- May his mother choke

- Why? They're kind people
- He's brainwashed you

Wake up! Poor people aren't suited

Women are such wise creatures!

I'll be on my way

Bye. God be with you

Poor people aren't suited, nay

The marriage clerk's fee I won't pay

Why didn't you tell us
you were coming?

Work on the High Dam's
at its peak

- Lucky I got away for a few days
- Isn't it over yet?

Over? There are the turbines

each ten times as big as
this district

- OK. Welcome back, Moneim
- Thanks, Zeinab

Here's your notebook

Tomorrow at the bus station. Early

- Tea for our sweet doctor
- Maybe next time

- Good night
- Good night

Early

All of this fabric?
So many posters?

- Who'll read this in Mit Na'oura?
- Peasants, naturally

When we teach them to read
first

As long as they are sick, poor
and naked they'll never learn

We're in for a fabric shortage
in the land

Why don't we make clothes
for peasants instead?

- Good idea
- Here are the scissors

What's going on?

We have a suggestion

Instead of writing on the material,
let's give it to peasants

- They're sure to benefit more
- What?

I mean they have no practical use
for posters

As you know, there's a shortage of...

- It's none of your business
- How come?

All the effort we're making
means it's our business

It's all because we care for
public interests

Get to work. We know what
we're doing

You. And you, follow me
to my office

He gave us no chance
to utter a word

He said, it's none of our business;
it's their work

- God ordered counseling
- Among them

Don't count a small clerk's
actions as the rule

You can take it to his
superior

He'll be the same. They're all
carbon copies of each other

- Why else didn't I join the Institution?
- Why?

- Because it's all about posters
- Don't be too harsh

- Does nothing please you?
- Softening, are we?

My country, though it's unfair
to me is precious

My nation, though they hurt
me are generous

Sit down, Sisi

- Who'd believe rice is 5 pt a kilo?
- It's the Yemen war

It caused everything to go up

It's a revolution against
regression. We're helping

- Uproot our regression first
- It's politics, fellows

- Egypt has a great many responsibilities
- So we squander our money?

Truly, Egypt gifts to others drift

We deprive ourselves of
necessary food...

to give out aid to countries
perhaps richer than we

What does the revolution
generation think?

- What do you think, Ismail?
- They say give Caesar his due

Evening, gentlemen

- Hasaballah?
- Evening, Chief Diab

Welcome, Chief Hasaballah

Greetings, fellows

Khaisha, fetch him a special
pumpkin

Never mind that. I want a quick
word with you

Come, embrace me. The pumpkin,
pumpkin head!

- You know I make good money
- Don't envy yourself

- Here you are
- Take it as my treat

It's on me, Khaisha

- Like a hookah too?
- Sure, why not?

Two hookahs, please

As you're well aware

I've become lonely and
want to marry

- Know what the world's like?
- What?

- A big bottle of booze
- Philosophizing? You must be drunk

I'm never drunk. It'd take
a barrel to get me drunk

I'm quite sober, Hasaballah

I meant I won't cost you a penny

I'll take extra good care
of Zeinab

- Come on, man. She's a doctor!
- I make lots of money

How much will she make as a doctor?

Her salary hardly reaches
the price of twenty chickens

- That's what you want to tell me?
-Yes and I'm in a hurry

I swear you're braying like a mule

I spend all this money on
her then give her to you?

I hope you marry a chief
inspector

- Is that so, Diab? I'll show you
- Show me, bit by bit

A doctor, people, a doctor

Am I late, sweetheart?

Sweetheart?

Then who's the girl you go
out with everywhere?

- Zeinab?
- Yes, Zeinab

- She's my colleague
- Is that all?

And fiancée... I mean Ismail's

Are you jealous?

How come I'm not jealous of Zein?

Who's Zein for me to think of?

I've had judges and prominent
characters at my feet

- He loves you, though
- The devil love him!

Didn't you want to write your
memoirs about these people?

You know my handwriting is awful

I taught you to write and you
passed with flying colors

Please, let me dictate you

Here's a paper and pen

What's this? The homework
notebook?

- You'll write of dancing in it?
- Dancing is my homework

- A social or patriotic duty?
- If you'll mock me, forget it

No, I'm sorry

- How old when you first danced?
- I was nine

They made me a small dancing
costume to measure

None of the spectators could
imagine I'd alter exotic dancing

Before I appeared dancing was
about shaking the belly and breasts

I made it an art

I learnt from the opera and
Pergola and Auberge concerts

Do you know what I'd like,
Helmy?

I want to go out with you

I want to walk and see the shop
windows with you, go to a movie

Or we could go to the theater.
Would you be ashamed of me?

Qurunfela, don't be a pest

Fine, I'll treat you to the
theater tomorrow

- On one condition
- Anything

We go back to your memoirs

You... you

Who is it?

- Are you Ismail El-Sheikh?
- Yes, what's wrong?

Come with us

- Who are you?
- Fear not, we're Security

- What's the matter?
- We want Miss Zeinab Diab

Zeinab? Why? What's the matter?

You must answer some questions
and be right back

- What's wrong, Ismail?
- I don't know

- What's going on?
- What is it, Moneim?

It's nearly daybreak. Wait
till daylight

- I can go see what's up, dad?
- Go change, then

- Get me a coat, Um Zeinab
- No need

- I'm coming
-You can't

I can't let the girl go
with you like that

- She'll be back in half an hour
- How can I be sure?

Please, dad, for my sake

Why? What have I done?

Go where? I can't go to an
unknown place

Is that so? I'll show you
who II am

Don't put that on my face

I won't wear it...
it drives me nuts

There's no report in their
name; they never came here

How come?

- Maybe you sent them elsewhere
- Here's the case book and jail book

- Their names are non-existent
- Please, son, help us

Help us so God may not
put you in strife

What's their charge?
What did they do?

Nothing. They're students

If we knew their whereabouts
we wouldn't ask

My daughter did nothing
You took her out of the blue

- We never arrested them
- Who then?

- How would I know?
- Who does then?

Can the earth have
swallowed them up?

The Security Administration
has no knowledge of this

Where should we ask, then?
At the Railway station?

Go ask at the General
Investigations Bureau

Where is the head of
Investigations?

The second lighted room.
There

- We don't have them
- Oh, my God!

Stop it, Um Ismail

We asked at the police station,
an officer with two stars said

ask at the Security Administration

where a guy like you said to
ask here

We took a cab and rushed here
I won't move without my daughter

I wonder where you are, child

Look again, sir, please

He was headed for the High Damn,
but waited

- I said they're not here
- They took them in gov't cars

- Are you sure?
- They're no pest control cars!

Hello... who? Mr. Zein El-Abedin
Telephone

I'm coming... it must be the
undersecretary or prime minister

Have you discovered why
we're here?

When will we be interrogated?

- Who's knocking?
- Me

- Who are you?
-17

- What do you want?
- Will I be here long?

- Stop chattering 17
- Can I go to the bathroom?

- Is anyone in the loo?
- No

Hurry up, son of a bitch.
Will you be all day?

- Do you want the ration or not?
- I must know where I am first

Why am I here?

Want the food?

- Hi, Miss Aida
- Where's Mohsen?

He didn't show up today;
he was here yesterday

Come in... come in

- Come here
-Yes?

- Didn't you say none of them came?
- I didn't think you meant Mohsen

- Did he say nothing?
- Who?

- Mohsen
- No, he just had a coffee

Get lost, then

- What's wrong, Qurunfela?
- I've a hunch something befell them

- God forbid
- These youths

are restless as ever

They must have found another
place to suit them

You should find a place
to suit you

I'm what they call the right man
in the right place

What's with you? Whenever you
see me you poke. Enough

Miss Aida. What school's Mohsen in?

What?

- She means Faculty of Applied Arts
- Thanks

Mohsen, Mohsen

Come here

Hi, Lady Qurunfela
What a surprise!

- Where's Helmy?
- I heard they're all detained

- Detained?
- Arrested

Arrested?! What have they done?

No one knows. I'll let you know
of any developments

Thanks. Drive on, driver

Let's go to a fortune teller
to learn their whereabouts

- Right you are
- Wise choice

Ignorant you are! Sorry, Um Ismail

Wise up, ladies. Half an hour indeed!

Oh God! Oh God!

Thank God. At last I found
an authority to talk to

Speak when you're spoken to
Don't turn

It's OK, Adham. Come in, Adel

- Allow me, sir
- Go ahead

Full name and age

Ismail Mahmoud El-Sheikh. 25 years

Occupation and address

Final year medical student at Cairo
Uni. 11 Deaabis Alley, Husseiniya

When did you join the Muslim
Brotherhood?

Brotherhood? I was never in the
Brotherhood

Why grow your beard then?

It grew here

At least you're free of shaving

Imagine, for 20 years in the service,
I shave it early each day

Go on, Adel

Ismail, last Thursday,

you were with 2 people who gathered
donations for jailed Brothers

Why?

No, he was a colleague gathering
donations to build a mosque

Since one is your friend, he must
have convinced you to join them

I never joined them

And he's not a friend,
just a colleague

- Do you know him or don't you?
- Yes, I do, but... but...

But what?

Speak, Ismail; we're like brothers

Never mind

Continue, Adel

- What do you know of the group?
- I know nothing of that group

Stop beating about the bush.
Speak, don't get me cross

- But, sir, I'm not...
- Have a cigarette

We're just chatting;
this is all routine

- Thanks
- I'm sure you're innocent

Be seated, miss

Please, tell me. I can find no
one to talk to. I've been here...

I don't know how long I've been
here

Please be seated

Here you go

You know, I envy your generation

In our day, there was no such thing
as love

Take me, for instance... I married
then fell in love with my wife

The loveliest thing on earth is
love, right?

It's a waste to spend it on
trivialities

If you love Ismail, advise him
to abandon politics

- When did he join the Brotherhood?
- Ismail?

- We know you're both Muslim Brothers
- That's not true

What is true?

- We are not Brothers or anything
- Then what are you?

We're final year med students

and we have exams!

I want to know why I'm here

Speak when you're spoken to.
Don't turn

You're here to answer

- When did you join Muslim Brothers?
- I didn't

- Is Ismail El-Sheikh your friend?
-Yes

- Know he's in the Brotherhood?
- I'm sure he isn't

How can you be so sure?

- I know Ismail well
- What do you know of him?

- I know he's not in the Brotherhood
- Never heard him talk religion?

Are all who talk religion criminals?

Many criminals talk religion

I believe in the Revolution

I was five when it arose

I consider myself its disciple

I'd never think of an
anti-patriotic activity

Why did you join the Brothers
then?

- Sir, I don't even pray
- We don't care if you pray

We care about the poisoned thoughts
you instill in your colleagues

Those thoughts create chaos
in the Youth Organization

Who organized the meetings you
attended?

- I attended no meetings
- It's no use denying

Ismail, you will talk

Neither I nor Ismail have anything
to do with those things

What do you think of the
Revolution?

Ismail and I profited by the
Revolution and believe in it

That's the excuse of 99% of
the Revolution's enemies

The Brothers and the Wafd party
and the Communists

Zeinab, you can help us & Ismail

How?

- Tell us all you know
- I told you all I know

In that case, we'll keep Ismail
pending a full investigation

You are free to go home now

- Adel, handle release procedures
- Go home?

Your stay here is ended. Goodbye

Please, sir, I've done nothing

- What's wrong?
- I've done nothing. I'm innocent

- What's your name?
- Sisi, sir

I'm poor and lonely; my
parents have no other kids

I support seven orphaned siblings

- Take him outside
- Please...

- Welcome back. Allow me
- Thanks

Good thing you're innocent

We ought to hand out booze,
I mean sodas today

Um Zeinab, Um Zeinab
Aren't you proven innocent?

- Zeinab's safely returned
- We thought so

Welcome back, dear

- Where's Ismail?
- He's fine. He'll be out soon

Good gracious me!
They still have him?

- Zeinab
- I wonder how you are, Ismail

- I missed you
- I have none but you

It seems the vice squad had
captured them

- Were they cheating in weights?
- No

She had a high visiting fee

It's all because of Ismail,
Baheya's son

- Stop it, your tears are useless
- Are we the jail type, Diab?

They wrongly arrested us, mom

And when they learned of our
innocence they released us

Tell us what happened, Zeinab,
so your mother can be at ease

- Because of politics
- Good girl. Did you hit the British?

- What British?
- It's why one's arrested in politics

Politics? Are we into politics?

Why's politics our business?

Do you want to be a minister?

- What an ignorant woman!
- Damn education and the educated

Ignorant woman!

- Did they beat you?
- No

- Didn't they torture you at all?
- No

- What's jail like?
- What do you think?

- Did they feed you?
-Yes

They brought us plump kids like
you to devour

- What was the prosecutor's charge?
- There was no prosecutor

- How could they arrest you?
- I don't know

How can this happen in a country
that calls for justice & freedom?

- Were you locked in a cell?
- No, in an office

- So did they treat you well?
- Yes, but you must try for yourself

- Miss Zeinab
-Yes?

I'd like to invite you to attend a
seminar of "Divine Guidance" group

on the topic of medicine
and the Quran

Listen...

get off my case, man

- We have orders to release you
- Thanks, sir. God bless you

- But we were treated as if guilty
- Can't stand a couple of days?

If you'd believed us to start with

A mistake is pardonable,
but not negligence in duty

You wouldn't have pardoned us

- Right?
-Yes

These were security procedures
to protect the Revolution

I trust we treated you properly

Right, sir. God keep all
evil from you

We missed many lectures. We must
start to study hard

I never imagined I could be
so humiliated and insulted

Don't look back

We'll soon forget all

Forget, how?

I was going to go mad when I
learnt you were captured, too

I wanted to break the walls
to reach you

When I got out and found
myself all alone without you

I couldn't bear the world

I could well have asked them
to take me again

- I love you
- I missed you, Ismail

That's it... I've forgotten everything

No, I still remember some of it;
make me forget

Behave yourself or I'll make
you forget your name

- Won't we go to Helmy?
- Let's stay

- He's waiting to go to Karnak
- Karnak again?

Didn't we agree to work hard
to catch up?

We've had enough done to,
and said of, us

I don't care about gossip;
the trouble's with your mom

- I sense her changed treatment
- But dad's with you all the way

Alright, Somaa?

Will you obey Zanuba?

But I can't abandon my friends.
They got jailed because of me

Want me to be chicken?

- Mr. Helmy
- Helmy

Helmy

Welcome back. How are you, Mr. Helmy?

Welcome, Mr Ismail

- Long live justice
- Welcome back, Mr. Helmy

Good thing you've come. We can't
enjoy ourselves without you

Tell me, 3 words...
A three-letter word

Take a seat, man. Welcome

- I missed you, kids
- Never mind

We missed you, too

- Excuse me a moment
- You're excused

- How are you, Qurunfela?
- How could you?

- I couldn't help it
- Couldn't send anyone to tell me?

Do you think if I could,
I wouldn't have?

- You must have a drink
- No thanks

Imam... Imam,

get something here, boy

- Where were you guys?
- On an excursion

Where? Where? Huh?

- At Liberty Café
- Did you enjoy yourself?

May you enjoy yourself
like they did, Zein

Same headlines and numbers

The 3 newspapers hardly differ

They ought to call them leaflets

That's totally wrong

The 3 newspapers aren't the same

The crosswords in El-Gomhoreya
are far better

- God bless you
- Tell me, though...

where are the rest of you?

God alone knows... El-Sisi seems
to have retired at his peak

- Imam
-Yes

come and see what the brothers...

- I mean what the guys will drink
- No, drinks are my treat today

No, my treat. And you're all
invited to dinner at my place

but each at his own expense

Each of you hand me 7 pounds,
45 piasters

Skip Ismail. Zeinab, hand it over

- Please... a relative?
- Ibrahim, my cousin

Beer

Ismail, go get beer

Not me... God damns its
drinker and its bearer

Haven't you given up?
Go, or they'll re-arrest you

God forbid!

Go, Ismail, get the beer. You're
the beer; I'm the glass

Come by me... come by me

- God give you pleasure
- Thanks

I'm mad at you, Zeinab. Why didn't
you come to me when you got out?

- Do you love him a lot?
- Helmy?

He's my love, my brother
and my son

Don't pretend to be old

What comforts me is he loves
me as he needs tenderness

Did you love him first or did he?

Maybe he did,

but I love him more

We want to eat.. we want to eat

The kids are ravenous

- The ration
- Don't remind us

So we're ex-cons now

You know, I want to get
jailed too. It's so original

As long as we're in a single
cell

No, me and Ismail

What? Think I'll let you?

- Seems you're not modern at all
- Not at all

Suppression is the source of all
our regression

In order to become civilized,
this nation must have freedom

- Freedom of opinion?
- Freedom in everything

Opinions, clothes, sex

You're right about that

You know, you have a photogenic face

It'd make a great portrait.
I want to paint you

Just once

- What's up, Helmy? Eat
- We mustn't let this go

- What'II you do?
- We must complain to authorities

- Hadn't we forgotten?
- I'm serious

We must get our rights

- Our life is our rights
- Tell him

We'll try... no one knows of
what befell us

- Others may be unjustly treated
- Let's change the subject

Salma, Salama, we've gone and
returned safely

Yes, Salma, Salama, we've gone
and returned safely

Get up, Qurunfela and dance

I've quit dancing for ages

Qurunfela... Qurunfela

I want to dance for you

but since I got disc prolapse
the doctor forbade me to dance

I'd rather have died. Imagine...

I spent 3 years not wanting
to see anyone

- Qurunfela
- Silly me! I've made you gloomy

I'm glad to have opened the
Karnak Café and met you all

Salma, Salama, we've gone and
returned safely

Chuff, train, come to a stand

Let me off in this land

Forget America, Europe

None surpasses my land

It seems you suffered there

On the contrary

You know, Qurunfela

While there I thought that your
memoirs would be significant

- if we wrote of more than dancing
- Like what?

Say if we talk of those people
you told me about

- those who ruled Egypt
- You mean scandals?

Not exactly...

From what you know we can
evaluate these people's reign

- Understand?
- Sure I do

I could even tell you of those
in power now

Yes, but we may not be able
to publish that now

It's a matter of time.
It's bound to be published

You know, Helmy

Your absence made me sense
I truly love you

I mean...

I love you to an extent
I'd never imagined before

I know you can never tell
how much I...

Qurunfela, what's the matter?

I have a feeling you'll go
one day never to return

- You've a great future, while I...
- Qurunfela, stop it

In Allah's name...
Gaber, rely on Allah

Alright, officer, just let
me see to this customer

Yes, dear? Grease, spleen,
or sausage skin?

- Gather your stuff and leave
- Why?

Will a procession pass
through here?

- You're trespassing. It's forbidden
- Why?

- We're not selling drugs
- No questions. It's forbidden

Mention God's name and
let me see to my living

Coy with the government?

Remove it or I'll drag you both
to the station

Is that so, Hasaballah?
You're in on this

What, you horn seller?
You've spoilt the alley

Behave yourself, son of Naima

Be a man, and control your
daughter

The doctor who returned with
the fellow at dawn

Come here; I swear I'll kill him!

You want to kill me, you con?

I'd kill you and all who support
you and go to jail for life!

I don't mind going to jail
for you and 10 others like you!

You shameful bastard!

- Let go of me!
- I must kill him!

- Damn you, Hasaballah!
- Father?

- Go before me to the station
- You're vindicating the rich?

It's no longer just trespassing

but also attempted murder and
assault of a police officer

If it weren't for the officer,
I'd have shed his blood

- You want to frame me
- No, I'll shame you

Have mercy, people. Shan't we
earn a living? There! Happy!

Be my witnesses. He threw my
products, slashed me with a razor

I'm bleeding, get me an ambulance

- See his face?
- I never touched him

- Oh my!
- That's what I call bold women

Bold women, dad?! Are you
happy with this?

- Should I go to jail?
- Why start it?

You didn't hear what he said
of Zeinab

- Damn him
- Everyone's slandering us now

Give it to me, Ismail

With your permission, to stop their
tongues, let's recite the Fatiha

- But...
- No buts

We'll recite the Fatiha now and
they'll marry after graduating

What do you say, Uncle Diab?

Give me your hand, Ismail

Helmy

What's up?

Where'd you put the sugar?

You could have told us to
make the tea

You should just study... if we had
a woman, she'd handle the kitchen

- Just the kitchen?
- Back to your books, boy

- When I read this book, you can have it
- What book's that?

Egyptian Patriotic Movement
by Shuhdi Atteya Shafi'e

When you read it you'll know July 23rd
wasn't the start of history

How come?

In the past also, there were leaders,
revolutions & patriotic movements

- Goodness me, uncle
- Here you go, bride

We'd like you to attend our wedding

Sure, just study now so you
can pass

- Find my dad a bride, too
- Stop it. Excuse me

- Won't you have tea with us?
- I've kids' homework to correct

Isn't that man exceptional?

- He made some tea that's so...
- What?

Grapes

It may not be first

- but it's the most civilized
- Who?

The July 23rd revolution

Still on that subject?

In principle it's civilized,
but not its executors

So they're all backward?

Not all and not backward

Most aren't inclined to real revolution

- What's real revolution?
- He can't say

He speaks beyond his understanding

It's no invention; books
are packed with theories

What counts is to have people
who suffered execute it

Did you learn who's son
Khaled Safwan is?

Who?

- Tawfiq Safwan
- Wow! What does he sell?

- He's from the palace
- What's the time?

Boy! We're really late.
I'll take this book, Helmy

OK. Here's the surgery
book, Zeinab

See you tomorrow.
I may skip lecture one

- Are you working or watching?
- Shush, boy

- Good night, uncle
- Won't you join us for dinner?

- No, my mom's awaiting me
- Good night, then

From gentle speech exudes
"Cairo" perfume

"Cairo" perfume, the finest
gift for all hearts

- What's for dinner?
- Listen

- Heat the potatoes & make us salad
- You make the salad

No way. I made the tea, didn't I?

Fine, then; in 5 minutes
all will be ready

Hamada Abdel Gawad's apartment?

Yes, sir. Can I help you?

Is Mr. Helmy in?

THE CHARTER

EGYPTIAN PATRIOTIC MOVEMENT

If something's wrong,
it must be fixed

We're all Egyptians who
love our country

Do you have a vague idea

- where Helmy Hamada is now?
- At Khaled Safwan's, for sure

Khaled Safwan?

Is it his duty to arrest people?

He previously arrested and detained
us for a while

The incidents you mentioned,

if true, would be a grave
unprecedented occurrence

I'll investigate this

If need be, I'll present
it to the Assembly

- We'd rather not embarrass you
- Embarrassment

They say he's well-connected

and answers to no one

We answer to no one, too

Khaled Safwan, a minister,
a prime minister, anyone

We can call them in
for questioning

- Excuse me, the session's begun
- Thank you, sir

We're relying on you

Register my disapproval & objection
to this breach of law & constitution

and any impeaching of freedom...
I strongly object

Speak when you're spoken to.
Don't turn

Leave him... What else?

Philosophize... philosophize

Do not address me like that

I'm a People's Assembly member
with diplomatic immunity

It's illegal that I be arrested

Yet legal to contact organizations
destructive to the country?

Destructive organizations? I see

You'd frame me for a crime, too?

- Wake up, Mr. Khaled
- I'm quite awake, Shukry

You're the sleeping ones

You ask why tomato prices rise
and matches are scarce...

while the country would have
been lost if we delayed

Thank God, we've captured all factors

- Am I such a factor?
- Biggest political conspiracy in Egypt

Students, laborers, officers, PA members
& members of foreign embassies

- Then call an investigation
- It's under way already

Under way? A prosecutor should
interrogate me

- Prosecutor?
- Yes, prosecutor

Plus, you need People's Assembly
approval

By rule of law

You shut up... Don't you speak

Shut up, indeed! I can talk
whenever I like

Go on. Go on

What a pity!

- We thought you a Muslim Brother
- Has my innocence come to light?

- The truth's much worse
- Name and age?

Ismail Mahmoud El-Sheikh
25 years

- Occupation and address?
- Final year, medical student

11 Deaabess Alley, Husseineya

- When did you join the Communists?
- Me? Sir, ...

- Believe in the revolution?

Isn't that so?

What price were you paid
to be a Communist?

If I received a price,
it would show

So you performed your
duties for free?

What joining fee did you pay?

I'm not a Communist. I never
joined the Communists

- And the strike in Mahala?
- What strike?

Zaki Masoud's factory strike

Don't play dumb

All I know is laborers went
on strike -

because they want to be equal
to public sector laborers

So you were there?

That's in every newspaper
and everyone knows

What else is?

- Who incited them, Ismail?
- I don't know

- What of the leaflets?
- What leaflets?

These

- Which you distributed to them
- Me? Where?

In Mahala

The textile factory

The student laborer coalition

Mahmoud Shanawani, head
of the syndicate

I never went to Mahala, nor a
factory, nor do I know Shanawani

- He confessed your name
- No way? How does he know me?

Hello... Hello

It seems we'll be friends

- What else happened?
- Ask yourself?

You and Ismail are Communists, hey?

Communists? We've nothing
to do with such things

What about Helmy? Is he head
of a district or region?

What district? What region?

I don't understand. Should
I swear on the Quran?

You'd swear on a million Qurans

Isn't she the girl who came to you
in pants, top and sunglasses?

We'll only speak before prosecution

No, please talk, Shanawani.
Did you see me before?

No

- It seems you know each other well
- This is our first encounter

Fine. Take her

Won't you wise up, Shanawani?

- We've nothing to say
- Except before prosecution

What about the weapon you brandished
threatening the factory owner?

Where from?

- We had no weapon
- Did we have a weapon? It was his

- Whose?
- Zaki, the factory owner

He freaked out and fired
shots in the air

He wounded Yassin and Abdel Gawad

Think such peasant coyness fools me?

Fathi, confiscate all pages with
handwriting in the margins

How are you, Mahala guy?

- I support the Ahly team
- Very droll!

Won't you tell us why you
went to the laborers?

- I didn't go to them
- Don't deny it!

- We know you went to Mahala
- I often go

- It's our town
- Why did you go last time?

My uncle died and I went
to pay condolences

Nice gesture!

Did you meet laborers?

Yes I did. Mahala's all laborers

- Did you talk politics?
- We talked everything

- Which organization incited the strike?
- Organization?

This new Communist organization
of yours

Here you go, sir

- What's it called?
- I've no idea of these things

Really?

And these books?

We found them at your place

The bookcase had books on history,
literature and medicine

And the underlining you
penciled in the books?

Why do it?

These pages relate to what
precedes and follows them

The lines are to summarize

The books are sold on the market.
They're not banned

Mend your speech

Just because they're sold,
does that entail you buy them?

The Charter and Constitution allow
freedom of thought and doctrine to all

Only to good citizens

What do you think of the ideas
in this book?

- They express the author's views
- Which you believe in?

- I don't have to believe all I read
- Stop beating about the bush

Coincidental similarity
in thought?

What you underlined is exactly what
was in the Mahala leaflets

How do I know where the leaflets
were made? Maybe here

This fellow should come to me
ready for interrogation. Here!

I'm not a Communist. I never
joined the Communists

Khaled Bey

- Good. Tap into this minister's phone
- Yes, sir

- How's it going?
- Not ready yet

With the word "Organization",
I could make a complete confession

Handle it. We've no time

I'm a Communist. I never joined
the Communists

- I will see no one
- As you wish

Good morning, sir

It's Khaled

I heard some disturbing news, sir

They say I'm nominated for a
ministerial post

Did I do something wrong?

Yes, but that's a death sentence

You know I've many enemies, as
I perform my work diligently

Please help me, sir

You're right, sir. But what happened
doesn't mean we're not alert

I know, sir. I know

The country's still in need of
internal security

We're doing our utmost

I just want to remain as I am

Thanks, sir

I'm giving you a final chance

He who confesses will be untied

He who doesn't will live
to regret it

No one wants to talk?

Being stoic?

Fine!

Won't you tell us whose names
these are?

Obstinacy won't work with us

We'll make you speak

I'm a Communist. I joined the
Communists

- Isn't that his voice?
-Yes, it is, but...

He may have confessed under duress

"Comrade Ismailov" was kind enough
not to give us a hard time

Now, won't you speak?

Zeinab, we have eyes everywhere and
know everything about everyone

We're sure of the information
we have on Helmy

I'm sure of Helmy's innocence

Will you defend Ismail or Helmy?
Is Helmy your lover, too?

You think we'll speak when
you insult us...

Are you pretending to be
honorable?

Get Farag. I'll teach you how
to address Khaled Safwan

Will you talk or not?

I know nothing. I know
nothing. Nothing!

Yet you complain at
the People's Assembly

I swear I know nothing

You'll speak, I said

That's the end of kid's play

Why interfere in politics?

They're a bunch of dan-
dangerous kids

Why? We never saw them carrying
leaflets or bombs

Indeed! I believe they should
graduate,

get a job, earn a living,
then talk politics

- Right?
- Right

- Where's my tea?
- Coming

- Are you this cafe’s owner?
- Yes, can I help you?

General Security. Why are these
people gathered?

- I don't get it
- I mean it's a violation

It's a public place.
Anyone may come here

- Who are you?
- Excuse me

- Your name?
- Taha El-Gharib

- May I see your ID's?
- He's a famous author

Famous? Show me your ID, then

Your being seated here's a gathering

A gathering of more than
5 persons requires a license

Beware of this, lady. Don't
get yourself into trouble

An American horror movie director
Hit- Hit-

Hitchcock, sir?

Why tell me? I would have known

I admire you for putting up
with all this like a man

Zeinab?

Ismail?

Ismail!

I know how you love Zeinab

Imagine what'd happen to this
poor girl if you're obstinate

Leave her! Leave her!

Leave her!

No! No!

All the men working for
me are ruthless

So? Did you or didn't you
go to Mahala?

Write all you want and
I'll sign it

Enough, Farag. Take her back
to her cell

Come in, Mahmoud

We want you to answer each
question individually

When did you join the Communists?

8 years ago

Son, give us reasonable answers

8 years ago you were in school

Plus, where were we 8 years? Asleep?

Two years, then

Active alias?

Ahmed. Ahmed

What fee do you pay?

Ten pounds

Who's the head of your web?

That, I don't know

Work with us, Ismail.
Don't give us a hard time

I'm confessing I'm a Communist, right?

Question: How's Helmy connected
to this organization?

- He's nothing to do with it
- Didn't he go with you?

No. I went alone

- Did you meet laborers?
-Yes

- Why?
- I don't know

Write what you like and
I'll sign it

Who's there?

- Good morning
- Good morning

- Governorate representative
- Something happened to my daughter?

No. The Socialist Union held
a toss and you won

- We'll hand over in a month
- A month?

- God willing, next month
- Come in

- No, thanks. It's lunchtime
- Come in

- I've had lunch
- Come in

Unless it's a light meal

I swear you're not leaving here
till I get my daughter

Lock the door, Um Zeinab

- Half an hour, hey!
- No, a month

A month?! Fetch a cleaver, woman

Chief, we're from housing

Didn't you apply to Public
Housing for a flat?

- I brought you the flat
- I want no flat

I want my daughter

Hear that? The government gave
us a sewing machine -

and took my daughter.
What'II you take next?

- Sorry. I just don't understand
- I'll explain

You're a hostage, till our
daughter, Dr. Zeinab, returns

- What are you talking about?
- You're so dumb

Get me my daughter and
I'll send you to Housing

Or I swear to God I'll tear
you to pieces

- Shun the devil, Diab
- It's my right. None can blame me

Is it my fault for getting
you a flat?

- Did I wrong you?
-Did I?

God alone knows

Damn booze! Get up, man

Why is he frozen?
Get up, now

- The flat contract
- Contract indeed!

How did we merit this, God?

Isn't it bad enough we suffer
so much and never complain?

Do something

- Will you blaspheme?
- God forbid. God forgive me!

Come with me

Can't you hear?

We're sorry, Zeinab

Actually, you've proven
innocent yet again

Congratulations. We're at your service

Can we be friends?

Anyway, it's up to you

I just want to ensure you're not
mistreated again

We may have inadvertently
harmed some people

But think of the broad public
who profited

You'll find those harmed
a small minority

You, for instance, will soon
be a prominent doctor

Here you go, Zeinab

We're carving our way with much
effort and have many foes

Your faith in the revolution
mustn't be mere talk

If you see or hear of any danger,
you must notify us

I burn incense for you in God's name

Once, twice, thrice, four,
five, six times,

seven times

I protect you with a thousand
praises of Allah

I burn incense for you, in
Allah's and Mohammed's name

Praised be Mohammed and
his companions

- What's wrong, Zeinab?
- That's better

Better indeed! How so?

Please, ladies, leave her alone

Bye, ladies. God bless you

You can't imagine my joy at
going out with you

But what a pity! My joy's
incomplete

Since we left our alley, you've
been silent

What's up?

Spill it. I'm your dad

One must have faith in the future

I went to jail, unjustly

But your mom's a strong type of woman

She supported me and stood by me

She said: Don't drown in sorrow

When a person drowns in sorrow,
he's like a slaughtered chicken

What's the point?

The world changes. Nothing ever
remains the same

- Right, doctor?
- I don't know

You must be missing Ismail

Admit it. Never mind

Anyway, that strengthens the
fire of love, as Um Kalthoum sang

I stay up, the nights counting,

dreaming of our date that's approaching

I too stay up nights, and contemplate

I sometimes ponder... you know what?

I ponder booze

I think it's improper for
Zeinab's dad to drink booze

I mustn't... I won't drink...
damn booze

The renal mass here's obvious

Come and feel this; the patient's
got a polycystic kidney

It is hereditary

- Was he hired assistant professor?
- Sure, he's Dr. Hassanein's son

All professors' kids are top
students

Medicine, like disease is hereditary
in this country

Miss Zeinab

- Khaled Safwan wants you instantly
- Why?

I won't come. Leave me alone

No need. You know we can get
you if and when we like

This way. Come along

How are you, Zeinab?
Didn't you miss us?

You forgot us, so we decided
to ask after you

- Fetch Refaat
- OK

Hadn't we agreed to be friends?

And that you'd tell us what
you hear?

Why didn't you? Why not
report to us?

- I heard nothing
- And the lecture conversation?

What conversation?

About professors and their
children

That was ordinary conversation,
not political

Talk of professors' children is
more than political

Zeinab, Ismail's still in our hands;
you could help release him

If you're stubborn, you may never
see him again

Refaat, this is Miss Zeinab Diab

- Hello
- A loyal friend

Hi, Zeinab. Lots of people are
exploited by evil factions

without being aware of it;
if we know of them

we can intervene before they
hurt themselves and the country

Your task is in the university
and Karnak Café

You'll hear what people
say and think

Rumors, jokes, political comments

You'll write all this in a report
and hand it to a certain person

Let me warn you

We can't be fooled

If you're lazy or give us
misleading information

- we'll know
- As we have eyes everywhere

Even in Deaabess Alley

Congratulations, Zeinab

Don't be shy. You're one
of us now

What's this, Zeinab?
Whose are these?

I found a job at a professor's clinic

Congratulations. How nice!

See. You're getting lucky already
even while studying

What did I tell you?
Ismail's unaware of your worth

You should buy a top and a
pair of shoes

and open a savings account at
the post office

Take them all

- I don't want them
- What?

Is that possible?

You should use this money to
pamper yourself; it's hard-earned

Consider them house expenses;
buy what you like

But it's too much!
What'II I do with it?

Oh, yes. I can buy extra fabric
in addition to the government's

We can mend the lock

and paint the flat and I'll
install a new gas-burner

and buy you a new mirror to
hang here

and I'll make you a dress and
buy your dad a galabeya

- I woke shivering in terror
- Dreaming of a brother's a good omen

God protect us

It's a nightmare

Each of us lives a nightmare by day

- and has nightmares at night?
- Persecution, I call it

- Heard the latest joke?
- Forget it. We have kids

Right; we keep to ourselves yet
may be suspected

The Orabi revolutioners may
suspect us,

not today's revolutioners

Stop it. Let's mind our own business.
We've weak constitutions

I've a good recipe for you. Lemonade

It's useful early each morning

Welcome back

Long time, no see

- Weren't the others released too?
- No

Look, this time, you must drink
something

She has, dear. Go back to
your seat

I thought she hadn't

What's up, Zeinab?
What is it?

Why so frail, as though you
neither sleep nor eat?

It's nothing

Is their health alright on
the inside?

- Don't keep anything from me?
- Not at all

Movement's useful

The new trend says climbing
stairs is good for the heart

And walking, too

Even marriage has no adverse
effects on the heart

But one must be balanced

- What hurts the heart then?
- Thinking

- Talking politics and detentions
- Qurunfela, keep your voice down

I no longer fear anyone

Such decent young men thrown
in jail like that

Damn the bastards!

Oh, Zeinab... Zeinab

Miss Zeinab. Let me drive you

Thanks. I needn't trouble you

It's no trouble at all.
You're going my way

I can't leave you in such a condition

Open up!

You've honored my car

Move, Azeeza. Start up!

- Do you know what's so sweet?
- Of course... you

No. Revenge

Now I know why my dad gets drunk

To be avenged

When one gets drunk,

knocked up and tipsy as dad says,

it's like erasing the whole
world with an eraser

- Right?
- Right

- No, wrong
- Wrong

The best thing is death

It removes the whole world

One sits there...

and finds no world at all

Haven't you ever died?

I mean didn't you die before?

I can't remember. I can't remember

Death is easy, not like you think

There's aspirin... or rushing cars

or guys like you

All is possible. It's just
death, you know

What's this?

Do you want to die?

Sure I do... I've been
dying for an hour

You're in luck, Ismail

Imagine, you've once again
proven innocent

We're sure your relationship with
Helmy's just that of colleagues

But he's pigheaded and pretends
to be a real Communist

Not at all, sir. Helmy's not...

Helmy confessed

It's a good thing he's no member
of a party or organization

Frankly, we've no time for amateurs

My dad used to say: Khaled,

the most important trait in
man is loyalty

Your loyalty to Helmy makes
us covet your friendship

Why not be a friend of ours?

We'll help you graduate with
honors in the future

and get you a job you desire.
What do you say?

We may have inadvertently harmed some

but think of the broad public
who profited

You'll find those harmed
a small minority

In a few months, you'll be
a prominent doctor

Ismail, we're carving our way
with much effort

and are surrounded by many foes

Your faith in the revolution mustn't
be mere talk

If you see or hear of any danger,

you must notify us; don't be mute

Right?

Okay

Zeinab

- Ismail?
- How are you, Zeinab?

- Welcome back, Ismail
- I missed you

Me too

Why were you late?

I've been waiting for long

I couldn't stand being at home

Remember when you told me not to
look back and to forget?

Remember when you said it?

- Zeinab... Zeinab
- Good night, Ismail

Why didn't you come when released?

I was receiving news with my father

- What's up?
- Nothing. He's been given a pension

They fired him?

Why?

Maybe for giving birth to me

When he got the ministry's letter
he thought they promoted him

Not to worry, darling

All will be forgotten

- As long as you're alive
- That's next, no doubt

Don't say that, Helmy

You have a long life ahead

In a few days, you'll get better

and your face will light up
again

- I'll get you a bite to eat
- No thanks

- Want a drink?
- No

Cheer up, Helmy. Don't do this

Didn't you want to see me dance?

- Fine, then, I'll dance
- Are you humoring me?

I'm no longer a child

- No, all I meant was...
- That's it

Enough. I'm leaving

Helmy... Helmy

We're sick of papers

- You ask for the word?
- We want to act amid the crowd

The country's like a trash can
with a stench

It must be burnt

Burn our country? That's fascist

Our way is the word

We'd have liked to speak in public
newspapers in civilized nations

- but powers-that-be prevent us
- Why go abroad?

You want to write? Here is a leaflet

Approve it, it'll reach
the public tomorrow

Hi

- Evening
- Evening

- How are you, Helmy?
- How are you?

Fine thanks. What did you do
to Qurunfela?

Why upset her?

I didn't mean to

I'm confused; I don't know
what I'm doing

Helmy. You know how much
Qurunfela loves you

She'd be delighted if you
go to reconcile her

I have a feeling I can make
no one delighted, not even me

What rubbish?! Don't say that

- Where's uncle?
- At a private tutorial

What else could he do?
Beg or die of hunger?

He's so strong

Learn from him then; don't
take it out on Qurunfela

When I have time,
I'll go apologize

I have a bunch of guys inside having
a discussion; I'd like you to join

- Won't we study?
- This is more important

Oh, it's you. You scared us

I'll do the introductions

Farouq, Salah, Mohammed, El-Hadidy

Zeinab and Ismail whom we
mentioned

Hello

- I can't approve this leaflet
- Why?

Our criticism of the revolution
must come from within

Or we're no different
from the backward ones

That's what I meant

- Then it must be amended
- This leaflet...

Must be simple, focused
and contain clear objectives

Can we discuss this in an
organized way?

Excuse us

- Won't you join the meeting?
- You see...

Sorry. We have to study

Where will you study?

- Anywhere
- Wait

Go ahead of me to Mohsen's flat;
he's finished exams and left

When I'm done, I'll follow

Don't do it, Helmy

We have exams these days

Tear up any leaflets you
wrote, Helmy, please

- Are you sure of those guys?
- Why the fear?

Don't be cowards; what if you
hadn't been jailed?

Bye

- Don't be late
- If I am, then I'm not coming

What time is it?

- About 9:30
- Still?

For the first time since our
release...

- we're alone
- Oh, yeah

Say something, Ismail

As soon as we graduate,
we'll marry and emigrate

- Are you scared?
-Yes

Me too

What's the time?

Eleven

Helmy's so late

- It seems he's not coming
- We should have brought him along

I fear for him from this environment

Helmy hasn't changed

He's as rash as ever

Let's go

I don't want to go home

Me neither

Transport will end for the day

Who cares?

Why, Ismail?

I'm uptight

- I'm afraid you'll despise me one day
- Me?

Zeinab. I...

Why are you silent?

I confessed myself and bore
their crimes and torture

so they'd stay away from you

I was humiliated to protect
you from them

Why, then?

Why?

Why? Why? Why?

Ismail

I---

- What, Zeinab?
- Nothing

Zeinab, I got worried; I thought
they arrested you again

At the market I learnt that the
bastards arrested Ismail

- I ran up the stairs
- No way

No way

Hi, Zeinab. Any news?

There's been a misunderstanding

- They arrested Ismail and Helmy
- That so?

I wrote in my report that the
group at Helmy's

incited him to write the leaflet; he
objected; Ismail was there by chance

- He'd gone with me
- What are you talking about?

Ismail and Helmy are innocent

- Believe me, sir
- Teaching us how to work?

It's none of your business. You
just deal with your reports

But I did all this so no harm
would befall them

You must release them; have mercy!

That's it. I've had much
patience with you

Let me see to my work;
I've no time

No; this time I won't be silent

- I'll tell all, make a scandal
- Is she mad?

Take her

Bastard! Rascal!

Put that animal in jail

Lock me up or jail me;
I no longer care

I deserve death for obeying you

You made me rascally like you

A traitor, a spy, a degenerate

I'm lost, Khaled Bey,
and it's your fault

But people will soon know the
true you and beat you up

Our heroic people

Oh, Arabs around Israel

Heroes of our armies in Gaza,
Sinai, Eilat

Brothers of war and fate in
Jordan and Syria

It's your time

- Israel has great forces at the border
- God protect us

Tea, Bahgat Bey

May you soon drink it in Tel Aviv

The Navy will attack here

- Submarines of course
- What's this?!

Planes will strike from above
to protect them from tanks

and they'll down some

- We've won the war?
- 100%

I saw them myself in
Bab El-Hadid

Thousands of soldiers and tanks
and track-laying vehicles

All off to Sinai

Israel hardly needs all that

If we attack them with cudgels
we can break their bones

- The tea, Imam
- Coming

- Tell me, Imam
-Yes

- Wasn't the Agaba Gulf always ours?
-Yes

So Jews used to pass through
without our knowledge?

I don't know... but I'm sure

that passing the Gulf entails death

- All that from her?
- What's hidden is worse

Where's the owner of the café?

Lady Qurunfela. This effendi wants you

Lady Qurunfela; we have orders from
the sector department

that you must paint your glass
blue and build a wall before the café

Whenever you hear the alarm,
turn out the lights

Alright

- Where's the rest?
- That's all I found

- It was in the men's room
- Show me

- The battles were fierce in...
- Must be Sinai

We want to know who started
the attack

- What attack?
- There's a war we're unaware of

When did it start?

As long as there are no papers,
they must give us radios

- Shush, spy, officials' puppet!
- Easy, Farouq

- He loves the country?!
- Go inside. Go in, all of you

- It's 5 minutes to assembly
- No break; that'll teach you

We want an official

We're not going in...
we shouldn't be here

- We should be fighting
- Run along, smart-ass

You go inside... come on, boy

- Go inside
- Don't hit me, we're not going in

- And we must know what's happening
- None of your business

Go inside

No way!

Lady Qurunfela

What's wrong? Good God!

Here, drink this

I had a feeling

I had a hunch. I had a feeling

Why didn't I die before today?

Nasser... Nasser

We'll fight... we'll fight

Nasser... Nasser

A cup of water, please

So we were living our biggest lie

We never reached this stage before

- It's Russia's fault for not helping
- We were fighting America

Didn't it own the ship Liberty?

If it was America, why go to war?

Then it's the fault of
our political leaders

If we had proper commanders,
we wouldn't have lost so much

Keep on scapegoating, till Gomaa
is blamed for the defeat

- Guys, walls have ears
- Indeed!

Thank God this happened to reveal
hidden catastrophes

Where to, Mr. Taha?

I don't know

Nasser... we'll fight

- What are they saying?
- Nasser... we'll fight

We'll fight... we'll fight

What a naive nation we are

These are the facts

I leave the public to judge

President calls for investigation
by Justice Minister

President Sadat says this nation
won't be bowed

No censorship on freedom

9, 10 June crowd support you, Sadat

15th May Public

- Where is he?
- Here, inside

Hi, Khaled Bey. Detention's
been honored

- Where to?
- Will you stay in the loo all day?

Won't you greet your friends?

Come along, come along

Salute. Khaled Bey's arrived

Guys, what happened in the past -

was out of my hands. I was
carrying out orders

Orders to detain me,

confiscate my flat and give it
to your friend, coward?

I swear I'll kill you

Don't be like him. leave him for now

You said you were defending the
revolution; what do you know of it?

- Better not talk politics
- Strange!

Why else are we here, if not for politics?

Where were you at 6 am on July 23, 19527

- At home
- Doing what?

- What?
- Probably sleeping

You didn't join in the revolution
So why'd they hire you?

Because I'm loyal

- If so, why jail you?
- Anyone would've done the same

To protect the revolution we had to...

You weren't protecting, but exploiting it

You're criminals

We're all criminals, all victims

A victim, now that you've lost
your position and authority?

No revolution's without mistakes

- The French and Mexican revolutions
- The worst mistake is you

You distorted the revolution and
weakened the masses, bringing us defeat

We're all criminals, all victims

We're all criminals, all victims

You're the criminal!

Attention! Back in line!

Firm in place, you guys

Military prison orders dictated by
Lieutenant Salah Ibrahim

On the occasion of President Mohammed
Anwar Sadat's reform movement

on May 15, 1971

a presidential decree was issued
today, May 20, 1971, comprising:

Item One: All detainees of military
prison to be released

and given their personal possessions

Item Two: Relocation of suspect Khaled
Tawfiq Safwan to Egypt Prison

for interrogation by public prosecutor
according to law & constitution

Item Three: This order is to be
carried out upon issue

God... Nation... Command

- Come on, Chief
-I won't go

Why must I go? Can't he
come and reconcile with me?

You're the elder, Chief

No, Haqqura, not yet.
Hurry, Um Zeinab

Good morning, Chief Diab; Chief
Hasaballah's here to farewell you

Will you reconcile and be friends?

We'll be friends

Bye, we'll miss your pestering

- You're a real jerk!
- And you're lowly!

You're leaving Deaabess Alley
to go to New Housing

New? Why, it's like military
encampments

Allow me

Congratulations on that
Bachelor's Degree they spoke of

- You and Ismail made us proud
- Thanks, may your kids be next

- And yours and Ismail's
- Hurry, Zeinab, Um Zeinab

Let's get it over with;
we haven't got all day

Zeinab

Please don't be offended by Ismail

Since he left you, he's been
in such a state

Go greet him, Zeinab.
A gallant woman would

My heart goes out to you, daughter!

Heart, kidney and spleen, no doubt!

He's playing hard to get;
modern lovers

Why are you doing this?

Punishing me?

You've a right

But why you?

Answer me

Have hope, Ismail... all will change

For better or worse?

Nothing's worse than what
we went through

Nothing's easier than philosophizing

I believe...

if I try to laugh

I'll be unable

I should be the one to say that

I killed Helmy; not you

We were both criminals
and caused his death

You didn't inform, at least

Even that, I can't say

I don't know if I'd have informed

We were victims, Ismail

Helmy's the victim

Helmy

But we... we are nothing

It's over

We can never be the same

- Enough of this, Ismail!
- Give yourself such advice

You're right. But will you
remain like this?

I can't stand life, or this
country or myself or you

- Ismail
- Don't trouble yourself

Your path's not mine

I'm a hopeless case.
Here you go. Goodbye

Ismail!

Here's the pass

Zeinab

You were right to say there's hope

Our suffering made me despair,
when I should have sensed...

Ismail, we've lots to do first

Then we can ponder what
befell us and evaluate it

Let's go. Come on

Allah is great. Allah is great

Karnak

Directed by: Aly Badrakhan

Produced by: Mamdouh El-Leithy