El Bab El Maftouh (The Open Door) is a 1963 Egyptian movie starring two of Egypt's best-known actors, Faten Hamama and Saleh Selim.
The movie, which won Best Actress and Best Film at the Jakarta Film Festival in 1964, was adapted from the novel of the same name by late Egyptian writer Latifa al-Zayyat.
In 1996, the book was awarded the first Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature along with Ibrahim Abdel Meguid's novel, The Other Place.
The story was a tough punch with its straightforwardness and openness on women's rights and liberalism, considering it was released in the 60s.
Its lessons still ring true today.
1. Don’t be afraid to speak up
Laila, the main character, is the daughter of a strict father who believes that a girl can't have her own opinion or freedom of choice.
As a result, she doesn't speak up or express herself. By the story's end, she's able to break free, leaving her patriarchal community behind.
Lesson #1: In life, you have to defend your beliefs and fight for your own rights.
2. Marriage is a stage of life, not a life goal
Laila is close to an arranged marriage to a man she thought was a well educated professor who might accept her hidden thirst of freedom of thinking and rebellion.
As she discovers his truth, a man who shares the same mentality as her father, her weakness and hesitation don't stand in her way. She turns her back and leaves.
Lesson #2: Some people look at marriage as if it's a life goal or a way out from an oppressive family. It is just a stage of life but it's not what defines you.
3. Never be afraid to fall in love after a heartbreak
Hussein to Laila: "What happened was because you didn't know who to choose."
When Laila meets Hussein, her brother's friend, she instantly feels strongly about him. He has the open mentality and support for women's rights she dreams of. He constantly encourages the shy heroine to challenge her quicksand reality.
Yet, she doesn't give their relationship a chance, although she's aware he's the right person for her.
She lets her previous disappointing, shocking experience affect her future decisions and ruin her chance of happiness.
Lesson #3: Life will always come to you with new people and experiences, learn from the past but don't lock yourself in it.
4. A real man will respect your independent personality
Hussein to Laila: "I don't want you to be dependent on me or anyone else. I want you to have your own independent entity, with a self-confidence to emit from inside of you. This is how you achieve happiness."
Lesson #4: If you are with a man who underestimates your opinions and prefers you to be a weak, obeying woman, then you are with the wrong person.
A real man will want you to grow independent and will respect your decision, even if it means you will be away from him.
5. Do what you believe in before it's too late
Hussein to Laila: "Do what you believe in before it's too late."
With the many liberating quotes said by Hussein, his iconic character became the fantasy of the perfect man to most Arab women.
This one in particular, will make you rethink many decisions and moments you hesitated to push though just because you hid behind fear.
Lesson #5: It's never too late to be courageous and do the right thing.
6. If you can't create your own happiness, nobody will
Hussein to Laila:"This is the road you have to walk on your own."
Lesson #6: Happiness comes from inside of you; love, accept, and believe in yourself.
Keep in mind you are the only one who is capable of making you happy, and set yourself free on the road you choose to take.