Documentary illuminates Egypt’s political revolution

Winston Eng, Staff Reporter

There should be little doubt that Jehane Noujaim’s entrancing documentary “The Square” is one of the most compelling and engaging documentaries you may ever see on the recurrent cycles of political revolution in modern-day Egypt. To describe it so succinctly as an overwhelmingly emotional journey from start to finish would fail to do the film justice; to watch history written before my own eyes and witness a perspective previously unexplored by the mass media magnets so often depended upon is simultaneously one of the most heartbreaking and illuminating experiences I have had in some time.

Following the Jan. 2011 protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and onward, the film focuses on the perspectives of student-age activists amidst an eclectic amalgamation of both the poor and the elite, the religious and the secular, attempting to, again and again, dethrone their governing body through mass protest. Early on, it becomes very clear that Noujaim consciously chooses to focus on the secular rebels who, over time, develop their own personal brand of political education fueled by their frustration with their lack of representation at the federal level.

One of these rebels is Ahmed Hassan, an idealist unafraid to spend hours explaining to others their basic right to a sense of self-ownership of nationalism and freedom of expression. Khalid Abdalla is a British ex-pat with a family history of Egyptian activists in charge of relaying information to the outside world via social media. Magdy Ashour is a Muslim Brotherhood member whose unlawful imprisonment and strict loyalty to the Brotherhood often clash with the criticisms from his liberal friends. These are but a few of the characters who share screen time and contribute often to the political and social philosophies of “The Square.”

It is all the more astonishing that such a well-constructed masterpiece could have been created in such a hectic and hell-bent environment. Never is there a moment that felt out of place or forced in; the sequences are balanced and cohesive even when the images scream of terror and uncertainty in the streets. Consistently, the footage contains, in graphic detail, innumerable personal sacrifices recorded without censorship; Noujaim does not shy away from recording the lifeless bodies run over by military tanks or countless victims of a relentless and bullet-fueled military response, and such documentation really hits home the point that there are people willing to lay down their lives for a potential future they may never witness.

In short, the film is a humbling experience. I, like many others, did hear about and keep up with the conflict in Egypt as it was progressing, but after a certain point where the news focus dwindled off, I am embarrassed to say that I did not continue to keep up. Seeing the development from the vantage point of protesters who believe so robustly in a promise of a worthier nation left me starstruck with admiration; I cannot even fathom continuing to wear away at what must feel like a never-ending battle.

“The Square” is a must-see, regardless of personal interest or allegiance in Egyptian political affairs. It is a film that captures the most incredible drive from individuals who believe they can change their own reality, and to not acknowledge such determination would be undeserving of the struggles they have and will continue to face towards triumph.

Those familiar with Jehane Noujaim’s previous film “Control Room” are encouraged to skip a night out and check out “The Square;” anyone with access to Netflix should gather friends, watch this immediately and prepare for a well-deserved post-viewing discussion. Fans of VICE News may find this documentary to be in a relatable format and subsequently a fantastic addition to your collection.