The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Still from Sagheera ‘Aala el Hob 

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we are inclined to revisit classics that never failed to touch our hearts and bring smiles and laughter to our faces. From heartwarming love stories to heart-wrenching tragedies, here are six Egyptian films from the golden age of cinema that are essential for your Valentine’s Day movie night that will take you back in time. 

 

Esha’et Hob

Image via OSN 

Filmed in Port Said, the movie starred Soaad Hosny, Youssef Wahbi, and Omar Sharif. The romantic comedy featured the exceptional trio of Abdel Moneim Ibrahim, Wahbi, and Sharif, who worked together to weave a plan that would lead Samiha (Soad Hosny) to fall in love with Hussein (Omar Sharif). With an iconic appearance from Hend Rostom, Esha’et Hob is the perfect film to revisit on Valentine’s Day.

 

Maaboodet El Gamaheer

Image via AlYoumAlSabe3

Produced in 1967, Maaboodet El Gamaheer should be your go-to this Valentine’s Day. Starring Shadia and Abdel Halim Hafez, the movie features everyone’s all-time favourite classic song Haga Ghareeba. With a war between love and fame, this film is a heartwarming story not to miss. 

 

Sagheera ‘Aala el Hob 

Image via Dhliz

An up-and-coming actress finally gets an opportunity to appear on the big screen– the catch, though, is that it’s a child role. Putting her skills to the test, she impersonates a little girl, fooling the team behind the play. As the play’s director falls in love with her, the masterpiece unfolds. Led by director Niazi Moustafa and starring Soaad Hosny and Roushdy Abaza, Sagheera ‘Aala el Hob is perfect for your Valentine’s Day movie night.

 

Gharam Fil Karnak

Image via elcinema 

In a love story full of theatrics, Amina seeks to join a dance troupe. As they navigate struggles, Amina falls for Salah, the director and lead dancer of the troupe, but he hesitates to pursue their relationship due to misunderstandings. The story stars the iconic Reda Troupe, which makes the movie more than just a romance but a look into the development of dance in Egypt and how classical technique was weaved into folklore. 

 

Khaly Balak Men ‘Aaqlak 

Image via SadaElBalad 

Starring Adel Emam and Sherihan and with a soundtrack by Omar Khairat, Khaly Balak Men ‘Aaqlak is a romance that discusses pressing societal issues like harassment and domestic violence in the form of a love story. Wael, a psychiatric student by day and a nightclub worker by night, meets Salwa at the hospital where he trains. He’s drawn to her and falls in love, sensing a hidden story behind her hospital admission. Despite obstacles, he strives to help her.

 

El Zoga El Talatashar 

Image via HiaMagazine 

Last but certainly not least, celebrate Valentine’s Day with El Zoga El Talatashar. The 1962 Egyptian classic, directed by Fatin Abdel Wahab, features a stellar cast, including Shadia and Rushdy Abaza. After Ayda, played by Shadia, marries Mourad, played by Rushdy Abaza, she learns of his troublesome past, which includes 12 marriages. A tale of love, betrayal, and redemption unfolds in this timeless romantic comedy.