The Square (2013)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

How sad is this?

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

I think it was last year that this was nominated for best documentary, although I don't think it won. It revolves around the continuing Egyptian revolution that started back several years ago and has been in the papers so much even up to today. I just read another article the other day about it. It's predominantly filmed on the main Square of Cairo, hence the title. Since it's a documentary, it's all real, which makes it all more disturbing. I think if it was fictional; it would probably be even more horrific because you know how they like to make things as horrific as possible in movies. So, in that sense, this movie is pretty tame. But since it's real, it affects you more. Several people get hurt in it, but the documentary only focuses on one casualty during the whole thing. It's a little convoluted and I think they could've explained what was going on better. It was as if they assumed you already knew everything about it. Although, I do try to keep up with the news, I am unfortunately a little ignorant of the details of the revolution. I wished they had focused a bit more on the logistics of what happened as apposed to the fighting and demonstrating in the Square specifically. It did make me want to read up more on the subject. I just think that, if they were going to focus on how violent and "horrific" it was, they should've focused on more horrific things. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to have to go through something like that, but it just wasn't informative enough for a real documentary and too sanitized for a sentimental documentary.

The square is a powerful documentary about Egypt not having any human rights living under the rule of President Mubarak. Both Muslim brotherhood and The Revolutionaries teamed up to protest against Mubarak's rules considering they were living without dignity. They were fed up! Although, Mubarak did not allow that and he gave power to the police to do whatever they can do to get rid of the protesters. They tortured, beat, and killed them. It was a tragic moment at the time but the Muslim Brotherhood and The Revolutionaries still fought back to reclaim their rights and build the country themselves as unit.i would give this an 8 out of 10 because it was very powerful in away and it really gave me a lot of respect for these people.IT isn't fair to see people who have to fight justice for their country.

Greetings again from the darkness. This is the third of this year's five Oscar nominated documentaries I have seen, and thanks to the historic Texas Theatre, I'll get to see the last two as well. This one is directed by Cairo born and Harvard educated Jehane Noujaim. She sets out to capture the Egyption Revolution, as part of the Arab Spring, and now in it's third year. This is a look from inside the core of the revolution, not a washed-over CNN report.It should first be noted that this revolution began as more of a protest. Citizens just fed up with the Mubarek regime began congregating in Tahrir Square in hopes of influencing change and a transition to a society of conscience. Ms. Noujaim and her multitude of cameras follows a hand full of these protesters and the changes that occur inside the revolution. These changes occur as Mubarek falls, the military takes over and betrays the movement, and then the Muslim Brotherhood takes control when Mohamed Morsi wins the election. This causes the loss of solidarity in the movement as it becomes clear that the Brotherhood consorted with the military to gain power, proving their mission was quite different.One of the faces of the revolution is Egyptian actor Khalid Abdalla who you might recognize from the fine 2007 film The Kite Runner. Abdalla speaks excellent English and is clearly passionate about the vision. His comments also drive home the difference in a protest and the politics of a true revolution. We only get a couple of on camera comments from government and military officials, but the real insight and spirit of the film is captured in the faces, words and actions of those involved in the sit-ins, despite the many violent attempts to shut them down.The most staggering visual comes from an aerial view of Cairo as the camera captures the masses as they descend on the streets during the third uprising that we see. It's breathtaking and in stark contrast to the news reports we saw in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is still no resolution in this as Egypt is still in flux and preparing for yet another election. That brings even more power to the "in the moment" point of view that this film delivers. http://moviereviewsfromthedark.com/

I always said that the Egyptian people should win an Oscar for their revolutionary spirits, and this film proves just that!! The fact that the first Egyptian film to be nominated for an Oscar is a film about Tahrir square, is nothing short of amazing!! And the fact that it is actually banned from being screened in Egypt, is a testament to the corruption that persists.I was too much of a coward to join the protests in Tahrir in 2011, but this film made me feel like I was right there. It takes you back on a memory lane through all the struggles that happened in the square, all the shifts and dilemmas. I was so glad that the film showed different viewpoints of people. It showed the standpoint of not just the rebellious youth but also of the opposing people in authority. It also presented the ideology of the Muslim brotherhood in a very humane way, instead of portraying them as terrorist like Egyptian media currently does. Above all, it portrayed military brutality!! And that in itself is the biggest triumph of the film since military authorities are now brainwashing people like never before. I must say that every Egyptian needs to see this film to be reminded of the corruption of military rulers, of the thousands of souls we lost, and of the quest for freedom we all started 3 years ago, which most of us have become cynical about today.It is sad to realize that now that the square is empty, even though the ideals that the people fought and died for are still nowhere to be found. I had actually given up on the dream that this country will ever change, but after seeing this film and seeing that there are people still fighting out there, I can hope once more.