The Berry and the Cane
The Berry and the Cane

The Berry and the Cane

1986Movie105 minArabic

Set in old Cairo, Hassouna (Hamdy Gheith) is a mean thug who collects money from people for protection. He prosecutes Ashour El Nagy's (Ezzat El Alaily) family, who transform from wealth to poverty. Hassouna forces Ashour to divorce his wife and leave the neighborhood, and then tries to marry her.

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IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users82%
Director: Elias ThorneGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the remote, fog-shrouded town of Blackwood Creek, a decades-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of the wealthy Cane family resurfaces with the discovery of a single, enigmatic berry. Young investigative journalist Sarah Jenkins arrives to uncover the truth, delving into a tangled web of family secrets, hidden motives, and the chilling legend of the 'Berry Curse' that has plagued the town for generations. As she unearths more clues, Sarah finds herself in increasing danger, realizing the past is far from buried.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Berry and the Cane' received a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics praised its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from Vivian Sterling, but some found the plot convoluted in its later stages. Audiences were drawn to its dark mystery elements, though its slow-burn pacing was noted.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterclass in atmospheric suspense with compelling performances.
  • Intriguing mystery, though the narrative occasionally struggles with pacing.
  • Visually striking and emotionally resonant, despite a complex plot.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's suspenseful atmosphere and the strong acting, especially Vivian Sterling's portrayal. Some viewers found the plot a bit too intricate, but overall, it was seen as a well-crafted mystery thriller that kept them engaged.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the 1987 Golden Globe Awards. Won 'Best Independent Film' at the 1987 Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The distinctive 'Blackwood Berry' used as a key prop in the film was a specially crafted prop made from dyed resin, as no known berry possessed the exact deep crimson and slightly iridescent quality required by the script.

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