Alexandria… Why? (1979): cast, story & where to watch
1979 · Film · ★ 6
Released in 1979, Alexandria… Why? is a drama film directed by Youssef Chahine, running about 133 minutes.
What it’s about. Set against the panoramic backdrop of war-torn Egypt, director Youssef Chahine tells a highly personal tale of love and determination. Amid the poverty, death and suffering caused by World War II, 18 year-old Yehia, retreats into a private world of fantasy and longing. Obsessed with Hollywood, he dreams of one day studying filmmaking in America, but after falling in love and discovering the lies of European occupation, Yehia profoundly reevaluates his identity and allegiances.
Who’s in it. Alexandria… Why? stars Hassan Hussein, Mahmoud el-Meliguy as Qadry, Youssef Wahby as Souril and Yehia Chahine, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Alexandria… Why? has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Alexandria… Why? page.
If you liked it. Fans of Alexandria… Why? tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Alexandria… Why? (1979)?
- In US, Alexandria… Why? is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Alexandria… Why? worth watching?
- Alexandria… Why? holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Alexandria… Why??
- Alexandria… Why? stars Hassan Hussein, Mahmoud el-Meliguy, Youssef Wahby, Yehia Chahine and Mohsena Tewfik.
- When was Alexandria… Why? released?
- Alexandria… Why? was released in 1979, with a runtime of about 133 minutes.