Luxor

As being an Egyptian, I was curious to see this film, since it's very rare to see a foreign movie that depicts Middle East, without the usual stereotype of Arabs being terrorists or still riding camels!!! Sadly this film missed a great opportunity, to use the majestic and historical setting of Luxor to convey any meaningful story of any kind. I don't know what the filmmaker Zeina Durra had in mind when she wanted to make this film, but this is really very pointless and forgettable. Despite the beautiful scenery of Pharaonic monuments and the breathtaking nile view, there is no story. The lead actress Andrea Riseborough walks around in oversized cloth through Luxor and running into an old flame, and that's it. Also her recent films this year (The Grudge, Possessor) she's been doing the same vague and depressed person who feels lifeless and cold. Karim Saleh was okay, but since there is no story and meaningful script, his character doesn't have much to go with. All the situations taking place don't serve any purpose, and are unrelated to anything else. But I do have to say, that the director conveyed a true picture of Luxor, without any exaggeration or fake elements, except for some notes, like when the two lead characters sometimes walk into a temple, and it's like they're completely alone, usually there have to be other tourists walking around. Also when Sultan's character was talking to his Egyptian coworker, why does she speak to him in English!!! I wish this film was worthy of the place it was shot in, but sadly it failed in achieving any meaningful thing, except showing the beauty of Luxor to those who aren't familiar with it.

Hana is a doctor working in conflict zones. She comes to Luxor as a place that can restore and invigorate the soul. She's been there in her youth, and a chance meeting with her old flame makes her question her life choices and the possible future paths. This film is like a slow contemplative walk among the Egyptian pyramids and ruins, with Hana as a silent guide. There aren't many surprises and there aren't any ready-made answers, but I enjoyed the gentle humour and the pastel tones of this very cinematic piece. I could relate to Hana's questioning her mid-life satisfaction and searching for a way out of a hectic pace of life.

I am always excited to see a film set in Luxor, and there were some beautiful shots and nice moments. I have to say, I agree with most of the reviews on here. This is a film where nothing happens. I've been watching a lot of Egyptian cinema, and this film is very un-Egyptian in that there is no passion, no intensity, no chemistry, no sizzle. I know this is the way the director wanted it to be. But for me it was disappointing. To say it is understated is- an understatement. We want to know the story between the lovers, what happened - we are never told it. Did they just give up on their love? When they meet again, where is the passion? Where is the feeling? Andrea Riseborough is playing the role of someone badly traumatised, and she plays it well. But Karim Saleh just seems smooth and American, I don't see the Egyptian character in him at all... not my experience of Egypt. A couple of things that really annoyed me: we are told, its pronounced Abide-os. NO! Its A-bid-os. How could they do that? And they neglect to mention its the place of Osiris. We don't hear the old lady's reading, which makes it seem as though traditional healers (of which there are many) are a waste of time. Not very respectful... I love all things Egyptian, but this is not it. These people seem cold, aloof, English and restrained. I found it quite frustrating.

1) I get that Andrea Riseborough has turned half dead over the past couple of years and gained immense sadness in her eyes. Watch her in "Disconnect" from 2013/14 and then in her recent major roles in "Zerozerozero"/"Possessor" or this one. There is a strong effort to suppress her natural beauty, and it seems more like her own choice. Anyway, she's carrying that depressed torch with a unique lifeless energy.

2) I was compelled to watch this (IMDb 5.3) to see if it really was worthless. My verdict is that it's definitely not. Its not for everyone but shares nothing with a typical Hollywood film set in the Mediterranean. Some of us long for films that have scanty plot twists and since I find the actress worthy her salt and not unlikable (which can be a task these days).

3) This film albeit slowly prodding without any substantial revelation, doesn't attempt any preachy sermons or any life changing epiphanies. The film is flat, just like life may seem when you're in a rut (which our emaciated lead is in).

Did they misspell Andrea's name on the soundtrack cover?