Cast
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Kamal Al-Shenawy
as Wahid Safwat
Maha Sabry
as Laila
Hassan Fayek
as Hassan Khan (Layla's fiancé)
Abdel Moneim Ibrahim
as Moneim
Wedad Hamdy
as Kazoozah
Adly Kasseb
as Wahid Safwat's Uncle
Nagwa Salem
as Nawal (Wahid Safwat's cousin)
Mohamed Shawqi
as
Salwa Mahmoud
as
Zaki Ibrahim
as Laila's father
Abdel Moneim Basyouni
as الصحفي م ك
Mimi Gamal
as الخائنه
Ali ElMoaawen
as فتوه
Sayed el Araby
as فتوه
Saleh al-Eskandarani
as السفرجى
Crew
Director
- Hasan El-Saifi
Writer
- Abu Seoud El-Ibiary
Producer
- Mostafa Hassan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Love and suffering represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Hasan El-Saifi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1961, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Love and suffering took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 260 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Love and suffering shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Roman Holiday, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Love and suffering subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Trouble in Paradise and Some Like It Hot explore similar territory, Love and suffering stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 26, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 20m
