MovieChat Forums > Cairo Time (2009) Discussion > Similar films or novels?

Similar films or novels?


Hi, I really loved Cairo Time and was wondering if anyone could recommend any films or novels on a similar theme/level? Something with a strong romantic element in an exotic setting (Egypt a plus), but with substance - so no 'Mills & Boon' please! Huge thanks in advance :-)

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It's an old one, but "Out of Africa" is always good.

Oh, and "Before Sunrise", that's another.

I really thought "Cairo Time" took the best from those two movies and added its own personal flavour to the mix.

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Thanks! Can't believe I'd never come across Before Sunrise previously, it looks wonderful.

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I was going to suggest Before Sunrise too. And it should always be followed up by Before Sunset. The thing is, I couldn't help but think about Celine and Jesse while I was watching this. Sure, the ages and countries are different but the connection, intimacy, intensity and the exploration of the city...Loved it.

http://pinartarhan.com/blog/before-sunrise-1995/
http://pinartarhan.com/blog/before-sunset-2004/
http://pinartarhan.com/blog/

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Before Sunset was okay, but not as good.

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Maybe it is less magical, or less innocent. They grew up, they have been through things. But I am glad we got a sequel anyway. The chemistry was still there and I love the dialouge. It helps that Ethan and Julie wrote the script with the director.


http://pinartarhan.com/blog/before-sunrise-1995/
http://pinartarhan.com/blog/before-sunset-2004/
http://pinartarhan.com/blog/

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I think the most obvious answer here is Lost in Translation.

Cairo Time was heavily influenced by Lost in Translation.



"Stop calling me Muggeridge!"

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Ditto Lost in Translation.

Two other movies spring to mind: Brief Encounter (1945), a passionate affair between a married woman and a married man--and one of the most romantic movies of all time--and Light in the Piazza (1962).

LitP is about a woman who takes her daughter to Florence, and the daughter falls in love with a handsome young local. The story is complicated by the fact that the daughter, although beautiful, suffered a head injury and now has the mind of a ten-year-old girl.

Does the mother (the fabulous Olivia DeHavilland, the point-of-view character) let her daughter marry and stay in Italy, or will she forbid the union?

As with Lost in Translation and Cairo Time, LitP a story of an outsider looking in.

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<< Two other movies spring to mind: Brief Encounter (1945), a passionate affair between a married woman and a married man--and one of the most romantic movies of all time >>

Yes, I was thinking of that film a lot while watching Cairo Time.

Brief Encounter trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il8B6E9FzSE

Or cut + paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il8B6E9FzSE

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Lost in Traslation is a good suggestion. Check out Summertime with Katharine Hepburn. The way Venice is at the center of the picture is very much the same way that Cairo was used in this movie (probably more so. Lean directed Summertime)

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I don't guess anyone would agree that The African Queen fits this category...

"...That's the beauty of argument, Joey. If you argue correctly, you're never wrong..."

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The Painted Veil is good. It is set in China, starring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. It has gorgeous scenery, music, and acting.

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The more romantic aspects of The English Patient take place in Cairo/the desert of north Africa. LOVE that film.

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Exactly what I was going to write.

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ditto "brief encounter"!
i wrote this is another thread also, but "cairo time" reminded me a lot of "monsoon wedding," henry jaglom's "deja vu," and "a fond kiss." all gorgeous, wonderful films worth checking out. :)

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If you truly like the spirit of this film, you owe it to yourself to read (or see film adaptations ) of the work of Somerset Maugham. He could have written this and it would have fit easily into his body of work.

"The Painted Veil" was mentioned earlier and he wrote that as well as several books dealing with the "traveler in Romance" and the effects exotic lands could have on the seeker.

When one parts with so many elements of one's "comfort zone", anything can happen...

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I recommend "Stealing Beauty" . It's beautiful, sensuous, set in Tuscany. I also agree with English Patient and Before Sunrise/Sunset.

"Letters to Juliet" was a cute travel rom-com but not on the same emotional level as this movie.

Also, although not a travel movie, I think if you liked Cairo Time you would enjoy Amelie. The music in parts of Cairo reminded me of Amelie, and sure enough, I just saw on another post that Yann Tiersen, Amelie composer, composed a track.

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I had to think of "Bridges of Madison County".

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Nowhere in Africa is a really good movie where the characters are slowly transformed. I think anyone who enjoyed Cairo Time will enjoy this movie also.

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Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn, perhaps?

"Why do you say this to me, when you know I will kill you for it?" ~ General Zod

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I liked at movie called Bread and Tulips set in Venice. A housewife is so taken for granted that her family leavs her behind on a bus tour. She hitch hikes to Venice and takes a job meeting new people and a man.

I don't know everything. Neither does anyone else

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