The film's pace, score, and acting choice for the male lead role of Asser Yassin were all top notch, however, I failed to grasp a few choices by the movie makers.
1. Yousra, who is supposed to be the lead in this film was the biggest flaw in the movie. I'm not sure if I would have accepted the role had it been played by someone else, but Yousra's portrayal of the "spirit" Rouh character added no value to the story. If anything, some scenes were ruined by the disney-like childish addition of this "friendly ghost" or whatever it is she was representing. The fact that her name is listed as top billed in the credits also shows how much politics play a big part in Egyptian cinema.
2. The story needed a "transition" scene to highlight the moment(s) when the arrogant prick transitioned into a caring human being in touch with everyone else and aware of the world. This was sadly never added to the film which is a shame considering the fact that Asser Yassin has outstanding acting capabilities and would have pulled it off and added a scene of enormous magnitude to the film.
3. Around the end of the film, there is a scene where Yassin's character is joined by those he previously helped to break into a man's apartment. Regardless of the purpose, it didn't make much sense to me. It would have tasted better for me if Yassin's character had gone alone.
4. Yassin gets shot during the break in scene yet strolls around with a bullet in his arm like a true fighter. You don't even get the feeling that he's hurt. The film makers should have either emphasized on how the wound was dealt with or just... Not have him get shot at all.
5. The child actor who played his son was quite weak for a 'speaking' role. This was a role child actors would only dream of, which I can only assume that either the child selected was related to one of the producers or they just don't care much for the details. Egyptian cinema needs to move away from the 'one man show' assumption that the audience only watches films and shows for that one name, that one actor, because that kills talent potential.
6. Finally, it turns out that his wife has been pretending to be in a coma half the time which again is a needless plot twist.
There is absolutely no need for the plot twist and absolutely no need for Yousra's role.
Overall all is the film worth watching? Absolutely. The music score, Asser Yassin's acting, and the overall drama is worth the watch. If you've read reviews about the religious context of the film, then I'd just just ignore those reviews. The film should be purely assessed from an artistic perspective just like any drama should.
There is absolutely no need for the plot twist and absolutely no need for Yousra's role.
Overall all is the film worth watching? Absolutely. The music score, Asser Yassin's acting, and the overall drama is worth the watch. If you've read reviews about the religious context of the film, then I'd just just ignore those reviews. The film should be purely assessed from an artistic perspective just like any drama should.
