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Clash is a 2016 Egyptian drama film directed by Mohamed Diab. The movie takes place entirely in a police truck, where a group of people from different backgrounds are thrown together after the 2013 coup d'état in Egypt. The storyline follows these characters as they struggle to survive amid the chaos and violence of the protests that are taking place outside of their vehicle.

The movie begins with the arrest of the Muslim Brotherhood members and their supporters who are protesting against the military coup. The police truck, which is supposed to transport criminals, is instead filled with a mix of Muslim Brotherhood supporters and those against the coup who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tensions are high, and the audience quickly sees the clash between the two groups as they try to coexist in the confined space of the truck.

The mix of characters in the movie is very diverse. There are men, women, young and old people, and characters of different backgrounds, education levels, and political views. It is this diversity that provides the film's richness and depth, as people with different perspectives and beliefs are forced to confront each other within the confined space of the truck. The characters are primitively bonded by their situation, in spite of not necessarily agreeing with each other.

The movie is intense, with the audience constantly wondering what will happen next as the characters face challenging circumstances. The characters embody the conflict that took place during this time in Egypt, and their interactions provide a microcosm of the larger societal issues. The intense action that takes place outside of the truck is represented by the firing of guns, spray-painting of slogans, angry chants, and the occasional Molotov cocktails that explode in the background.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is its development of characters. It is a unique setup, as the narrative is confined to the interior of the truck. This means that the character development must happen within the cramped interior, as the characters work together to fight for their lives. Through their interactions, the audience begins to understand who these characters are, and what led them to be in this situation. Each character shares their story, their fears, beliefs and history in a poignant manner that helps build connection and understanding.

The importance of storytelling is a key element in the film. Characters tell fables, stories, and memories they cherish, in a drive to correlate their present to their past. They recount why the Clashes arose, each person putting their own subtle interpretation on the role their political groups have played. The importance of the individual stories is weaved into a bigger narrative, a fragment of Egypt's recent history that has played itself out time and time again.

The movie stands out not just for its excellent script and direction but also for its cinematography. The director utilizes the limited space, creating an aura of claustrophobia and tension. The entire film takes place in the back of the truck, and the set design is impressive. The director used a steady hand-held camera to film the movie, which emphasizes the instability of the situation while inside the truck. Additionally, the camera angles and lighting help create feelings of claustrophobia and isolation which complements the storyline perfectly.

The movie is definitely not a comfortable experience. It shows us a brief peek into the intense climate that many Egyptian citizens faced at that time. As their stories intertwine, the movie constructs a feeling of empathy and connects us all as human beings. The film raises important questions about the events that took place in Egypt in 2013 and challenges us to think about the role that the government, the military, and the citizens play. The director provides no easy answers and leaves the audience with a lot to ponder.

In conclusion, Clash is a powerful and deeply affecting film. The story provides a unique perspective on a significant historical event, with the narrative restricted to inside the police truck. Clash is an insightful and authentic portrayal of a society in conflict that resonates with audiences around the world even today - years after the event transpired.

Clash is a 2016 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 78.