Wednesday night the Fulbright crew decided to put our newfound dialect skills to the test and see an Egyptian movie. We decided to see a comedy called Black Honey, featuring the famous movie star Ahmed Helmy. (I know everyone will know exactly who I'm referring to). We bought our tickets, and also got several warnings from the ushers that the movie was in Arabic only without subtitles. I don't see how a group of white kids seemed out of place in the theater....
The movie itself was about an Egyptian/American who returns to Egypt and eventually gets his passport stolen (thus having to stay in Egypt). It showed the challenges of someone readjusting to the Egyptian way of life (noise, traffic, smog, lack of technology, etc). Most of the scenes were pretty light-hearted and fun, although the over-acting got a bit obnoxious after a while. Worth the $6 I paid to get in though.
The theater was was nice, although the sound at points reminded me of a broken speaker at a McDonald's drive thru window. I think most, if not everyone, was able to follow along with each scene and get the general point of everything. I myself understood a considerable amount the first half of the movie. The second half was more touch-and-go, but I still got the main point. Pretty cool considering we've been here for only a week.
One thing that was different from American movies was the intermission. About halfway through, the movie stopped, and the lights came on. There was about a ten minute break for people to use the restroom and refill on snacks. Smart business decision if you ask me.
All in all, a good way to get a new experience. First Egyptian movie in the bag.
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