76 reviews
Blue Elephant is not just an important novel or movie, it is a new start for the Egyptian cinema.
Al-Pheel Al-Azraq (The Blue Elephant), a film based on the best-selling novel by Ahmed Mourad, is set to premiere in Egypt and several Arab countries,the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday following the end of Ramadan.
Karim Abdel-Aziz, who returns to the big screen as a superstar in the film, expressed how satisfied he was with this production and said he was not surprised the Audience has shown such excitement about the film.
The film hit more than a bird with one stone, its scenario kept almost long-smart dialogs from the novel, let the characters to say and reveal their masks, the film kept all the exciting moments: A doctor returns to work in a psychiatric hospital after several years of the death of his family, throwing him to the section 8 West where there are murderers under observation, there he finds an old colleague accused of killing his wife, the doctor had a love affair with an old colleague, the sister of the accused, a doctor looking for the secret behind the crime while the plot shows us the possibility that the accused killer claim a mental illness, or the illness of the physician or the presence of a mysterious third party committed the crime across the body of the accused killer, Mixing not only between the science and what is ghostly, but the film managed to Show its characters the same degree it shows about the crime, this mixture is good and amazing because it is the most difficult choice for the writer. The film succeeded in showing most of novel's fantasies, The graphic scenes in the film is the best since graphic entered the Egyptian cinema, a global company specializing carried out the world of dreams and hallucinations, I never imagined when I read the novel to see Kareem Abdul-Aziz, to play the role of Yahya Rashid, difficult character and it was a real surprise, his role is the most difficult in my opinion because it does not depend on the apparent emotion , but convey all the time the feeling of fractures can not be healed, in his life only one and single hope, the story of an old love, Khaled El Sawy was fantastic ambiguous and double character, human being led by devil, Nelly Karim performance was quiet, simple and non-artificial. Thanks to The Blue Elephant and its talented makers. Mahmoud Abd El Shakour
Karim Abdel-Aziz, who returns to the big screen as a superstar in the film, expressed how satisfied he was with this production and said he was not surprised the Audience has shown such excitement about the film.
The film hit more than a bird with one stone, its scenario kept almost long-smart dialogs from the novel, let the characters to say and reveal their masks, the film kept all the exciting moments: A doctor returns to work in a psychiatric hospital after several years of the death of his family, throwing him to the section 8 West where there are murderers under observation, there he finds an old colleague accused of killing his wife, the doctor had a love affair with an old colleague, the sister of the accused, a doctor looking for the secret behind the crime while the plot shows us the possibility that the accused killer claim a mental illness, or the illness of the physician or the presence of a mysterious third party committed the crime across the body of the accused killer, Mixing not only between the science and what is ghostly, but the film managed to Show its characters the same degree it shows about the crime, this mixture is good and amazing because it is the most difficult choice for the writer. The film succeeded in showing most of novel's fantasies, The graphic scenes in the film is the best since graphic entered the Egyptian cinema, a global company specializing carried out the world of dreams and hallucinations, I never imagined when I read the novel to see Kareem Abdul-Aziz, to play the role of Yahya Rashid, difficult character and it was a real surprise, his role is the most difficult in my opinion because it does not depend on the apparent emotion , but convey all the time the feeling of fractures can not be healed, in his life only one and single hope, the story of an old love, Khaled El Sawy was fantastic ambiguous and double character, human being led by devil, Nelly Karim performance was quiet, simple and non-artificial. Thanks to The Blue Elephant and its talented makers. Mahmoud Abd El Shakour
- a0124153238
- Jul 29, 2014
- Permalink
The movie the novel deserves
After reading the book for many times and watching the trailers for dozens of times, finally watched the much anticipated movie at the theater.
The movie is a masterpiece that's not only as amazing as the novel, but also completes and answers a lot of mystic questions in the mind of the readers.
The cast were amazing, they literally did it the way you visualize it in your mind while reading novel.
The music was great and well implemented, specially at the dream part.
Cinematography was the first time to see in an Arabic movie, though it's well known since movies like 300 and Sherlock Holmes.
A lot of people are wondering does the movie really deserve this score on IMDb, the answer is, compared to our Arabic movies, YES it deserves a 12, although for on international basis, the movie could be 7.5
At last, whether you read the book or not, you will get what your are bargaining for.
The movie is a masterpiece that's not only as amazing as the novel, but also completes and answers a lot of mystic questions in the mind of the readers.
The cast were amazing, they literally did it the way you visualize it in your mind while reading novel.
The music was great and well implemented, specially at the dream part.
Cinematography was the first time to see in an Arabic movie, though it's well known since movies like 300 and Sherlock Holmes.
A lot of people are wondering does the movie really deserve this score on IMDb, the answer is, compared to our Arabic movies, YES it deserves a 12, although for on international basis, the movie could be 7.5
At last, whether you read the book or not, you will get what your are bargaining for.
Well Done
This type of genre is nothing new In American movies but In the Egyptian cinema it's quite a surprise. The beginning of the film Is something seen in many films about someone accused of murder and being checked by a psychiatrist. The ironic thing is that the doctor whose job is to treat the mentally insane is messed up just as much as his patients. and even though this doctor seems to destroy everything he touches,you still feel that there is hope left In him. What happens after that is very hard to explain, it can only be seen . and that's what's special about this film,it's visually entertaining . The story ending might be strange and you might have many questions unanswered. but good films usually leave you wondering like that. Very good cast and amazing direction. And as was said in the film there's a fine line between what's real and what's not and what makes you want to cross that line Is curiosity. Egyptian cinema Is back to life with this film.
the best movie in Egypt in the last 4 years
i really loved the movie i have read the novel about 2 years ago and i was waiting for the movie to come up i thought i am gonna get disappointed from the movie because this type of movie never been done in Egypt and the crew is young but there was one insuring thing that Ahmed mourad whose gonna write the movie it was excellent really enjoyed the movie and the length of the movie is perfect its filled with thriller and makes you think what is gonna to happened next takes your attention you wanna listen to every word so focused in it really it gives example to producers that good script and good stories always succeed. the best movie in the last 4years in Egypt.
every single minute is worth watching
the film was very well made and the storyline was very good with a lot of twists and suspense . it's about a psychiatrist (Yehia)works in a sector where they find out if criminals who made ugly murders suffer from a Psychiatric Disease or mental disease or they are healthy to decide their judgment. the DR find out that his old friend (Sherif) has been brought there for killing his wife brutally so he tries to help him and find out what happened to him and what made him do that. and then he find out a strange thing about his friend Sheriff Yehia later tries a drug called the blue elephant which takes him to another dimension see things and hear things which very close to what happened to his friend. there is a good point in the direction of the movie the original story contained a lot of nudity the director managed to reach the point with almost no nudity and that was good
in brief this is the sort of movies that make you change your judgment on characters a lot and get confused and wonder who is right and who is wrong the movie was awesome the acting , sound effects and graphics were perfect i give the movie 8/10 really worth watching
in brief this is the sort of movies that make you change your judgment on characters a lot and get confused and wonder who is right and who is wrong the movie was awesome the acting , sound effects and graphics were perfect i give the movie 8/10 really worth watching
Simply Amazing One of the Best Movies Hollywood never produced!!
This is one of rare times I attempt to a write a reviews on IMDb .I consider myself an extremely demanding customer (Movie Watcher) born and raised on some classic American as well as Egyptian classics. Great movies of all times from The God Father all the way to Lord of the Rings and The Matrix!! This movie has something very special and I reckon sooner or later America will adopt that same story based on the best-selling novel by Ahmed Mourad (Al Feel Al Azrak) translated into English as The Blue Elephant and most people who are about to watch this explosive roller coaster are in for a real treat as the movie is head casted by Egypt's and the ME arguably most popular and charismatic star of his generation Kareem Abd Al Aziz and Directed by the genius Marwan Hamid who almost 10 years back had his directorial debut directing the all time Egyptian classic The Yacoubian Building rated 9.3 on IMDb just a year back.
The Blue Elephant is a tense physcological thriller with intense horror that will take you to places never thought possible on the Egyptian screen thanks to an exceptionally good story line based on the best selling novel (The Blue Elephant) which made a huge stir in the market when it was released and now enter the movie that thankfully does the book justice. The movie is backed by an excellent script and presented very smartly by Marwan Hamid yet the massive surprise lies in the finale which turns the movie into a different genre all together!! All in all this is a must watch movie for any nationality and one that compliments the all time legendary Egyptian cinematography which not many outside the Arab world are too familiar with yet this movie brings back Egyptian cinema with its long history to its true size, a history that goes back to the 1800s yet the West and America never managed to understand nor appreciate Egypt and why it is popularly dubbed (Hollywood of The Middle East) as Egypt is by far the Arab World main Cinema venue, in addition to Music, literature as well as being the Media Hub appreciated and idolized by millions upon millions in the Middle East and some parts of Asia including Iran. Those who have grown up watching Egyptian movies and TV series's and even replicating Egypt's Arabic dialect which is commonly praised as the most popular form of Arabic in the Arab World yet with all that history and legends the West came only to know Omar Sheriff and lately Amr Wakid which features alongside Scarlett Johansson in her recent flick (Lucy)
The Blue Elephant is a tense physcological thriller with intense horror that will take you to places never thought possible on the Egyptian screen thanks to an exceptionally good story line based on the best selling novel (The Blue Elephant) which made a huge stir in the market when it was released and now enter the movie that thankfully does the book justice. The movie is backed by an excellent script and presented very smartly by Marwan Hamid yet the massive surprise lies in the finale which turns the movie into a different genre all together!! All in all this is a must watch movie for any nationality and one that compliments the all time legendary Egyptian cinematography which not many outside the Arab world are too familiar with yet this movie brings back Egyptian cinema with its long history to its true size, a history that goes back to the 1800s yet the West and America never managed to understand nor appreciate Egypt and why it is popularly dubbed (Hollywood of The Middle East) as Egypt is by far the Arab World main Cinema venue, in addition to Music, literature as well as being the Media Hub appreciated and idolized by millions upon millions in the Middle East and some parts of Asia including Iran. Those who have grown up watching Egyptian movies and TV series's and even replicating Egypt's Arabic dialect which is commonly praised as the most popular form of Arabic in the Arab World yet with all that history and legends the West came only to know Omar Sheriff and lately Amr Wakid which features alongside Scarlett Johansson in her recent flick (Lucy)
Whether you read the novel or not, Go watch it, you'll be proud !
Al-Feel Al-Azraq, I've not been so attracted by an Arabic movie that much (That I actually went to see it on the big screen) in ages ! And I didn't regret it ! :D Where to start ! Great scenario, not one unnecessary line. Karim Abdel Aziz at the highest peak of his career, Khaled El Sawy with a literally LEGENDARY performance ! Soundtrack, montage, editing, effects, CGI, filming, directing...all are so professional, so PERFECT...that you'll enjoy every scene so much that you won't want it to end, because the picture is SO beautiful ! Even if nothing important is going on during the scene, and trust me, there's something important going on in every scene, the movie is very intense, very highly detailed ! Story line will keep consuming all your attention till the very end. About the ending, it won't match with every taste (biggest weak point in the movie.) That's why I gave it a 9/10. But hell, I'm so proud that this project is 100%ly Egyptian ! Restored the hope. :)
I really missed that kinda Shutter-Island feeling ! Go watch it !
I really missed that kinda Shutter-Island feeling ! Go watch it !
- abanobmorad
- Jul 29, 2014
- Permalink
Egyptian movie
We cannot classified this movie as horror movie since most of them without any specific story, however the blue elephant is mixing between drama, horror and romantic.
Watch it and you will never regret.
- aanwar-97345
- Jul 4, 2019
- Permalink
Self-flagellation on Pause!
Ahmed Mourad's The Blue Elephant novel has been a hit in Egypt and Arab world with a huge amount of controversy among readers from all levels of knowledge, culture and interest. Swinging between the spread success and all the criticism it faced due to the massive attraction of many readers, It managed to be always on headlines between people and of course at every book store and now it made it through to the big screen.
Marwan Hamed, one of Egypt finest directors made good choices of the actors and the settings of the scenes. The shooting seemed nice and smooth in most scenes, a bit fair and out of balance in few but mainly it went mostly good.
All actors Kareem, Nelly and the others were mostly on form giving their good performance except of Khaled El Sawy whose performance was exceptional.
The characters on screen appeared close to the author description in shape and behavior. The stylist must have studied and understood the characters well enough to apply that with such a success on their looks.
Until then the movie was going to be just Good, But it needed a sparkle to make it a Great movie according to the standards of Egyptian and Arab cinema production and driving it a step forward to the International standards.
The sparkle came from VFX team with the DOP who both did a great job reflecting Mourad's toughest scenes of the novel into a visual reality with professional touches by Hamed.
Some side notes about the dialogue, shooting and supporting characters cannot ruin the good work has been done by all the crew.
I have always had a big objection about the story ending, but for now I may leave that to myself and enjoy watching an Egyptian cinema production with such professionalism and high standards.
it's not perfect - like anything will never be - yet it's a big step forward that we should applaud and keep our Self-flagellation on Pause!
Marwan Hamed, one of Egypt finest directors made good choices of the actors and the settings of the scenes. The shooting seemed nice and smooth in most scenes, a bit fair and out of balance in few but mainly it went mostly good.
All actors Kareem, Nelly and the others were mostly on form giving their good performance except of Khaled El Sawy whose performance was exceptional.
The characters on screen appeared close to the author description in shape and behavior. The stylist must have studied and understood the characters well enough to apply that with such a success on their looks.
Until then the movie was going to be just Good, But it needed a sparkle to make it a Great movie according to the standards of Egyptian and Arab cinema production and driving it a step forward to the International standards.
The sparkle came from VFX team with the DOP who both did a great job reflecting Mourad's toughest scenes of the novel into a visual reality with professional touches by Hamed.
Some side notes about the dialogue, shooting and supporting characters cannot ruin the good work has been done by all the crew.
I have always had a big objection about the story ending, but for now I may leave that to myself and enjoy watching an Egyptian cinema production with such professionalism and high standards.
it's not perfect - like anything will never be - yet it's a big step forward that we should applaud and keep our Self-flagellation on Pause!
- lukemooreAASH
- Aug 2, 2014
- Permalink
I had every right to be skeptical about this one
Literally everyone I know that watched this film kept pushing me into watching it. claiming it is some sort of a cinematic achievement. I don't think it is bad, but seriously Egyptians and Indians need to stop over-rating movies made by their countries. They're driven by a sense of patriotism that I cannot understand, which usually leads to many unfair ratings like the 8.2 in the blue elephant.
I was impressed with the cinematography but I did not appreciate the slow motion scenes. Also the background music was strongly unrelated in some scenes. The overall emphasis on alcohol addiction seemed like an exaggeration to me and the pacing of the story is all over the place.
still, this might be one of the best Egyptian movies I have seen and is an exciting new approach in Egyptian cinema. I enjoyed it but it doesn't belong anywhere near the 8 category.
Amazing movie
It's very beautiful movie i ever seen it's very amazing
It s beginning of a new genre Egyptian Cinema but not a Master Piece!
Medically wrong!
Guys!
Am I the one here to notice that the movie used the term and the diagnosis (schizophrenia) mistakenly!
I know that they may overlap with each other, but people schizophrenia do not experience being in another personality! There's another disorder called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), or Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) all the same with different terminology.
People who are diagnosed with DPD are the ones who experience dissociation from their personality BUT NOT SCHIZOPHRENICS!
Please guys I'm dying cuz I haven't found any comment regarding this issue, am I right about this or wrong??? If I am, then the movie is not worthy of your time.
Please guys I'm dying cuz I haven't found any comment regarding this issue, am I right about this or wrong??? If I am, then the movie is not worthy of your time.
Blue Elephant film work impressive and promising the return of bright literary novel of Cinema
Blue Elephant novel re-Egyptian novel for the cinema after nine years since the film The Yacoubian Building, a distinct return to see her novel of the most important and most beautiful novels Was introduced during the last five years at the hands of the creator Ahmad Murad I will start by talking about the scenario because Murad could formulate a novel scenario in Very tightly managed through which to be familiar with the most important and accurate details of his story did not prejudice The aim of the novel or its meaning, but was able to see him improve his idea and drafting Joomla talk In a remarkable and highly proportionality with language Senymaúah introduced pursuant creative Extremely difficult and new at the same time the Arab cinema in general. Marwan Hamed skillfully and intelligently transfer what he wrote Ahmed Murad on the silver screen and in a manner Unprecedented in terms of output Senymaúa interested Marwan careful attention personalities Graphics and gave a very impressive scenes in the safe also took all the representatives in the image More than wonderful came in the film moves between the development stages of discovery revives The fact of what could be the most beautiful and Omtana really all interestingness in the game camera And focus on the idea of body language with all the characters, and that point is calculated for Marwan It's a very conscious way out to prove that he is able to portray the idea of the writer in a manner more than Wonderful and there was a focus on the body language added a lot to work also added Marwan lots and lots of places Pachtaarath smart imaging especially those places Collected between salutes and structures which add atmosphere is very compatible with the nature of the film And those checks will find that even considering accessories Nelly Karim came very appropriate To the work environment as a whole Kareem Abdul-Aziz: intelligent artist you can change your skin in a blue elephant and made personal New and different from what presented before and I was able to play a role brilliantly and intelligent and there I can not forget the scenes puzzled salutes in front of himself in front of the situation and the constant focus In the language of the body all around .. trying to discover the truth all the time .. I understood Rashid greets well-presented and the performance is remarkable too Khaled El Sawy: as usual surprised and enjoyed the personal Sheriff Maher Kurdi does not fit Performance of someone else ... someone else perform Khaled Sawi film at least in magnitude for The performance of Anthony Hopkins ... Looks sharpness between the eyes at times and calm at times .. and those who Checks will find that the voice of Khaled El Sawy was changing between scenes noticeable change .. Scenes were beautiful and exotic state of cohabitation and manufactured for the personal Vgesdtha Screen astonishing performance and terrifying. Nelly Karim: embodied the role of Ms. Lubna thin beautiful manner quiet and sophisticated Very able and portray the feelings of those beloved and highlighted perfectly in the scenes at the summit Romance brings to mind the beautiful romantic time Lebleba: about three scenes but Lebleba professorship in her performance and her impressions Own and know how to use coded by personal performed. Mohamed Mamdouh: I tried too much to imagine during the reading of the plays the character as possible Sameh Zidane and after I saw the film I did not see you .. provided the most appropriate doctor vindictive Wondrously silly and made him once he overlooks the screen without speaking personal As grim picture Ahmed Murad in his novel. Darren Smith - Mohammed Shaheen - Shirin Reza Abdatm in very few scenes but you You have made them memorable sights and even printed in the viewer's mind forever. Hisham honest: the case of realizing the subject prior to the submission Hisham always music as Did before the peace and the snake Tito and the sleepless nights and Abraham White and thieves In KGL Toe and more recently in the seven commandments ... I see the Blue Elephant In tune Music is very appropriate for the work and add music atmosphere vague sense of Azad Movie scenes. Note: There is one scene I had hoped that the film will be a car accident scene And the death of Yahya wife and daughter .. This was the scene will add a lot to figure Yahya Because it is the basis of the problem and was able to cream in his narrative of the incident sweetheart Lubna to arrive Scenes within the same salutes and makes you feel, and its sense of Palme. Each greeting and appreciation for the makers of this wonderful work and I see upscale response to be considered Egyptian cinema and put back on track after a recent decline For years.
the most great Egyptian film since Ahmed Zakki was dead
Very cool
- jhanks-45230
- Oct 24, 2017
- Permalink
Magnificent
This isn't a normal movie , it did hurt my mind a lot .
I'm literally lost in the beauty of every scene , i'm not sure if it was the director , cgi , actors or the composer .
im writing this with a shock all over my face , mind and spirit . I've never watched a movie with so much .... i'm out of words , watch it for yourself .
im writing this with a shock all over my face , mind and spirit . I've never watched a movie with so much .... i'm out of words , watch it for yourself .
- mohamedkarem-93392
- Dec 1, 2019
- Permalink
Well the first egyptian/arabic movie to satisfy audience
The blue elephant 2 actually was made with high quality as foreign movies , amazing graphics and storyline . highly recommended to watch
- omar_sayed00
- Jul 27, 2019
- Permalink
Greatest movie from Egypt.
Great movie from Egypt, Karim Abd-Elaziz, Khaled ElSawy.
- mohsensback
- Jun 17, 2019
- Permalink
achievement in Egyptian standards but not on the others
first of all , there has been rumors that the movie has been copied from the tattooist , yes but not all of it ... this the best Egyptian film in the last decade ....but there are many flaws ...the visuals has also flaws ....this is the best performance ever done by Kareem abdelaziz ...Khaled elsawy was ordinary as well as Nelly Kareem ...the first act was slowly paced and wasn't even necessary , the second act was somehow good ..the third act is unbelievable and stunning ....the story has some of the Egyptian melodrama in the first act .. the movie is not complex as people may assume ..even the third act wasn't that much complex ...this movie needs support but also need criticism in order to reach for more improvement ...the movie is not in the Oscar level so it didn't deserve an Oscar nomination for best foreign film ...by the end we need to celebrate this film for its amazing story telling , visual effects , cinematography and directing which we have not seen in decades.
prefiction 👌🏽
The best arab thrillir movie 👌🏽😍 , and the sound track just perfect.
- abood-fawzat
- Jul 25, 2019
- Permalink
Good effort but (9.*) ??!!
9.5 that's may be the most overrated movie ever. Calm down guys, it is not even close to half the quality of THE GODFATHER.
However, people who worked on the movie are really hard workers. The director was very good at the ending but at the 1st hour, he made a lot of flashbacks weren't necessary and soundtracks weren't suitable for the scenes. The ending soundtrack was really great. The Changing of the ending from the book was really cool. I loved the performance of Karim and Nelly. Khaled El Sawy was OK but i expected more.
It's a good step for the Egyptian Cinema and the graphic scenes surprised me but 9.5 !!!!!!!!!!!!
However, people who worked on the movie are really hard workers. The director was very good at the ending but at the 1st hour, he made a lot of flashbacks weren't necessary and soundtracks weren't suitable for the scenes. The ending soundtrack was really great. The Changing of the ending from the book was really cool. I loved the performance of Karim and Nelly. Khaled El Sawy was OK but i expected more.
It's a good step for the Egyptian Cinema and the graphic scenes surprised me but 9.5 !!!!!!!!!!!!
Random thoughts about the movie.
The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world that "The Blue Elephant" is an excellent movie! I admire the cinematography so much also the directing and professional camera angles and views. Although It wasn't something so new to the creative director "Marwan Hamed" , he really excelled in directing this movie. but, unfortunately, he didn't manage to show us and makes us feel many deep feelings was supposed to be in the novel (which was silly, he didn't manage to transfer the character of *Lobna* and the complicated relation between *Dr.Yehia* her. It was supposed to be a sophisticated deep relation filled with sorrow and depression, and I didn't feel that. I wanted to see seductive spontaneous scenes between *Dr.Yehia* and *Maya*, like the novel, and I was shocked after I had watched all the scenes between them! there wasn't any seductive scenes only one spontaneous scene nevertheless it wasn't a bad scene. The soundtrack the music theme was splendid! it was really good which, also, wasn't something new to Hesham Nazeh. The whole movie falls at the scenario it was so bad, the novel itself was bad and weak and the end, to me, seemed to be a call to ignorance. The movie in compare with modern Arabic and Egyptian movie is a breakthrough even in the storyline, it calls to a new artistic movement in the Egyptian movies industry.
awesome phenomenal Egyptian film
- mido_only2
- Jul 29, 2014
- Permalink
one of the best Egyptian movies
The Blue Elephant is a masterpiece as for the story, acting, effects, and the great sound effects. the story is unique and interesting which is written from a novel from the writer "Ahmed Mourad", there are also upcoming movies from his other novels :) the acting is superb especially for "Karim Abdel Aziz" and "Khaled El Sawy" they literally did it the way you visualize it in your mind while reading novel, I never imagined when I read the novel to see Kareem Abdul-Aziz, to play the role of Yahya Rashid, difficult character and it was a real surprise, his role is the most difficult in my opinion because it does not depend on the apparent emotion , but convey all the time the feeling of fractures can not be healed, in his life only one and single hope, visual effects are good also the sound effects are so amazing and stunning one of the best Egyptian movies from a long time really Thanks to The Blue Elephant and its talented makers.