Ismail Yassine in Damascus

Synopsis

"Ismail Yassine in Damascus" is a 1958 Egyptian comedy film starring the beloved comedian Ismail Yassine. The movie follows the humorous adventures and misadventures of Ismail Yassine as he travels to Damascus, weaving through various cultural encounters and comedic scenarios. Set against the backdrop of Damascus, the film combines situational comedy with social commentary typical of Egyptian cinema of the era. It showcases Yassine's signature comedic style, characterized by his expressive face and timing, while exploring themes of identity, cultural exchange, and everyday life in a lighthearted manner. The film remains a notable example of classic mid-20th century Egyptian comedic cinema.

Cast

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  Ismail Yasseen

  Ismail Efendi

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  Ahmed Ramzy

  Ramzi Effendi Medhat

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  Hassan Fayek

  Fayez Fawzi

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  Samira Ahmed

  Lola Fayez Fawzi

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  Nagwa Salem

  Helen

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  Adly Kasseb

  Saber Sabry

Reviews

The reception of "Ismail Yassine in Damascus" has been mixed among contemporary and modern audiences. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 4.2/10, reflecting a range of opinions from viewers who appreciate the nostalgic value but criticize certain aspects like pacing and production quality. Some film enthusiasts laud Ismail Yassine's charismatic performance, noting his ability to bring charm and humor despite the limitations of the era's filmmaking techniques. However, critics have pointed out that the film's plot can feel disjointed and that its comedic elements may not resonate as strongly with international or modern viewers unfamiliar with the cultural context. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official rating or critic reviews for this film, which is common for many older Egyptian films. Metacritic similarly lacks data due to the film's vintage and regional focus. Nonetheless, for fans of classic Egyptian cinema and Ismail Yassine's work, the film offers an important glimpse into the comedic traditions and social narratives of 1950s Egypt and Syria.