Empire M

Hussein Kamal's 1972 Egyptian film follows Mona, a widow raising six children alone. Their ages run from primary school to university. When Mona considers marrying again, the household rises against it. The film gives each child's objection in turn; the narrative takes up a mother's right to a life of her own and argues it directly for its time. Faten Hamama leads, in one of her best-known films. It is adapted from a novel. The tone sits between family drama and comedy. Who it's for: viewers of classic Egyptian cinema and family drama. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a fast narrative; the film is long and proceeds through talk.