Watch The Square

The Square is a 2013 documentary film that chronicles the political upheaval and social unrest in Egypt from the perspectives of several individuals involved in the revolution. The documentary was directed by Jehane Noujaim and co-written by Noujaim and Karim Amer. The film primarily follows a group of young activists who gather at Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt to protest against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. Ahmed Hassan, a young and charismatic activist, serves as the film's central figure. Hassan is portrayed as a passionate and determined leader who relies on social media to mobilize crowds and spread the message of the revolution.

Khalid Abdalla, an actor best known for his role in the film The Kite Runner, also features heavily in the documentary. Abdalla, who was born in Scotland and raised in Egypt, uses his celebrity status to draw attention to the revolution and to provide an insider's perspective on the events unfolding in the square.

Magdy Ashour, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood who initially opposed the protests, is also featured in the film. Ashour's presence adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as his political views conflict with those of the other activists in the square.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers use a mix of interviews, news footage, and footage shot by the activists themselves to provide an intimate and immersive look at the revolution. The film's editing is fast-paced and frenetic, capturing the chaotic energy of the protests and the optimism that swept through the square in the early days of the revolution.

The documentary also explores the role of the media in shaping public perception of the revolution. Noujaim and Amer show how the regime used state-controlled media to spread propaganda and misinformation about the protesters. They also highlight the ways in which social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook played a key role in organizing the protests and circumventing government censorship.

One of the film's most powerful moments comes towards the end, when the military takes control of the government and the revolution starts to unravel. The activists in the square are left to grapple with the realization that their struggle is far from over, and that the road ahead will be long and fraught with danger.

Overall, The Square is a powerful and moving documentary that provides a gripping account of one of the most significant events in recent Egyptian history. The film's intimate portrayal of the activists at the heart of the revolution and its exploration of the role of media in shaping public discourse elevate it above other documentaries about the Arab Spring. By shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of those at the forefront of the revolution, The Square provides a nuanced and deeply humanizing portrait of a momentous chapter in Egyptian history.

The Square is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 84.