Cast
Alaa Wali El Din
Aboud
Hassan Hosny
Abdo
Karim Abdel Aziz
Mansour
Ahmed Helmy
Saeed
Ghada Adel
Jameela
Ezzat Abu Ouf
Tommy
Mahmoud Abdel Moghny
Ahmed Akl
Sami Sarhan
Said Tarabeek
Hanan ElTaweil
woman in the hair shop
Mohamed Youssef
Khairy Hassan
Mamdouh Maddah
Layla Al Eskandarania
Crew
Director
- Sherif Arafa
Writer
- Ahmed Abdallah
Producer
- Magdy Al Hawwary
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Abboud on the Border represents a fascinating example of Comedy 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 Sherif Arafa 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 1999, 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 Abboud on the Border took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 290 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Abboud on the Border shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Wannabe Courageous, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Abboud on the Border offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Gunga Din and The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp explore similar territory, Abboud on the Border 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: July 21, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 45m
