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Poster for Alexandria… Why?

Alexandria… Why?

Seen it?

1979 | 133 min | Drama, War

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With almost no lasting buzz and soft box office, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
A natural pick for war-film fans and anyone who likes a story with emotional weight. One to watch when you can give it your full attention. Same wavelength as The Guns of Navarone or Empire of the Sun.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Character-first and patient, at 2 hr 13 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in another language, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

Amid the poverty, death, and suffering caused by World War II, 18-year-old Yehia retreats into a private world of fantasy and longing. Obsessed with Hollywood, he dreams of studying filmmaking in America but struggles to pursue his dream, given the constraints of his life in the middle class and the horrors of war.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsWeak

    Won 1 Berlin award: Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 6K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Youssef Chahine

  • Mohsen Mohey ElDeinYehia
  • Mahmood Al-MelejiShukri Murad, Yehia's Father
  • Mohsena TawfiqYehia's Mother
  • Abdullah MahmoudMohsen
  • Ahmed ZakiIbrahim
  • Naglaa FathySarah Sorel
  • Ahmed MehrezAdel Bey
  • Gerry SundquistThomas "Tommy" Friskin
  • Laila HamadaNadia
  • Farid ShawqyShaker Bey, Mohsen's Father