It's not every day that an Egyptian film causes a huge amount of excitement internationally, even before hitting cinemas. It's even more rare for it to also be a tremendous hit locally at the same time.
Having initially screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the film "Clash" (Eshtebak) immediately became one of the critics' favorites . Soon enough international praise started rolling in:
"A gem, one of the best 10 movies in Cannes 2016." - The Hollywood Reporter
"Ingenious construct, breathtaking." - The Guardian
"A compelling cinematic experience." - Euronews
"Sometimes a film makes history even before it is screened." - The Huffington Post
"Harrowing, high-pitched drama." - Variety
That's not to mention the letter director Mohamed Diab personally received from Tom Hanks, in addition to even more online support from the American actor.
" Clash " takes us on a suffocating journey inside a tight eight square meter Cairo police van during the violent summer of 2013, right after the ousting of president Mohamed Morsi when pro and anti-Muslim Brotherhood protestors find themselves locked-up together.
Unlike what your initial judgement of it might be, this is not a purely political film. Instead it is an extremely human one that is more about the complex intertwining of the Egyptian social fabric, shedding light on what divides us as well as what brings us together despite all differences and adversities. It shocks the audience by making them sympathize, at some point, with everybody.
As an Egyptian viewer, it's quite intense to watch, not only because it brings the memories and feelings of that turbulent period rushing back, but also because it directly relates to the actual tragedy when 37 people died in a police carrier during that time.
That being said, if not for the critical acclaim and the challenge of filming it all in a small space while having it turn out larger than life, then don't miss watching this exemplary film for the brilliant performance of each and every single one of the actors involved. You'll be impressed by the depth and breadth of emotions expressed and invoked, the superb attention to detail, the masterly flow of it all, the ingenious cinematography and last, but definitely not least: the ending. It will leave you horrified, as it should.