Search - An Egyptian Story on DVD

Artistic and insightful

Isis S. Mikhail | Birmingham, Alabama USA | 03/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second part of Chahine's Alexandria Trilogy. The first part "Alexandria, why?" is a biography and courageous self-examination of his adolescent years. This part moves on to examine his adult life. It is, again, a very courageous, honest, and insightful self-trial of himself as an adult and his choices in his professional life as a movie director, as well as in his personal and family life. His artistic talents as a director and his creative thinking are reflected in his representation of his turbulent relationship with his inner child. This is another distinguished piece of work by this talented movie director and a must-have for those who appreciate his art."

Mix of styles worth your time

Isis S. Mikhail | 07/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"An interesting mix of the struggles of an independent international filmmaker, combining surrealism and recent Egyptian history.
There are elements of "8 1/2" and "All That Jazz" in the story of a film maker who faces a trial in which the child and young man he was testify against the person he has become. The surrealist settings are cheap but fun and the central performance is nicely done. The many characters and switches in time are a bit complex and it helps to have a little knowledge of modern Egyptian history, but there is humor and insight worth your time."

A magic carpet ride that is exotic, romantic and realistic

Maeve of Tara | Ireland | 01/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For now I can only write a few lines, it's 10.29 PM ET, here in the United States of America, and I am sitting on the threshold awaiting 2005 to enter my life. And yes, this is what I did tonight, instead of going out to celebrate the new year, I stayed home and watched the Alexandria Trilogy, one after the other, 1,2,3.

Indeed this is the best, and only way, to watch such a rich, colorful, exotic series. I knew nothing of Youssef Chahine until about ten days or so ago, and am I ever so glad I heeded the reviews here, at amazon, and indulged my whim of renting his Alexandria Trilogy as well as two of his other films.
The Trilogy is a keeper and I will purchase it soon, most likely after I finish watching Chahine's next two films, Destiny and The Emigrant.
I will return to write a longer review because this series is worth it, and not only because of being exotic and romantic, but also, because it's educative. More of us Americans should watch foreign films... truly today's world is a global village.
Happy New Year, y'all! Slainte."