Cairo Time
Cairo Time

Cairo Time

2009Movie88 minEnglish

In Cairo on her own as she waits for her husband, Juliette finds herself caught in a whirlwind romance with his friend Tareq, a retired cop. As Tareq escorts Juliette around the city, they find themselves in the middle of a brief affair that catches them both unawares.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic67/100
Google Users68%
Director: Ruba NaddaGenres: Romance, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A middle-aged American woman, Juliette, travels to Cairo to join her diplomat husband, Mark, who is unexpectedly delayed. While waiting for him, she is assigned a guide, Tareq, a former colleague of Mark's. As they explore the ancient city together, an undeniable attraction grows between them, complicating Juliette's life and her devotion to her husband.

Critical Reception

Cairo Time garnered generally positive reviews, with critics often praising its atmospheric setting, the performances of its lead actors, and its subtle exploration of unspoken desires. Some found the pacing a bit slow, but overall it was seen as a mature and evocative romantic drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lush cinematography and evocative atmosphere of Cairo.
  • Complimented for the subtle and compelling performances by Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig.
  • Noted for its quiet, simmering tension and exploration of mature romance.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's romantic undertones and atmospheric depiction of Cairo. The performances were often highlighted as a strong point, though some viewers found the plot to be somewhat understated.

Awards & Accolades

Won the People's Choice Award for Best Film at the Toronto International Film Festival (2009).

Fun Fact

Director Ruba Nadda reportedly developed the script for "Cairo Time" over a period of 10 years, influenced by her own travels and experiences.

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