Cairo Time (2009)

Ruba Nadda’s love letter to Cairo and to romance. The film fascinates without the use of montages, fast cars, quick cuts, cute facial expressions or any of the forced formulas that plague the bulk of Hollywood’s movie output. On display are two adults, by way of passing moments and conversation, that develop a shared appreciation of one another. They speak with intelligence, without insulting catch phrases or one-liners and their pacing is never forced. Juliette (Patricia Clarkson) and Tareg (Alexander Siding) ignite an amorous dance, which smolders throughout. Surprisingly, the importance of the storyline gives way to a distinct fact. That attraction or the possibility of love can come down to situations of chance. Director Nadda lovingly films Cairo without spectacle and with the use of the Nile; gives Cairo it’s own voice. A voice that is evocative of Rome or Paris.