Alexandria… Why? 1979
Youssef Chahine's *Alexandria… Why? (1979)* plunges into the grim realities of 1940s Alexandria, where the weight of World War II crushes dreams and spirits.
Director: Youssef Chahine
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Alexandria… Why? (1979)* about?
This wartime drama follows Yehia, an 18-year-old Alexandria native who escapes the brutal realities of World War II by immersing himself in Hollywood fantasies. As he longs to study filmmaking in America, he grapples with the suffocating constraints of his middle-class life and the relentless suffering around him.
Who directed *Alexandria… Why? (1979)*?
The film was directed by Youssef Chahine, a celebrated Egyptian filmmaker known for blending personal and political narratives in his work.
Who stars in *Alexandria… Why? (1979)*?
The film features Mohsen Mohey ElDein, Mahmoud El Meligy, Mohsena Tawfiq, Abdullah Mahmoud, and Ahmed Zaki in key roles.
Is *Alexandria… Why? (1979)* worth watching?
While lacking an IMDb rating, the film's themes—youthful ambition, the escapism of cinema, and the weight of war—make it a compelling watch for fans of dramatic, character-driven storytelling. Chahine's direction and the film's poignant atmosphere elevate it beyond a typical wartime drama.
How long is *Alexandria… Why? (1979)*?
The runtime of *Alexandria… Why?* is 133 minutes.
About Alexandria… Why? (1979) — Youssef Chahine's wartime drama of dreams and survival
Youssef Chahine's *Alexandria… Why? (1979)* plunges into the grim realities of 1940s Alexandria, where the weight of World War II crushes dreams and spirits. Eighteen-year-old Yehia, a restless dreamer trapped in a modest middle-class life, escapes into the dazzling fantasies of Hollywood cinema, desperate to chase his ambition of becoming a filmmaker in America. Yet the surrounding chaos—poverty, loss, and the relentless backdrop of war—turns his aspirations into a fragile, almost mythical longing, blending reality with the silver screen. Chahine crafts a deeply atmospheric drama that mirrors the era's despair while celebrating the power of imagination as a defiant act of survival.
The film's emotional core lies in Yehia's inner conflict: a clash between the harshness of his world and the allure of an alternate reality where heroes triumph and dreams come true. With Mohsen Mohey ElDein delivering a raw, introspective performance, *Alexandria… Why?* becomes a poignant exploration of youth, ambition, and the cost of fleeing one's roots. The director's signature blend of personal and political themes infuses the story with authenticity, making it a standout in his filmography—a haunting reflection on cinema's ability to both comfort and torment those who crave something beyond their grasp.