Watch Cairo Station

Cairo Station is a 1958 Egyptian film directed by Youssef Chahine. The movie stars Farid Shawqi, Hind Rustum, and Youssef Chahine himself. The film is set in the bustling train station of Cairo, one of the busiest places in the city, where people from different backgrounds and cultures come together. The story begins with Qinawi (played by Farid Shawqi), a disabled newspaper salesman who works at Cairo Station. Qinawi is in love with Hanuma (played by Hind Rustum), a stallholder who sells lemonade in the station. Hanuma works hard to support her family and refuses Qinawi's advances because she doesn't love him. Qinawi becomes obsessed with Hanuma and starts to stalk her. Meanwhile, a labor strike is brewing in the city, and the workers are planning a march through the train station.

As Qinawi's obsession with Hanuma grows, he becomes increasingly erratic and starts to hear voices in his head. When he discovers that Hanuma is engaged to another man, he snaps and decides to take revenge. He builds a bomb and plans to blow up the train station during the labor march. The movie builds tension as the audience wonders if Qinawi will go through with his plan or if someone will stop him in time.

Cairo Station is not only a thriller but also a social commentary on the lives of the working class in Egypt. The film highlights the exploitation of workers in the city and their struggle for better living conditions. The character of Qinawi represents the marginalization of disabled people in Egyptian society. The film also touches on the issue of gender and how women are often objectified and treated as second-class citizens.

Youssef Chahine, who directed and starred in the film, is a renowned Egyptian filmmaker known for his socially conscious movies. Cairo Station was one of his earliest works and is considered a classic of Egyptian cinema. The film was shot on location at Cairo's main train station, giving viewers a glimpse into the city's bustling life.

The movie is well received by critics and won numerous awards at international film festivals. It was praised for its cinematography, editing, and a compelling storyline that keeps viewers engaged until the end. The film's soundtrack, composed by the legendary Egyptian musician Mohamed Abdel Wahab, is also noteworthy and adds to the movie's atmosphere.

Overall, Cairo Station is an excellent film that combines elements of thriller and social commentary. Chahine's direction and Farid Shawqi's performance as Qinawi are particularly outstanding. The movie is not only a great piece of Egyptian cinema but also a commentary on the struggles of people living in a city like Cairo. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Middle Eastern cinema and social issues.

Cairo Station is a 1958 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.