Monopoly

Monopoly (The Bank Of Luck) is an Egyptian comedic adventure film directed by Sameh Abdelaziz and written by Adel Salib. Released in 2017, the movie has been a box office hit in the Middle East due to its unique fusion of comedy, suspense, and drama. The movie describes a unique story with satire and suspense painted with a brush of humor. Starring a stellar cast including the talented Mohamed Mamdouh, the versatile Mohammed Tharwat, and the exceptional Akram Hosny, the movie exhibits a blend of high-octane performances.

Influenced by the world-renowned board game, the movie takes on the motif of Monopoly, symbolically signifying the game of life involving money, power, risks, and survival. The film's entire plot revolves around the metaphorical relationships between the game's dynamics and life's ups and downs. The movie creatively employs the board game's theme as a metaphor for socioeconomic issues, revealing the inevitable link between the game of Monopoly and the game of life.

The narrative is driven by an intriguing premise about four friends who come up with an extraordinarily innovative idea. One day, they accidentally decide to apply the principles of the Monopoly board game to their real-life financial struggles. The four friends are faced with economic difficulties that force them to resort to a bold and unlawful step. They find a way to rob one of the biggest banks in the country. As their plan begins to unfold, they discover they're stumbling deeper down the path into a labyrinth of unforeseen circumstances. Whether it is good luck, bad luck or simply a roll of dice controls their destiny forms the crux of the film.

Mohamed Mamdouh, Mohammed Tharwat, and Akram Hosny deliver robust performances that light up the film with their dynamic interaction and genuine rapport, carving a delightful and thrilling adventure for the audiences. Their performances contribute to the movie's charm, offering a balance of comedy and drama that lends the film its heartfelt and engaging nature.

The film also offers thrilling episodes filled with unexpected twists and turns that glue the audience to their seats. It naively questions the ethics of common man manipulated by their desperation and presents the viewers' questions about right and wrong. The movie consciously steers clear of classic slapstick humor, rather offering a thoughtful and edgy comedy style that adds to the narrative's richness.

Director Sameh Abdelaziz’s command over his craft is apparent throughout the film. From the film's unsettling premise to its rollercoaster narrative, he successfully maintains a suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film, while balancing it with an effortless blend of humor. The vision of Abdelaziz paired with the stellar screenplay by Adel Salib provides a thrilling ride that captivates viewers from beginning to end.

Furthermore, the technical aspects of the film add another layer to the overall presentation. The cinematography beautifully captures the nuances of the protagonists' actions and situations, while the background score blends perfectly with the narrative, enhancing the tension and comedy in the film.

Monopoly (The Bank Of Luck) goes beyond being merely a comedic motion picture. It portrays an engaging narrative that combines adventure, comedy, and suspense to offer a unique cinematic experience. It presents a refreshing take on the hardship, desperation, and the lengths individuals will go to endure in a challenging economic climate. It's a compelling film that uses humor to navigate serious, thought-provoking themes, making for an enjoyable and enlightening movie night.