Al midan

I saw this film months after the previous review. Obviously, the filmmakers went back and re-edited their work. The resulting film is powerful, insightful and helpful to those of us for whom "Egypt" conjures images of the pyramids.

This film shows very clearly how an idea of justice and government by the people can be co-opted by those who do not necessarily have the same goals. In the end, it also asks of us, the viewers, "What are you willing to do to change a situation?" It also points out that change doesn't happen quickly or easily. Most effectively, the story follows specific individuals and makes one care about how the outcome will effect them.

Americans, take note. Most of those who chanted "Yes, we can" meant "yes, HE can" and then expected the dirty work of change to be others' responsibility. This shows how hard change really is. Don't miss it.