Al Sillem Wil Thoaban (Snakes and Ladders) is a new kind of film. First-time screenwriter Mohamed Hefzi hits the theaters with a romantic comedy directed by Tareq Al Erian, who has only now returned after years away following the critical praise heaped on his noted thrillers Al Pacha and Al Embrator.
This film casts three would-be stars in lead roles: Hani Salama, Hala Sheeha and Ahmed Helmi. Based on an original plot by Al Erian, the film centers on a love story between Salama and Sheeha and the crucial choices they are forced to make in the twists and turns of contemporary life.
Both Hazem (Salama) and Yasmin (Sheeha), work in the advertising business and both are looking for true love. But Hazem's personality is the obstacle between the two of them and lasting happiness. Despite his strong feelings for Yasmin, he appears to be on the brink of losing her forever because of his inability to commit to those he loves. It happened to him before when he divorced his first wife, with whom he had a child.
Al Sillem Wil Thoaban, Egypt Today said, is the metaphor for Hazem's take on life. The film tackles relationships from a realist point of view, largely due to the notable effort Erian and Hefzi poured into their multilayered script, which took a year to polish. Many viewers will see themselves reflected on screen in the characters of Hazem and Yasmin, and director of photography Sameh Selim's shots impart a natural beauty to a film shot entirely on location in Cairo and Al Gouna – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
