The Square

This spellbinding, Oscar-nominated documentary follows Egyptian revolutionaries through political turmoil, starting with a 2011 demonstration in Tahrir Square, and through the troubled presidency of Mohamed Morsi. Subjects include Ahmed Hassan, present through all stages of the revolution that resulted in two presidents (Morsi and Hosni Mubarak) stepping down. There’s also Khalid Abdalla, a world-famous actor who played the terrorist pilot in United 93 and also starred in The Kite Runner. Abdalla eschewed the actor’s lifestyle to take part in the revolution, and even be an international face for the revolution (the film includes his TV interview with Anderson Cooper). The movie gives good insight into the political sides in the struggle, including the Muslim Brotherhood and the rift that occurred between the brotherhood and the civilian revolutionaries. It’s at times a bloody, shocking and optimistic look into Egypt’s struggles and demands to be seen.