When I was a third year medical student in Egypt, I heard about the leprosy colony they set during the days of the epidemic. The idea sounded extremely cruel, to keep one of your family members away just because they've contracted a disease. I guess it was an expected reaction to the fear of it spreading during times where infection control wasn't really a thing, especially in Egypt. Then I saw the trailer of the movie this year; I had to watch it! It was a beautiful, heart-aching experience. I have a thing for movies with fresh faces, and there's nothing better than a leper telling this story. His lovely soul shines through; it's almost amazing that this is his first time acting, so I like to believe it was mostly true, raw emotions. Obama, his young friend, is absolutely charming and talented. It was all aesthetically pleasing. However, there were parts that seemed a bit odd; like him not knowing he jumped on/was hiding in his donkey cart for a good few hours, how the boy lost consciousness with minimal trauma, how they found each other, and so on. I just appreciate a logical sequence of events, even if it's ''just a movie.'' Also, there's a trend of showing extremists in many Egyptian movies in a comedic setting (A trend for almost 30 years.. should be outdated by now). They all talk the same and act the same. It's honestly cliché, and not even funny. It takes away from the professionalism and message of the movie. Despite that, the overall experience was pleasant.
