Thread: Arabic language dvd

Has anyone seen this film?

Various Artists - Rayya Wa Skeena #01DG1000088

It was one of the films listed on Maqam -- a comedy (interesting topic for a comedy), but what drew my interest was this:

"... with music by Baligh Hamdi, lyrics by Abdel Wahab Mohammed and choreography by Mahmoud Reda. ..."

Thinking of buying it, but wanted to know if someone had seen it first.

I HAVE to see it!
My curiosity level hit the roof when I read that this movie is:
"the story of Egypt's sister serial killers, Rayya and Skeena, in its finest adaptation yet. The musical comedy examines, for the first time, the history of the sisters, their childhood abuse, oppression, poverty, the extreme cruelty they suffered at the hands of their community, and the critical moment which led to a life of crime. This is one of the funniest and most powerful stage productions in Egyptian theater history with music by Baligh Hamdi, lyrics by Abdel Wahab Mohammad, and choreography by Mahmoud Reda."

Say what???:O
Guess this must be the Egyptian equivalent of "Arsenic and Old Lace"?:)

et - Full Story
The Real Raya and Sekina - WALEG

I found it on fineartfilm with a slightly different spelling for the title (Raya and Sekina). From what that entry says, it appears that it has no English subtitles. Sigh.

But I agree with Emma, the description sounds truly bizarre!

If you go to the Police Museum in Cairo (it is in the Citadel), there is a whole section on these sisters. Pretty interesting. I had no idea there was a fictionalized film account! Sounds cool.

I searched Internet movie database for this DVD, and although I didn't find this exact one, I did find several entries for movies based on these women. It seems they were quite the well-known personalities in their day.

There was apparently even a 1955 movie called Ismail Yaseen Meets Raya & Sekina! I find this very funny. (For those not familiar with Egyptian cinema and in particular the actor Ismail Yaseen, he was a VERY VERY famous comedian and appeared in many movies.) He was sort of the Abbott & Costello type of comedian in his day, with respect to the types of movies he made. For example, some of his other titles included Ismail Yassine as Tarzan, Ismail Yassine Meets Frankenstein, Ismail Yassine in the Mental Hospital, Ismail Yassine in the Army, and so on.

I went ahead and ordered it -- couldn't resist. Hopefully I'll have it soon after the holiday weekend and can report back to you all. ..g.:

I can´t wait!
Hope it´s a good buy:)

I've been eyeing that for a while as well--looking forward to a review!

I only read this thread now...
I own the dvd. I bought it about 2 years ago in London. It was recommended by the store seller, who barely could speak english... But anyway, I saw it and I laughed a lot ..l;, although I didn't understand a word, because it has no subtitles in english
Raya wa Skinah is an old and real egyptian story of two sisters (Raya and Skinah) who killed other women to take their gold...
The characters wear alexandrian and folkloric costumes and there is even a "Banat Eskenderia" (Mellaya dance). Shadia looks always pretty!
There are parts of the play on YouTube. Here are some links. The last ones have lots of dance. Have fun!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2pGgLPQ1f4&feature=channel_page]YouTube - Raya W Skina 08[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKhc11R_9N4&feature=channel_page]YouTube - Raya W Skina 09[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h8odDAcXIk&feature=related]YouTube - Shadia and Suheir (Much better quality)[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDIUoq4RUms&feature=related]YouTube - 7obbak Gannini[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGEyK54Ab74&feature=related]YouTube - raya w skina www.abojuma.net[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpPuh3RjZO8&feature=related]YouTube - شاديه و سهير البابلي-اشاعات[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1fV2rpQ-Eg&feature=related]YouTube - Banat Eskenderia[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTHUVNVAH1A&feature=related]YouTube - Zar - El Dor El Dor[/ame]

thanks :)

You're welcome!

This is the great play. It is not subtitled, but it is worth watching for sure! I watch it when I am down, or need a laugh.

Watch it. You won't regret it.