






Qinawi, a physically challenged peddler who makes his living selling newspapers in the central Cairo train station, is obsessed with Hanuma, an attractive young woman who sells drinks. While she jokes with him about a possible relationship, she is actually in love with Abu Siri, a strong and respected porter at the station who is struggling to unionize his fellow workers to combat their boss' exploitative and abusive treatment.
Direction
Chahine's kinetic camera turns a train station into psychological pressure cooker.
Acting
Chahine's own performance as Qinawi is uncomfortably brilliant.
Cinematography
Shadows and steam make Cairo's station a character itself.

Director
Youssef Chahine
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