If you are not Muslim, chances are you never heard about Al Azhar, which is a university teaching the Islam Sciences since 970 in Cairo, Egypt. They are the ones electing the Great Imam, and have been fully independent from the government since the very beginning. Governments have tried to get into it for centuries, to no avail. The movie starts with the Great Imam dying, and the government's attempt to choose who will be the next one, preferably on the government's side. You follow Adam, a young man who just arrived from his small village to learn about Islam. He gets involved in a situation that gets worse with every decision he makes, but he somehow still continues to learn about Islam between his investigations, prayers, and lack of sleep. He seems like a very pious guy, not understanding what he is getting himself into, and looks lost most of the time. The movie is a bit slow however, and could have used a bit more rhythm or maybe just to be shorter.
27 Reviews
Society
PedroPires9027 March 2023
If there are certain films that we consume and extract everything they want to tell us at the moment it ends, there are others that have much to explore and understand between the lines. Cairo Conspiracy - previously called Boy From Heaven, a much more suitable title - is a political and religious thriller with some very clear messages but also a lot to read and extrapolate.
The story is simple and seemingly contained. It tells us about a boy, Adam (Tawfeek Barhom), who receives a letter that will change his life: he has been accepted at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. As soon as he arrives, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar dies suddenly, and a power struggle to replace him begins. For someone with little knowledge of the culture in question and what this position actually represents - believe me, this is much more than a mere college dean in the US - it may seem strange why this is such a coveted place. Why do some people kill? Why do some people give their lives? I confess that when the film ended, I researched the topic a bit more, however, the film does a good job of showing us the importance of what we are talking about here, involving various religious fabrics - more or less dangerous - and the government itself. And where does Adam fit in? Well, Adam, who until then was little more than "the fisherman's son," finds himself involuntarily involved in the centre of these intrigues, conspiracies, and dangerous games.
Tawfeek Barhom - whom I did not know before - has a powerful interpretation as Adam. A young man who still needs to get to know himself but has little time to look at himself. He doesn't always do the right thing. He doesn't always know what to do. He doesn't always find it easy to express what he feels. He is a confused teenager, like any teenager, but he cannot afford to remain in that state for too long. He is forced to become a man. Right now.
Man. If there's one thing that this movie doesn't lack, it's men. It's almost impossible to see a woman in this toxic and patriarchal world. When any attention is given to a woman, it's to expose the way she's treated by society and the more powerful. It's to show us that she should remain without opinion, without identity, submissive and obedient to what life - men - enable her to do. I may be using a lot of words on something that isn't the central theme of this film, but I feel that Tarik Saleh's choice is intentional. Even when he shows us certain family environments of characters who should be dear to us, the writer and filmmaker gives us clues about what he thinks about the concept of family and how genders have well-defined roles within society.
Through this, we can also extract much of what this film wants to say about its central themes. We're talking about a society that merges with its religiosity. Everyone's roles converge with Islam, whether we're talking about a more radical or more open side of it. And when they diverge in the customs and teachings passed down by the written and spoken word, it invariably serves to expose all the hypocrisy of a system that only survives because it enables a few to dominate and control everything and everyone. When Saleh shows us daily hygienic rituals specific to religion, he shows us people cleaning themselves of all their sins, all their anxieties, and all their filth. The filth that leaves marks on the outside and the filth that leaves marks on the inside. And, no matter how much goodwill and people want to do better, there are always stronger forces that could take them down undesired paths, paths that don't represent what that - or any other - religion stands for on paper.
When it comes to power dynamics, Cairo Conspiracy is fascinating. It is so when it demonstrates the calculated relationships of those who know a lot about this life. It is even more fascinating when, gradually, it reveals who are, in fact, the main players of this game and who are their pawns. There are pawns for all tastes. This is particularly visible in the figure of the investigator we follow more closely - Ibrahim, very well portrayed, full of nuances by the already well-known Fares Fares - who has his own pawns and is also a pawn of someone else.
There are also other major pawns. Those who should not even be there. I'm talking about the students of that University who, on one side or the other of the board, have been used in power and backstage wars, being manipulated for personal purposes. This is also a way of keeping society the way it is, indoctrinating - grooming is the right word - from an early age, reaching those most susceptible and feeding the system itself.
Cairo Conspiracy may seem, at times, a cold film. It is a film with no completely right sides or characters doing what we are used to see in Hollywood heroes. But do not be fooled. When it criticizes the functioning of a society, it is not pushing us away from its people. It acknowledges the cynicism but also believes in individuals and the impact that small choices can have. It is not asking for war. It is shouting for help. It is shouting for change. The change of men.
The story is simple and seemingly contained. It tells us about a boy, Adam (Tawfeek Barhom), who receives a letter that will change his life: he has been accepted at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. As soon as he arrives, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar dies suddenly, and a power struggle to replace him begins. For someone with little knowledge of the culture in question and what this position actually represents - believe me, this is much more than a mere college dean in the US - it may seem strange why this is such a coveted place. Why do some people kill? Why do some people give their lives? I confess that when the film ended, I researched the topic a bit more, however, the film does a good job of showing us the importance of what we are talking about here, involving various religious fabrics - more or less dangerous - and the government itself. And where does Adam fit in? Well, Adam, who until then was little more than "the fisherman's son," finds himself involuntarily involved in the centre of these intrigues, conspiracies, and dangerous games.
Tawfeek Barhom - whom I did not know before - has a powerful interpretation as Adam. A young man who still needs to get to know himself but has little time to look at himself. He doesn't always do the right thing. He doesn't always know what to do. He doesn't always find it easy to express what he feels. He is a confused teenager, like any teenager, but he cannot afford to remain in that state for too long. He is forced to become a man. Right now.
Man. If there's one thing that this movie doesn't lack, it's men. It's almost impossible to see a woman in this toxic and patriarchal world. When any attention is given to a woman, it's to expose the way she's treated by society and the more powerful. It's to show us that she should remain without opinion, without identity, submissive and obedient to what life - men - enable her to do. I may be using a lot of words on something that isn't the central theme of this film, but I feel that Tarik Saleh's choice is intentional. Even when he shows us certain family environments of characters who should be dear to us, the writer and filmmaker gives us clues about what he thinks about the concept of family and how genders have well-defined roles within society.
Through this, we can also extract much of what this film wants to say about its central themes. We're talking about a society that merges with its religiosity. Everyone's roles converge with Islam, whether we're talking about a more radical or more open side of it. And when they diverge in the customs and teachings passed down by the written and spoken word, it invariably serves to expose all the hypocrisy of a system that only survives because it enables a few to dominate and control everything and everyone. When Saleh shows us daily hygienic rituals specific to religion, he shows us people cleaning themselves of all their sins, all their anxieties, and all their filth. The filth that leaves marks on the outside and the filth that leaves marks on the inside. And, no matter how much goodwill and people want to do better, there are always stronger forces that could take them down undesired paths, paths that don't represent what that - or any other - religion stands for on paper.
When it comes to power dynamics, Cairo Conspiracy is fascinating. It is so when it demonstrates the calculated relationships of those who know a lot about this life. It is even more fascinating when, gradually, it reveals who are, in fact, the main players of this game and who are their pawns. There are pawns for all tastes. This is particularly visible in the figure of the investigator we follow more closely - Ibrahim, very well portrayed, full of nuances by the already well-known Fares Fares - who has his own pawns and is also a pawn of someone else.
There are also other major pawns. Those who should not even be there. I'm talking about the students of that University who, on one side or the other of the board, have been used in power and backstage wars, being manipulated for personal purposes. This is also a way of keeping society the way it is, indoctrinating - grooming is the right word - from an early age, reaching those most susceptible and feeding the system itself.
Cairo Conspiracy may seem, at times, a cold film. It is a film with no completely right sides or characters doing what we are used to see in Hollywood heroes. But do not be fooled. When it criticizes the functioning of a society, it is not pushing us away from its people. It acknowledges the cynicism but also believes in individuals and the impact that small choices can have. It is not asking for war. It is shouting for help. It is shouting for change. The change of men.
The many faces of the Egyptian government, a must-see...
rushington26 February 2023
I like it when films shake the foundations of real life supremacy, this film is one of them. The subject matter is a hot topic and a very controversial one, which is why Tarik Saleh, the filmmaker, is persona non grata in Egypt, and the film was shot in Turkey although it is meant to portray the Azhar Mosque.
This is the story of Adam, the son of a fisherman who gets a letter of approval from the Azhar mosque to join their ranks, coincidentally the Imam. Trouble is brewing in the heels of appointing the next Imam!
This is a well made film with a well-made screenplay and memorable performances from the lead actor.
This is the story of Adam, the son of a fisherman who gets a letter of approval from the Azhar mosque to join their ranks, coincidentally the Imam. Trouble is brewing in the heels of appointing the next Imam!
This is a well made film with a well-made screenplay and memorable performances from the lead actor.
All about intrigue, but not always intriguing
Horst_In_Translation16 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"Walad min al-Janna" or "Boy from Heaven" is a pretty new movie, even if it premiered already in 2022, but took a while for the film to have a wide release in many countries and now it has made its way here to Germany where it went by the name "Cairo Conspiracy", well the German words for it obviously. It is a collaboration between all kinds of Northern European countries plus France and in the latter it also scored its biggest awards achievement with the screenplay win at Cannes, the Palme d'Or nomination at the same event and also the César nomination in the foreign language feature category. The writer and director is Tarik Saleh, who turned 50 last year and is another filmmaker who had early successes with music videos. I am sure that many will still remember the Lykke Li song, even if he already directed for the small screen before that. A bit of a late bloomer unless his body of work on imdb is not complete. It could be because Saleh originates from Sweden and the site is probably not complete with regards to Swedish small screen projects especially, but yeah Saleh has worked on "Ray Donovan" and "Westworld" in the meantime, so the transition to America has also been a huge success, even if with this film here, he is again back a bit to his roots you can surely say. And of course there is "The Nile Hilton Incident", a film that was as controversial before the shooting already and resulted in the filmmaker not being allowed into Egypt and this is still the case, so he had to shoot this new film we have here also elsewhere, even if it takes place in Egypt. This was in Turkey by the way, but their President who can always be found in western media did not object apparently. Of course, this is not reported on a lot, only what fits the mainstream agenda. But that is another story.
In any case, Saleh already worked with Fares Fares on the film I just mentioned and here they are united again. I intended to talk about the cast later on, but if we are at it already, I can surely say that Fares Fares gives my favorite performance from the movie. No big surprise I guess with how baity the character is written here and there and the actor just has a lot to work with, but also does a decent job there without a doubt. Nicely done. I only read it was him later on, actually during the closing credits for the first time, but I did not know. Tawfeek Barhom is the one who is the even bigger lead and really in this film from beginning to end and he was alright too. I guess he did not win me over completely, but he also did not hurt the film by any means and surely it also had a lot to do with his character as he is still a bit on the innocent, naïve side for most of the film or his character is I should say and this is why the young man does not have moments in which he really makes an impact. He is more of an observer and somebody who follows the rules for the majority of the film. Towards the end, he gets a bit more active. With the rest of the cast, I can really not say too much about them, but judging from the names they all originate from the area (or neighboring countries) where the film is set. I hope they will not have to deal with any kind of discrimination in terms of their future work and projects because they appeared in this film here. In any case, what we have here is a pretty long film as it does find its way past the two-hour mark, but it did not drag too much I would say. Not every scene or twist was a winner, but overall it was surely good enough and I think I am glad I went to see this one, even if I was not too sure if I should and also if I would not say that the film blew me away or something. It was just solid all along, sometimes more than that and sometimes less.
The murder scene at the beginning was of course a vital (no pun intended) moment story-wise, but I am not sure if I liked it too much. It was so rushed, so abrupt, but it made kinda sense because the ones who did it had to get out as fast as they could obviously and also the protagonist watching this scene was eager to get away quickly himself because he would become a target, so it is all good I assume. What was definitely one of my favorite scenes is the one that results in one character who had ambitions to become the new spiritual leader of the university this film is all about bury said ambitions. It was a bit of a panel discussion or press conference there and seeing the guy who is targeted there from a political perspective by the protagonist and another influential leader was pretty haunting. This is also the last time we see this man. How he looked at the two others, the one in the audience and the one sitting close to him was among the most memorable shots of the film I would say. Another scene I liked because of how tense it was is the one where the boy (I guess we can still call him that) was forced to make the call to a relative and they wanted to see if he speaks the truth there or lied to them. I also liked the way how it went, how it did not work out that the guy at the other end of the phone line understands and lies to protect the character, but go watch this scene (and film) yourself. You will surely know what I am talking about then and this scene was one of the biggest reasons to watch the movie. There you could also not be sure that the one who lead the group had his very own background and ambitions that are not what you would expect. I guess Fares Fares' character had his spies everywhere. I said I dug him and I still mean it, but sometimes it was also not perfect writing with his character like the scene when he realizes there is more to the boy when they are having their first talk. But this slightly unrealistic twist was then made up for by the scene(s) when they eat and talk at the restaurant. These were more entertaining again.
I mentioned this crucial question-from-the-audience moment already of course and I think that the film did go a bit south then. The adult main character trying to protect the boy was still alright and also how his superior still manages to find him afterwards, but the change of story then towards the idea that the boy was killed seemed a bit too much, just like the twist where Fares Fares' character became a target then too, had his office searched, had to fear for his life maybe and let's not even get started about how this blind religious leader becomes a target too there towards the end, but some kind of diplomatic stroke of genius can keep all this from happening and pretty much everybody stays alive Good for them. It is also revealed who killed the other young man at the beginning of the film. Oh well, it makes sense and shows us that there is no pure good or evil here, but still, I could have done without the elaboration there, but maybe they wanted the crowd not to leave the theater with too many questions on their mind. It's alright. At least they did not mess the ending up completely by killing everybody. Or most central characters. The high-profile politician they dragged into it then too, who says he'd rather not have known about all this was also completely forgettable. As for the blind fella I just mentioned a few lines earlier, maybe his change of mind came a bit too sudden as well, but I found it interesting how we see him earlier in the movie, fairly early in fact, and realize he is not one of the most fundamental teachers there. But the entire scenario of several teachers holding speeches there in the school yard with the students sitting in groups and listening and thus almost making it a competition between the teachers was quite memorable too. Unimaginable in my area of the world, but then again here a lot is messed up too if every teacher is preaching the wrong agenda. Another story again.
What I can still say about the film is that really a lot happens here at the start with the death of the previous leader whose ailing health is depicted on one occasion or with the death of the first informant of course. A great deal of escalation there for sure. Comedy is something you will not find too often here and if there is something that will make you smile, I am not entirely sure if it was intended to do so. Just take the example of the guy who goes almost crazy in the end and says then everybody must die. This was a real megalomaniac moment that made some laugh or also the irony at the very beginning when there is talk about how the university should not be led by somebody for his entire lifetime. Except it is the president of the country of course. This is almost a direct quote. That two pharaohs are not a good thing. But the general idea is so absurd that maybe the biggest university of the country, at least it is a crucial one in the capital of Egypt is dominated and led by religious fundamentalists. Tough to find any statement linked to tolerance there, but certain people will always find some of course. They banned realism and objectivity a long time from their lives and just suck in everything they are told by the media. And once again a different story, but not totally off-topic given the film's premise and the backgrounds of all the characters. This is it then. I think it was an alright film with occasionally fairly good moments and this is why I recommend the watch. Also pay attention to how women are not a factor in this film (or rather society) here at all, except at home dealing with food and children. What do you say to that, apologists and gender equality supporters? Still, to end the review on a positive note, you can say that you will surely learn a few interesting aspects about life in Egypt here, also for example about these contests about who is the best at praising Allah. Those I was not familiar with before either. That is all. Oh no wait, one more thing: Even if it sounds a bit like mockery, these red-and-white religious hats surely reminded me of Santa and I was definitely not the only one. Enough now, really.
In any case, Saleh already worked with Fares Fares on the film I just mentioned and here they are united again. I intended to talk about the cast later on, but if we are at it already, I can surely say that Fares Fares gives my favorite performance from the movie. No big surprise I guess with how baity the character is written here and there and the actor just has a lot to work with, but also does a decent job there without a doubt. Nicely done. I only read it was him later on, actually during the closing credits for the first time, but I did not know. Tawfeek Barhom is the one who is the even bigger lead and really in this film from beginning to end and he was alright too. I guess he did not win me over completely, but he also did not hurt the film by any means and surely it also had a lot to do with his character as he is still a bit on the innocent, naïve side for most of the film or his character is I should say and this is why the young man does not have moments in which he really makes an impact. He is more of an observer and somebody who follows the rules for the majority of the film. Towards the end, he gets a bit more active. With the rest of the cast, I can really not say too much about them, but judging from the names they all originate from the area (or neighboring countries) where the film is set. I hope they will not have to deal with any kind of discrimination in terms of their future work and projects because they appeared in this film here. In any case, what we have here is a pretty long film as it does find its way past the two-hour mark, but it did not drag too much I would say. Not every scene or twist was a winner, but overall it was surely good enough and I think I am glad I went to see this one, even if I was not too sure if I should and also if I would not say that the film blew me away or something. It was just solid all along, sometimes more than that and sometimes less.
The murder scene at the beginning was of course a vital (no pun intended) moment story-wise, but I am not sure if I liked it too much. It was so rushed, so abrupt, but it made kinda sense because the ones who did it had to get out as fast as they could obviously and also the protagonist watching this scene was eager to get away quickly himself because he would become a target, so it is all good I assume. What was definitely one of my favorite scenes is the one that results in one character who had ambitions to become the new spiritual leader of the university this film is all about bury said ambitions. It was a bit of a panel discussion or press conference there and seeing the guy who is targeted there from a political perspective by the protagonist and another influential leader was pretty haunting. This is also the last time we see this man. How he looked at the two others, the one in the audience and the one sitting close to him was among the most memorable shots of the film I would say. Another scene I liked because of how tense it was is the one where the boy (I guess we can still call him that) was forced to make the call to a relative and they wanted to see if he speaks the truth there or lied to them. I also liked the way how it went, how it did not work out that the guy at the other end of the phone line understands and lies to protect the character, but go watch this scene (and film) yourself. You will surely know what I am talking about then and this scene was one of the biggest reasons to watch the movie. There you could also not be sure that the one who lead the group had his very own background and ambitions that are not what you would expect. I guess Fares Fares' character had his spies everywhere. I said I dug him and I still mean it, but sometimes it was also not perfect writing with his character like the scene when he realizes there is more to the boy when they are having their first talk. But this slightly unrealistic twist was then made up for by the scene(s) when they eat and talk at the restaurant. These were more entertaining again.
I mentioned this crucial question-from-the-audience moment already of course and I think that the film did go a bit south then. The adult main character trying to protect the boy was still alright and also how his superior still manages to find him afterwards, but the change of story then towards the idea that the boy was killed seemed a bit too much, just like the twist where Fares Fares' character became a target then too, had his office searched, had to fear for his life maybe and let's not even get started about how this blind religious leader becomes a target too there towards the end, but some kind of diplomatic stroke of genius can keep all this from happening and pretty much everybody stays alive Good for them. It is also revealed who killed the other young man at the beginning of the film. Oh well, it makes sense and shows us that there is no pure good or evil here, but still, I could have done without the elaboration there, but maybe they wanted the crowd not to leave the theater with too many questions on their mind. It's alright. At least they did not mess the ending up completely by killing everybody. Or most central characters. The high-profile politician they dragged into it then too, who says he'd rather not have known about all this was also completely forgettable. As for the blind fella I just mentioned a few lines earlier, maybe his change of mind came a bit too sudden as well, but I found it interesting how we see him earlier in the movie, fairly early in fact, and realize he is not one of the most fundamental teachers there. But the entire scenario of several teachers holding speeches there in the school yard with the students sitting in groups and listening and thus almost making it a competition between the teachers was quite memorable too. Unimaginable in my area of the world, but then again here a lot is messed up too if every teacher is preaching the wrong agenda. Another story again.
What I can still say about the film is that really a lot happens here at the start with the death of the previous leader whose ailing health is depicted on one occasion or with the death of the first informant of course. A great deal of escalation there for sure. Comedy is something you will not find too often here and if there is something that will make you smile, I am not entirely sure if it was intended to do so. Just take the example of the guy who goes almost crazy in the end and says then everybody must die. This was a real megalomaniac moment that made some laugh or also the irony at the very beginning when there is talk about how the university should not be led by somebody for his entire lifetime. Except it is the president of the country of course. This is almost a direct quote. That two pharaohs are not a good thing. But the general idea is so absurd that maybe the biggest university of the country, at least it is a crucial one in the capital of Egypt is dominated and led by religious fundamentalists. Tough to find any statement linked to tolerance there, but certain people will always find some of course. They banned realism and objectivity a long time from their lives and just suck in everything they are told by the media. And once again a different story, but not totally off-topic given the film's premise and the backgrounds of all the characters. This is it then. I think it was an alright film with occasionally fairly good moments and this is why I recommend the watch. Also pay attention to how women are not a factor in this film (or rather society) here at all, except at home dealing with food and children. What do you say to that, apologists and gender equality supporters? Still, to end the review on a positive note, you can say that you will surely learn a few interesting aspects about life in Egypt here, also for example about these contests about who is the best at praising Allah. Those I was not familiar with before either. That is all. Oh no wait, one more thing: Even if it sounds a bit like mockery, these red-and-white religious hats surely reminded me of Santa and I was definitely not the only one. Enough now, really.
Cairo, the city of enigma
Irena_Spa30 March 2023
This movie is a picture of the state's entanglement in religious strata. For sure it isn't present only in ranks of Islam, but also in the other religions and media usually shows the other picture to the masses, but hide the truth. Here we see the fanatical corners of Islam and how an innocent person, in thoughts that he is giving a help and support for a good matter, falls too deep into something about which he has no idea, cause he learned something else. However, you can see a good filmmaking with all those obstacles and traps one thriller should have followed with amazing cast, where the actor(Barhom) of the main protagonist gives us a big enigma at the end.
Cairo Conspiracy
CinemaSerf18 April 2023
Young fisherman "Adam" (Tawfeek Barhom) receives a letter that is going to change his life. He has been accepted into the prestigious Al-Azhar University and after an emotional farewell with his family he sets off to the hubbub of Cairo. Simultaneously, the Grand Imam dies. This is a very important event for the Sunni community, but it is also an highly significant one for the government too. The President makes it known through his National Security agency whom he wants to succeed to the role. To ensure that the election delivers the required outcome, the rather dishevelled looking "Col. Ibrahim" (Fares Fares) is drafted in. Now he already has an "angel" working for him at the school, but when "Zizo" (Mehdi Dehbi) is found slaughtered in the forecourt, the Colonel must find a new informant - and he alights on the young and impressionable "Adam" - using an intriguingly effective carrot and stick combination of threats and promises. The rest of the film follows the rather perilous path the young scholar must take if he is to facilitate his puppet-master whilst protecting his family from their revenge should he fail - and staying safe from his colleagues who have their own form of sedition on their minds. What we have here is quite a plausible and at times effectively menacing look at just how easily the organs of the state can manipulate, or cause to be manipulated, the most public and seemingly inscrutable of processes. Indeed, after a short while there is a rather depressing inevitability to the whole election procedure! The actual story is not the best. There are a few things that remain unexplained - much of the activities of the honourable "Blind Sheikh" (Makram Khoury), for example, are largely undercooked; and there are one or two scenarios that end just too briefly and conveniently. At one stage I thought it was heading for a really tough and brutal ending - and that would have worked better for me than the one we are offered - but see what you think about that. This is a well written, paced and dark political drama that challenges the status quo and leaves a rather bitter taste in the mouth. The two leading actors are on good form and the film is certainly thought-provoking. The location architecture is glorious too!
Outlawed in Egypt
abodawoudelmasry16 June 2022
This movie has shaken Egypt to its very core, it has been deemed so provocative that it is BANNED. The director is Egyptian, the move is set in Cairo (yet filmed funnily enough in Istanbul because of the ban). It has yeilded award in the Cannes film festival, and it is simply put SUPERB.
The camera is well used, the atmosphere build up is immensely satisfying. And it ultimately proves the old saying "Man will be free when the last King has been strangled with the last priests entrials"- This is a CULT movie in the making. Unfortunately you will never see this film in Egypt.
The camera is well used, the atmosphere build up is immensely satisfying. And it ultimately proves the old saying "Man will be free when the last King has been strangled with the last priests entrials"- This is a CULT movie in the making. Unfortunately you will never see this film in Egypt.
Who will be the next Imam?
AvionPrince1626 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting movie with a conspiracy indeed. So the new imam need medical care and need to found a new successor and just because of that there will be a conspiracy but i need to say that i didnt really get into the movie and found it pretty superficial. Im not a religious man and found it uninteresting in some points but i need to say that the death of the friend of Adam was interesting and the revelation at the end about who kill zizo was interesting and needed to be clear. Adam is like a spy and try to get infos but really all the plot put me off sometimes and was a little bit too much to say some little things. I didnt understand why they did the movie: is it a political matter? How religion can be feel like a prison? Or is it just a battle of powers? I will let you make your mind. But i was not really convinced by the movie even if it have some interesting parts, surprises, revelations. But not enough for me and too superficial. A little bit disappointed.
Superb, uplifting movie
ysyllt-7759831 August 2022
Boy from Heaven is not an easy watch but it is unusual, inspiring and fascinating in its portrayal of a world unknown to most non-Muslims. It creates an atmosphere both sacred and threatening and the main character, in his tortured vulnerability and innate purity, is a compelling watch. It was by far my favourite movie at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Every scene is rivetting as the plot becomes more and more dangerous for our young hero: life here is cheap and political influence all important. The film is a visual delight and the cinematography excellent. Above all, it is full of pauses and silence, reflective silence, giving the viewer time to catch their breath in the midst of the brutal reality of life at the spiritual university. This is truly a great movie!
Every scene is rivetting as the plot becomes more and more dangerous for our young hero: life here is cheap and political influence all important. The film is a visual delight and the cinematography excellent. Above all, it is full of pauses and silence, reflective silence, giving the viewer time to catch their breath in the midst of the brutal reality of life at the spiritual university. This is truly a great movie!
Insightful Look into Egypt's Political and Religious Turmoil
steveinadelaide8 May 2023
Most of the film, set predominantly in Istanbul's Süleymanye mosque, artfully substitutes for Cairo. Saleh weaves a complex narrative, drawing inspiration from his personal experience with censorship after The Nile Hilton Incident (2017). Cairo Conspiracy offers a profound glimpse into contemporary Egypt, encompassing its vibrant cultural traditions and turbulent political climate. It captivated audiences at its premiere in Cannes in 2022, garnering exceptional acclaim and securing Sweden's official Best International Feature Film submission.
Addressing themes of faith, betrayal, and power struggles within Egyptian society through the eyes of an innocent protagonist, this film provides substantial material for those seeking thought-provoking content. Cairo Conspiracy delivers a captivating storyline complemented by outstanding performances, catering to viewers' interests in Egypt's current affairs or broader issues across the Middle East.
While not without imperfections, its ability to tackle significant themes renders it a valuable contribution to the realm of cinema.
Addressing themes of faith, betrayal, and power struggles within Egyptian society through the eyes of an innocent protagonist, this film provides substantial material for those seeking thought-provoking content. Cairo Conspiracy delivers a captivating storyline complemented by outstanding performances, catering to viewers' interests in Egypt's current affairs or broader issues across the Middle East.
While not without imperfections, its ability to tackle significant themes renders it a valuable contribution to the realm of cinema.
Boy from Heaven
theowest28 November 2022
Why the name change?
Anyway, the experience was absolutely beautiful. Seeing this at the premiere in Sweden where the director/writer Tarik Saleh could further explain his personal motivations and ideas around the story just made it so much special and as a Swede, I'm happy to see the culture of my Arabic neighbours being represented in such a masterfully crafted way. I could get the vibe of how a western film tells a story but also delve deep into a trance-like state for what family, tradition, symbolisism and religious perspectives and experiences are like.
The genre is of the captivated and serious kind, but also of the holy, which suits its original film title. Great casting, cinematography, pacing and story. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
I hope to see a lot more cultural representation from the middle east and collaborations in Sweden in the future. This might just be a really good taste of what's to come.
Anyway, the experience was absolutely beautiful. Seeing this at the premiere in Sweden where the director/writer Tarik Saleh could further explain his personal motivations and ideas around the story just made it so much special and as a Swede, I'm happy to see the culture of my Arabic neighbours being represented in such a masterfully crafted way. I could get the vibe of how a western film tells a story but also delve deep into a trance-like state for what family, tradition, symbolisism and religious perspectives and experiences are like.
The genre is of the captivated and serious kind, but also of the holy, which suits its original film title. Great casting, cinematography, pacing and story. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
I hope to see a lot more cultural representation from the middle east and collaborations in Sweden in the future. This might just be a really good taste of what's to come.
Very good!
alexanderliljefors27 September 2023
Ive wanted to see this one for some time. It got really great feedback in Sweden and France, so i got exited to finally had the chance to see it.
The first thing you will notice directly. Cinematography is some of the best ive seen. Very well made and outstandingly beautiful! Filming and the editing is fantastic!
It really gives a great insight into the religious aspects, the world of the characters and the country, where the film takes place.
Great and beautiful soundtrack!!
Fares Fares and Tawfeek Barhom truly does fantastic performances!
A very good and very well made thriller! Very well put together! It's extremely well directed!
I really recommend this great film!
The first thing you will notice directly. Cinematography is some of the best ive seen. Very well made and outstandingly beautiful! Filming and the editing is fantastic!
It really gives a great insight into the religious aspects, the world of the characters and the country, where the film takes place.
Great and beautiful soundtrack!!
Fares Fares and Tawfeek Barhom truly does fantastic performances!
A very good and very well made thriller! Very well put together! It's extremely well directed!
I really recommend this great film!
Poignant topic, poor execution
DoubleMaitre30 October 2022
Tarik Saleh put his hand on a timeless aspect of Egyptian politics: the power interplay between the political leaders (the military) and the religious figures (Al Azhar). Never has this sensitive issue been addressed before. Which is ironically the very reason why this movie fails.
The reason why this issue was not addressed by Egyptian cinema (or "Hollywood-sur-Nil" as some used to call it back in its glamorous days) is simple: censorship. Egyptian moviemakers and actors would not be allowed to talk about this taboo. Indeed, this movie will not be played in Egyptian cinemas.
The direct consequence is that only foreign moviemakers can get away with making a movie that tackles this sensitive issue. And this is where things go wrong.
The movie - understandably - fails to capture any Egyptian essence. Dialogues are unnatural. Characters and attitudes are artificial. Add to this the fact that the cast is virtually Egyptian-free (for the reasons described above). They are therefore incapable of smoothing the dialogues into something that feels more natural.
While Tarik Saleh is from Egyptian descent, it is obvious from this movie that his relation to Egypt is, alas, too tenuous to make a movie that delves so deep into Egyptian social, political and religious realities.
Nevertheless, I am aware that my issue with this movie will only be shared by the Egyptian public. Therefore, to the extent that Tarik Saleh considers Boy from Heaven to be a a picture about Egypt by foreign filmmakers to foreign viewers, I would cut him some slack.
Still, the movie is riddled with espionnage clichés. Whichever you can think of, you will find in Boy from Heaven. Egyptian classical music is played at unlikely places. Scene transitions are often abrupt, evidencing issues with the montage.
More than once, the movie did feel like an average film school student's graduation project.
The reason why this issue was not addressed by Egyptian cinema (or "Hollywood-sur-Nil" as some used to call it back in its glamorous days) is simple: censorship. Egyptian moviemakers and actors would not be allowed to talk about this taboo. Indeed, this movie will not be played in Egyptian cinemas.
The direct consequence is that only foreign moviemakers can get away with making a movie that tackles this sensitive issue. And this is where things go wrong.
The movie - understandably - fails to capture any Egyptian essence. Dialogues are unnatural. Characters and attitudes are artificial. Add to this the fact that the cast is virtually Egyptian-free (for the reasons described above). They are therefore incapable of smoothing the dialogues into something that feels more natural.
While Tarik Saleh is from Egyptian descent, it is obvious from this movie that his relation to Egypt is, alas, too tenuous to make a movie that delves so deep into Egyptian social, political and religious realities.
Nevertheless, I am aware that my issue with this movie will only be shared by the Egyptian public. Therefore, to the extent that Tarik Saleh considers Boy from Heaven to be a a picture about Egypt by foreign filmmakers to foreign viewers, I would cut him some slack.
Still, the movie is riddled with espionnage clichés. Whichever you can think of, you will find in Boy from Heaven. Egyptian classical music is played at unlikely places. Scene transitions are often abrupt, evidencing issues with the montage.
More than once, the movie did feel like an average film school student's graduation project.
A Solid Work That Could Use More of an Edge
brentsbulletinboard2 May 2023
When the elderly Grand Imam of Cairo's prestigious Al-Azhar University passes away suddenly, a scramble ensues over the appointment of his replacement, one that involves the maneuverings of various vested interests from religious fundamentalists to political pragmatists to devoutly spiritual purists. But who will ultimately take over? That depends on the efforts of a young new student who becomes caught up in this power struggle, the pious son of a fisherman who's unwittingly recruited as a state security informant to infiltrate a group of academic ideological extremists. This slowburn thriller (sometimes a little too slow for its own good, especially in the middle) draws on this scenario to examine the diverse dynamics of Egyptian politics and religion, especially the often-tenuous relationship between the two, as played out through the internal (though publicly high-profile) workings of this long-established, well-respected educational institution. Writer-director Tarek Saleh's latest is a finely acted, capably made production (a noteworthy accomplishment given that the controversial filmmaker's work had to be shot outside of Egypt), though it occasionally lacks the gripping tension needed to give the picture's narrative the kind of dramatic heft that an offering like this requires, especially considering the high stakes involved in this story. While this Cannes Film Festival award winner for best screenplay is a work of fiction and said to poignantly reflect the prevailing conditions found in these institutions, the script, pacing and overall tone could have stood to be less subtle and more pointedly compelling. Indeed, "Cairo Conspiracy" is a suitably attention-holding watch with a solid underlying premise, but it would have been better if it had been a little less conventional and wielded a more pronounced edge.
Tarek Salah is only getting better!
icasilas6 November 2022
Fresh from a viewing of "The Nile Hilton incident", watching "Boy from heaven" consolidates the prowess of Tarek Saleh as a filmmaker: a robust and sensational story coupled with a minimalistic yet ever developing sense of flashy cinematography. This review is probably going to end up being a comparison between Saleh's newest film and his previous, so let's get the latter out of the way: "The Nile-Hilton incident" is a thriller crime film deeply rooted in the depiction of an Egyptian society that is on the brink of an Arab spring revolution. The story follows Fares Fares' character, a deeply corrupt cop who is assigned an investigation into a shady hotel murder that turns his life upside down. There are undoubtedly two things that should be said about this film: firstly, the story is pretty good! It is used as an apparatus to unravel the complexities of an Egyptian society in spiral, laden by crime, poverty and police corruption. However, a second point must be raised: the film lacks the kind of artistic and technical passages that tickle the imposter snob in me. It is very plainly shot and that can be said about hundreds of great films, but fortunately not about "Boy from heaven".
I never thought a red turban could have ever been this beautiful. This movie really superseded my expectations in terms of the cinematography while maintaining a solid loyalty to its great story. The film follows a young and candid young man who is chosen to enrol in the Azhar institute: an Islamic studies school that is regarded as a beacon of Islamic sciences in the middle east if not the world. But it is soon understood that this highly coveted institute hides behind it may dark secrets and political conflicts that rival in ruthlessness those inside the Egyptian quasi dictator regime. And Tawfeek Barhom's character finds himself in the middle of this highly volatile and dangerous battle between religion and state.
In this film, Tarek Saleh worked the religious imagery and the beauty of the spiritual ritual in a way that reminded me of Paolo Sorrentino's "The Young Pope": they both depicted in high detail the serenity of the religious system as well as its terrifying rigour. And Saleh got a few great shots of some red hats! Tarek Saleh has caught the eye of the international cinema community for quite a while, but now has cemented himself as one of the best directors in Egyptian cinema.
I never thought a red turban could have ever been this beautiful. This movie really superseded my expectations in terms of the cinematography while maintaining a solid loyalty to its great story. The film follows a young and candid young man who is chosen to enrol in the Azhar institute: an Islamic studies school that is regarded as a beacon of Islamic sciences in the middle east if not the world. But it is soon understood that this highly coveted institute hides behind it may dark secrets and political conflicts that rival in ruthlessness those inside the Egyptian quasi dictator regime. And Tawfeek Barhom's character finds himself in the middle of this highly volatile and dangerous battle between religion and state.
In this film, Tarek Saleh worked the religious imagery and the beauty of the spiritual ritual in a way that reminded me of Paolo Sorrentino's "The Young Pope": they both depicted in high detail the serenity of the religious system as well as its terrifying rigour. And Saleh got a few great shots of some red hats! Tarek Saleh has caught the eye of the international cinema community for quite a while, but now has cemented himself as one of the best directors in Egyptian cinema.
An excellent movie
jussipekkaturunen9 April 2023
This movie totally surprised me of how good it was. I had virtually no expectations for the movie. I didn't read any reviews or haven't seen any trailers about the movie. I actually went to see it because the title sounded interesting and other movies about Muslim world recently has been really good. Such as Holy Spider and Ballad of a White Cow. I'm really happy I went to see this because it was actually all I wanted from a movie. Captivating and holds from beginning to the end so that you don't think anything else. You just want to see what's going to happen next.
I really don't know how much the movie reflects reality in Egypt. And doesn't even matter. I learned something new about Muslim world and the movie was super interesting to follow.
I really don't know how much the movie reflects reality in Egypt. And doesn't even matter. I learned something new about Muslim world and the movie was super interesting to follow.
A very good alternative to mainstream cinema
dakjets20 August 2023
Boy From Heaven is a watchable, exciting film where the action is set in Egypt and at the religious Al-Azhar University. The main character Adam, brilliantly played by Tawfeek Barhom gets a place at this university. He gives up his life as a fisherman and starts his studies. The film then takes a very surprising turn, becoming a suspense film, a thriller in an environment that is rarely depicted on film. Swedish Fares Fares has the other lead role, and together with Barhom they give life to the main characters in the film.
At a time when mainstream film is almost everything that gets a mention and that "everyone" must see, it is liberating to see such a film of this quality.
I would like to see more of Fares Fares and Tawfeek Barhom, and director Tarik Saleh has already shown that he can make quality films, both dramas and now thrillers.
Give this and other films that aren't necessarily on everyone's lips a chance. They give us diversity and very good entertainment.
At a time when mainstream film is almost everything that gets a mention and that "everyone" must see, it is liberating to see such a film of this quality.
I would like to see more of Fares Fares and Tawfeek Barhom, and director Tarik Saleh has already shown that he can make quality films, both dramas and now thrillers.
Give this and other films that aren't necessarily on everyone's lips a chance. They give us diversity and very good entertainment.
An empty attempt with too many loose ends
mustafadagher6 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is terrible.
Starting from the scenery: 1. The first scene of a dinner table, no family in that level eats on a high table.
2. Then an extremely forced "parent hitting kids" scene with no dramatic need.
3. The the tourism bus to Cairo!!
To the bigger things: 1. The extremely exaggerated image of muslims brotherhood. I hate them, but no, they are not violent or bad mannered.
2. In Azhar and only 5 boys are praying Fajr? That's how you find out who belongs to a "terrorist group"? LOL!
3. the extremely oversimplified view of the government intelligence. I've seen better representations in YouTube sketches, let a lone a movie with such production.
4. Actors with non native accents, they speak like foreigners. Very bad conversations in general and too many empty sentences.
5. The boy who is the main character, he looks indeed like a villager, that's the only good thing. But he has zero charisma. His arguments that made such bigger people in high positions be convinced were so empty and vain.
This movie makers had almost zero effort to make it real and representative. It's basically based on Egyptian liftests social media posts and chit chat claims.
Starting from the scenery: 1. The first scene of a dinner table, no family in that level eats on a high table.
2. Then an extremely forced "parent hitting kids" scene with no dramatic need.
3. The the tourism bus to Cairo!!
To the bigger things: 1. The extremely exaggerated image of muslims brotherhood. I hate them, but no, they are not violent or bad mannered.
2. In Azhar and only 5 boys are praying Fajr? That's how you find out who belongs to a "terrorist group"? LOL!
3. the extremely oversimplified view of the government intelligence. I've seen better representations in YouTube sketches, let a lone a movie with such production.
4. Actors with non native accents, they speak like foreigners. Very bad conversations in general and too many empty sentences.
5. The boy who is the main character, he looks indeed like a villager, that's the only good thing. But he has zero charisma. His arguments that made such bigger people in high positions be convinced were so empty and vain.
This movie makers had almost zero effort to make it real and representative. It's basically based on Egyptian liftests social media posts and chit chat claims.
'there shall not be two pharaohs'
dromasca3 June 2023
Tarik Saleh is an Egyptian-born filmmaker living in Sweden. His career is divided between Sweden, Hollywood and productions about Egypt. The latter are made outside the country, including 'Cairo Conspiracy' in which the story takes place in a Cairo whose role is played by Istanbul. The reason is obviously his critical attitude towards the political regime and in this case the religious institutions of his country of origin. His most recent film (2022) was distributed internationally with the title 'Cairo Conspiracy', after the premiere at the Cannes Film Festival (where he won the award for best screenplay) had the title 'Boy from Heaven' which is also the translation of the original title in Arabic. The film gives us an incisive insight into a world that most of us know little or nothing about - the world of Islamic religious educational institutions. He does it using the political thriller genre in a closed social and physical space dominated by religion - not very different from what Umberto Eco did in 'The Name of the Rose' - the book and the excellent film based on the book.
Adam, the hero of the film, is a teenager from a fishermen village, who receives a scholarship to the most famous university in the world of Sunni Islam - Al-Azhar University in Cairo. In the institution established at the end of the first millennium, 2-3 centuries before the first European universities, only religion is taught. Discipline is strict, students pray, listen to sermons, read the Koran and its permitted interpretations, and the most interesting moments are the reading contests from the holy books. Any rigid system ignites its own rebellions - small or large - and Adam will quickly learn, with the help of a colleague he befriends, how to get out of the university at night through a gate in the walls or how to enjoy activities of relaxation at the edge or beyond the limits of the permissibility of that world such as smoking or dancing. He will also discover that life in the university, far from being idyllic, is marked by conflicts between the various religious currents, by the confrontation with the political power and its infiltrated agents. The university's imam dies suddenly, triggering a process of choosing a new imam that is in many ways similar to that of choosing a new pope. The political power is interested in imposing a favorable candidate, because "in Egypt there shall not be two pharaohs", while militant Islamist circles also want to control the prestigious university. Young Adam will go through an accelerated process of coming to age and will become involved in the political-religious intrigues at the cost of losing his innocence and at the risk of jeopardizing his dream career (as a religious scholar and preacher) and even his life.
The film asks difficult questions related to the role of religion in a modern state, the balance of power and the links between political power and educational and religious institutions, individual influence in a crowded society dominated by conflicting dogmas. Not all questions are answered and not all aspects of a complex political situation are brought to light to the same extent. And yet, the film has the merit of introducing viewers to a world that most have had no access to and bravely bringing up the issues of a corrupt and violent society. 'Cairo Conspiracy' will also satisfy fans of political thrillers. The action is well laid out, with many twists and turns and characters whose destinies seem to be constantly in jeopardy. The lead actor is Tawfeek Barhom, a formidable actor I don't know much about. In the role of the police inspector and manipulator of informants is distributed another excellent actor, somewhat better known - Fares Fares. The cast in general is excellently constructed and each of the characters has color and consistency. 'Cairo Conspiracy' is a film that cannot but arouse contradictions and debates. That's what movies like this are made for.
Adam, the hero of the film, is a teenager from a fishermen village, who receives a scholarship to the most famous university in the world of Sunni Islam - Al-Azhar University in Cairo. In the institution established at the end of the first millennium, 2-3 centuries before the first European universities, only religion is taught. Discipline is strict, students pray, listen to sermons, read the Koran and its permitted interpretations, and the most interesting moments are the reading contests from the holy books. Any rigid system ignites its own rebellions - small or large - and Adam will quickly learn, with the help of a colleague he befriends, how to get out of the university at night through a gate in the walls or how to enjoy activities of relaxation at the edge or beyond the limits of the permissibility of that world such as smoking or dancing. He will also discover that life in the university, far from being idyllic, is marked by conflicts between the various religious currents, by the confrontation with the political power and its infiltrated agents. The university's imam dies suddenly, triggering a process of choosing a new imam that is in many ways similar to that of choosing a new pope. The political power is interested in imposing a favorable candidate, because "in Egypt there shall not be two pharaohs", while militant Islamist circles also want to control the prestigious university. Young Adam will go through an accelerated process of coming to age and will become involved in the political-religious intrigues at the cost of losing his innocence and at the risk of jeopardizing his dream career (as a religious scholar and preacher) and even his life.
The film asks difficult questions related to the role of religion in a modern state, the balance of power and the links between political power and educational and religious institutions, individual influence in a crowded society dominated by conflicting dogmas. Not all questions are answered and not all aspects of a complex political situation are brought to light to the same extent. And yet, the film has the merit of introducing viewers to a world that most have had no access to and bravely bringing up the issues of a corrupt and violent society. 'Cairo Conspiracy' will also satisfy fans of political thrillers. The action is well laid out, with many twists and turns and characters whose destinies seem to be constantly in jeopardy. The lead actor is Tawfeek Barhom, a formidable actor I don't know much about. In the role of the police inspector and manipulator of informants is distributed another excellent actor, somewhat better known - Fares Fares. The cast in general is excellently constructed and each of the characters has color and consistency. 'Cairo Conspiracy' is a film that cannot but arouse contradictions and debates. That's what movies like this are made for.
Medieval beliefs in the XXI Century
julioramosest18 April 2023
Everybody has their own beliefs. Mines, to put them simple, are, one, I've been presented zero evidence of god, therefore I don't believe in any; and two, religions, all of them, are man-made. More on the latter: they are also, positively, instruments of control. Small groups of humans trying and succeeding in controlling larger groups.
From all of them, Islam is the most combative. The most dangerous. And for some reason, here in Europe, Swedish are amongst the few people that have the guts to open real conversations, call it out, speak the truth, make some questions. So watching this, which is also a very decent piece of Noir cinema without stopping being convincing, and also well played, was a real pleasure.
From all of them, Islam is the most combative. The most dangerous. And for some reason, here in Europe, Swedish are amongst the few people that have the guts to open real conversations, call it out, speak the truth, make some questions. So watching this, which is also a very decent piece of Noir cinema without stopping being convincing, and also well played, was a real pleasure.
Is religion the illegal arm of the government? A bold, daring, thought provoking philosophical film.
EvanKwok17 May 2023
Incredible movie, even though it's set in Egypt in the context of the most esteemed Islamic university in the world, the themes are globally relevant.
It gives an experience of the potential corruption of religious groups by government & ulterior interests in order to influence the population. It gives an insight in to the motivations from multiple sides of the struggle for power & holds a mirror up to the human condiiton.
There's also themes of ethical choices, family, sacrifice, exploitation, hope & human nature. Great acting, suspenseful & visually intimate. Is religion the illegal arm of the government? Can you structure a centralised institution in a way that it won't be corrupted? What are the aims of the government, the religous organisation & the individual?
A bold, daring, thought provoking philosophical film.
It gives an experience of the potential corruption of religious groups by government & ulterior interests in order to influence the population. It gives an insight in to the motivations from multiple sides of the struggle for power & holds a mirror up to the human condiiton.
There's also themes of ethical choices, family, sacrifice, exploitation, hope & human nature. Great acting, suspenseful & visually intimate. Is religion the illegal arm of the government? Can you structure a centralised institution in a way that it won't be corrupted? What are the aims of the government, the religous organisation & the individual?
A bold, daring, thought provoking philosophical film.
I only wish i could give this movie ZERO stars
vjnydgp14 May 2023
The movie is representative of ISIS and Muslim Brotherhood. There is no single Egyptian actor in the movie, which is promoting fanaticism whilst inferring Islamic radicalism is a consequence of Egyptian regime. Europe has suffered from Radical Islam yet they allow funding, viewing and support of this rubbish. The movie is depressive primarily to ensure the watcher sympathises with the ISIS and Muslim brotherhood. The blind Sheikh was shown as a great leader, honest and representative of Islam, while he is actually a representation of terrorism and repression. By all means feel free to watch this movie, but please ensure you THINK about what you are seeing and maybe you'll see YOU are the victim being manipulated.
Impressive
Nozz6 June 2023
I understand the basic idea of the plot came from The Name Of The Rose. But the location was moved to a splendid mosque in Cairo, and instead of even being filmed in a splendid mosque in Cairo, the movie was filmed in a splendid mosque in Istanbul. There's a saying in musical theater that after the play, nobody ever walked out the door humming the scenery. But you could enjoy this film just for the views inside the mosque. The architecture is stunning and the cameraman seems never unable to find a fresh shot in there. The acting, like the architecture, is on something of a grand scale. Most or all of the actors are no more Cairene than the mosque is; in fact, three of them are among the most highly regarded Arab actors of Israel.
The political message of the movie-- and it's no wonder the Egyptian government gave no support and no approval-- is that President Sisi has no respect for the separation of religion and state and is unfairly suppressing the Muslim Brotherhood. That may not be a message that will necessarily win the hearts of Westerners, but it's presented in a context full of personal power relationships and tense situations and dilemmas of loyalty that could appeal to any audience willing to leave politics aside.
The political message of the movie-- and it's no wonder the Egyptian government gave no support and no approval-- is that President Sisi has no respect for the separation of religion and state and is unfairly suppressing the Muslim Brotherhood. That may not be a message that will necessarily win the hearts of Westerners, but it's presented in a context full of personal power relationships and tense situations and dilemmas of loyalty that could appeal to any audience willing to leave politics aside.
Swedish Conspiracy Thriller about the Arab World by Tarik SALEH
ZeddaZogenau30 October 2023
After the excellent film THE NILE HILTON AFFAIR (2017), Swedish director Tarik SALEH and his fellow actor Fares FARES (as always: fantastic!) return to Cairo.
The era of the Arab Spring is over, the Muslim Brotherhood has been put in their place by the military. In this mixed situation, the audience gets to know a talented fisherman's son (Tawfeek BARHOM), who gets a place at al-Azhar University in Cairo. The head of this renowned university is also the religious leader of Sunni Islam. Then two things happen: the leader dies unexpectedly, and the fisherman's son is recruited as the new "angel" by a secret service man (Fares FARES). A murderous game of intrigue then begins between the President's political camp and the Muslim Brotherhood as to who will now be allowed to fill the vacant position at the top of the university. The fisherman's son sits between all stools, but proves himself and makes his own stubborn decisions...
A strange world, a complicated political-religious situation! Of course, only a few scenes could be filmed in Cairo. The university scenes were filmed at the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Tarik SALEH was rightly awarded the Silver Palm at the Cannes Film Festival.
Definitely worth seeing!
The era of the Arab Spring is over, the Muslim Brotherhood has been put in their place by the military. In this mixed situation, the audience gets to know a talented fisherman's son (Tawfeek BARHOM), who gets a place at al-Azhar University in Cairo. The head of this renowned university is also the religious leader of Sunni Islam. Then two things happen: the leader dies unexpectedly, and the fisherman's son is recruited as the new "angel" by a secret service man (Fares FARES). A murderous game of intrigue then begins between the President's political camp and the Muslim Brotherhood as to who will now be allowed to fill the vacant position at the top of the university. The fisherman's son sits between all stools, but proves himself and makes his own stubborn decisions...
A strange world, a complicated political-religious situation! Of course, only a few scenes could be filmed in Cairo. The university scenes were filmed at the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Tarik SALEH was rightly awarded the Silver Palm at the Cannes Film Festival.
Definitely worth seeing!
Unveiling the Intersection of Politics and Religion
m-abtahi28 January 2024
I recently watched the political thriller film "Cairo Conspiracy," also known as "Ahkami, Amniati, Tavayol Gahre." This cinematic piece offers a unique perspective as it delves into the intricate dynamics of politics and religion, specifically focusing on the efforts of the Egyptian security organization to control the oldest Sunni religious institution.
The plot revolves around the Egyptian security organization's elaborate scheme to dominate Al-Azhar, employing espionage tactics on scholars and implementing fundamental changes within this venerable religious institution. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of power, politics, and faith, portraying the struggles within the Sunni religious organization.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that the film may serve as a prelude for a potential sequel, hinting at a myriad of challenges awaiting the characters in the next chapter of their journey.
Director Tarek Saleh skillfully captures the lives of the students and professors at Al-Azhar, providing a nuanced portrayal of the genuine religious scholars and the opportunistic religious pretenders. The film, aired on the French network Arte in 2022, offers a rich tapestry of characters and a compelling exploration of the clash between true believers and those who exploit religion for personal gain.
The plot revolves around the Egyptian security organization's elaborate scheme to dominate Al-Azhar, employing espionage tactics on scholars and implementing fundamental changes within this venerable religious institution. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of power, politics, and faith, portraying the struggles within the Sunni religious organization.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that the film may serve as a prelude for a potential sequel, hinting at a myriad of challenges awaiting the characters in the next chapter of their journey.
Director Tarek Saleh skillfully captures the lives of the students and professors at Al-Azhar, providing a nuanced portrayal of the genuine religious scholars and the opportunistic religious pretenders. The film, aired on the French network Arte in 2022, offers a rich tapestry of characters and a compelling exploration of the clash between true believers and those who exploit religion for personal gain.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
