Cast
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Younes Shalaby
as Mansour
Samir Ghanem
as Mustafa Al-Halwani
Lebleba
as Husnia, Mansour’s wife
Mahmoud El Qala'awy
as Sayed
Waheid Seif
as Jalal
Ahmed Adaweya
as Simsim
Farida Saif Elnasr
as Basbousa, Semsem’s fiancée
Ali Al Sharif
as
Nagah El-Mogui
as Ali
Mamdouh Wafi
as Coach
Farouq Falawkas
as Farouk
Ibrahim Qadry
as
Youssef Eid
as Fouad
Amin Elheneidy
as Abdul Ghaffar Abu Mansour
Laila Fahmy
as Jamalat
Crew
Director
- Ahmad Fouad
Writer
- Farouk Sabry
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, 4-2-4 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ahmad Fouad 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1981, 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 4-2-4 took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 405 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While 4-2-4 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Trapped, which focuses more on action than character development, 4-2-4 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Batman and Blue Joker in Trouble and The Woman in the Room explore similar territory, 4-2-4 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: October 15, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 35m
