Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- reflective
- nostalgic
- melancholic
- arthouse film night
- arab cinema retrospective
What critics said
The film is regarded as a major Egyptian work, combining autobiographical coming-of-age drama with a vivid portrait of wartime Alexandria.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Yehia's artistic ambitions and family circumstances reflect the film's autobiographical basis.
Yehia is inspired by American movies and Shakespeare while pursuing acting.
The plot specifically places Yehia in cosmopolitan Alexandria during World War II.
Yehia's middle-class life and wartime conditions obstruct his Hollywood dream.
Films like Alexandria… Why?, and why
The Emigrants
autobiographical coming-of-age drama shaped by cinema, memory, and political history
Hope and Glory
war-era coming-of-age story balancing personal aspiration with historical upheaval
Cinema Paradiso
self-reflexive drama about youthful artistic ambition amid social constraint
Movie Details
- Director
- Youssef Chahine
- Release Date
- 1979-08-23
- Runtime
- 133 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (29)
Cast
- Mohsen Mohey ElDein
- Mahmood Al-Meleji
- Mohsena Tawfiq
- Abdullah Mahmoud
- Ahmed Zaki
- Naglaa Fathy
- Ahmed Mehrez
- Gerry Sundquist
- Laila Hamada
- Farid Shawqy
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Criterion Channel
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Alexandria… Why? about?
- A young Alexandrian's dream of becoming an actor collides with middle-class limits and the upheaval of World War II.
- What is Alexandria… Why? like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Alexandria… Why? as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Alexandria… Why? violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Alexandria… Why? as moderate.
- What did critics think of Alexandria… Why??
- The film is regarded as a major Egyptian work, combining autobiographical coming-of-age drama with a vivid portrait of wartime Alexandria.
- Which films are like Alexandria… Why??
- Films with a similar feel include The Emigrants, Hope and Glory, and Cinema Paradiso.
- How long is Alexandria… Why??
- Alexandria… Why? runs 133 minutes.
- Where can I watch Alexandria… Why??
- In United States, Alexandria… Why? streams on Criterion Channel.
