Comparing Cairo to two would-be lovers that roam about in the splendor and complication of the city itself was a lovely idea from Ruba Nadda. It’s a perception that’s both romantic and perhaps a little naïve.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 9, 2023

Cairo Time is an Egyptian pastime in which absolutely nothing happens. [Full review in Spanish]

| Jul 14, 2022

You may never see Cairo the same way again after it plays itself in Ruba Nadda's low-key thwarted romance.

| Jun 12, 2020

There's a definite Lost-in-Translation'y vibe to this, coupled with amazing shots of both the city and people of Cairo. Beautifully filmed and superbly acted.

| Mar 8, 2019

| Original Score: B | Sep 7, 2011

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 31, 2011

The lovely twilit moments in this movie stay with one, and that summoning them up in your mind is like slowing down time.

| Original Score: B | Jan 3, 2011

This is a film where the promise of romance is almost as important as the romance itself. And perceptively gliding through it, Clarkson and her intricate yet simple approach is a quiet sensation.

| Nov 3, 2010

Cairo Time's narrative is manna for the menopausal, but, at the very least, worthy for the rest.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 29, 2010

Not much happens in "Cairo Time," and it doesnt happen in slow, languid fashion.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 9, 2010

What makes Cairo Time work stems from the playing of the leads and the manner in which Nadda presents the setting.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 30, 2010

...has at its heart the mildest kind of dalliance, a betrayal so small and excusable it mightn't even register.

| Original Score: 86/100 | Sep 26, 2010

Clarkson, in one of her few leading roles, is the film's bright spot and reason for seeing the film.

| Original Score: B | Sep 25, 2010

Clarkson, as always, is genuine and terrific.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 23, 2010

It's hard to call Cairo Time a "romance." Really, what it is is one of the rare realistic movies about attraction.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Sep 15, 2010

Clarkson not only anchors Nadda's film, but she lifts it up onto her shoulders, carrying it along and helping it become an emotional and thoughtful story of one woman's journey of self-discovery.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 10, 2010

Flirtation is often sexier than consummation. There's a constant 'should I or shouldn't I' tension that gives a tale some spine.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 3, 2010

The picturesque romantic travelogue...is as obvious but elegant as the bit of symbolism that ends it.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 3, 2010

A sumptuous feast for heart, head, eye and ear.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 2, 2010

Clarkson lights up Ruba Nadda's stately drama Cairo Time like the moon on a summer night, making every moment luminous with quiet, resigned longing.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 2, 2010