this excellent black drama be a must see despite it nearly three hour run time and the movie be one of the most watchable and enjoyable piece of art in egyptian cinema . i do not read the story before see that controversial movie and so i have low expectation . but despite that and get hook as early a the quality intro that take you smoothly through an enjoyable ride to discover the background behind that nostalgic building in central cairo through a sepia short clip . the film be an artistic black drama which be full of cultural and political symbolism if you read carefully between the line and my interpretation be that the building be a clear symbol of the country itself and how it transform dramatically from the nostalgic early day of the 40 till the present day and shed light on the price that the egyptian society have to pay during that rough trip and and how the society have clear double standard that everyone be try to ignore . every side story evolve in a different direction and involve controversial character who be link only by the same building ( society ) in someway or the other and the different story be interweaves in an artistic way to dramatise different controversial issue and taboo from adultery and political corruption and homosexuality to islamic fundamentalism . the movie have a general sad feel around it especially for anyone who live in egypt a it touch on the deterioration and many negative issue that be become more and more the norm in most egyptian society level that be once a conservative and religious society . it be strong wakeup call to those who love their country to stop bury their head in the sand when it come to double standard that affect everyone in the society make everyone feel inferior to the country . the story will make you think deeply about how and why a country like egypt could end up where it be today . the cinematography and steady cam and crane camera movement be brilliant and the smooth cut and soft transition boost the romantic dimension of the storyline . a expect and the music score by khaled hammad be expressive and romantic and add a lot of depth to many scene . the tempo of the movie be just right and give enough time for actor to express their feeling through long than usual shot that will never leave you bore . action scene be also very well do . a must see piece of art for anyone who be live or use to live in egypt .