Al-La'ib Ma'a Al-Kibar

Playing with the Big Boys
Theatrical release poster
اللعب مع الكبار
Directed by	Sherif Arafa
Written by	Wahid Hamed
Produced by	Aflam Wahid Hamed
Starring	Adel Emam Hussein Fahmy Mahmoud el-Gendy Mustafa Metwalli Aida Riad
Cinematography	Mohsen Nasr
Edited by	Adel Mounir
Music by	Moudy Imam
Distributed by	Etihad El-Fannanin for Cinema and Video
Release date	22 June 1991 (1991-06-22) (Egypt)
Running time	100 minutes
Country	Egypt
Languages	Arabic, Egyptian Arabic

Playing with the Big Boys (Arabic: اللعب مع الكبار, romanized: Al-La‘ib Ma‘a Al-Kibār) is an Egyptian comedy-drama film released in 1991. Directed by Sherif Arafa and written by the renowned screenwriter Wahid Hamed, the film features a star-studded cast including Adel Emam, Hussein Fahmy, Mahmoud el-Gendy, Mustafa Metwalli, and Aida Riad. The film is known for its compelling narrative, intense performances, and exploration of social and political themes relevant to contemporary Egyptian society. It was released during the Eid al-Adha holiday on 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1411 AH (June 22, 1991).

The film weaves themes of justice, sacrifice, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in opposing entrenched power structures. It portrays Hassan (Adel Emam) as an ordinary man whose courage and determination propel him into the perilous world of systemic corruption. His journey examines the cost of loyalty, the dynamics of power, and the resilience needed to challenge injustice, ultimately illustrating the audacity required to “Playing with the Big Boys.”

Synopsis

The film follows the journey of Hassan Behnasi Behloul (Adel Emam), an ordinary, unemployed citizen who frequents "Fatouh Café," located at the corner of "Barghout Alley." He endures challenging life circumstances that have delayed his marriage to his fiancée, Hana (portrayed by Aida Riyad). He finds himself unable to secure a job or marry her, leading to a life of stagnation. Despite living with his father, a barber, Hassan refuses to join him in his trade. His circumstances are grim, his dreams unfulfilled, yet his unwavering love for his country and sense of responsibility remain intact.

Hassan wakes up and heads to the café’s telephone, where he places a call to the State Security Agency. He speaks to Officer Mo'tasem Al-Alfi (Hussein Fahmy) and informs him about a fire that will occur in a factory the following day. Surprisingly, the fire occurs as predicted, prompting an unusual bond between the skeptical officer and the seemingly clairvoyant Hassan. When the officer inquires how he knew about it, Hassan reveals that he saw it in a dream. However, Mo'tasem Al-Alfi believes that Hassan’s insights are not supernatural. This marks the beginning of a unique relationship between Hassan, an ordinary citizen burdened by the concerns and challenges of his country, and Officer Mo'tasem, a professional with a profound sense of humanity and a keen sense of duty.

Hassan is detained by Officer Mo'tasem Al-Alfi, who pressures him to reveal the source of his knowledge about the fire, but Hassan refuses to confess. The officer even brings Hassan’s fiancée to his office and sets up a hidden camera to observe their conversation, yet they never discuss the incident. Two individuals later confess to starting the factory fire, but when Hassan sees them, he questions them about two others named Fathi and Rashwan. Declaring the confessions false, Hassan insists that these men are not responsible for the fire.

Upon returning to his neighborhood, Hassan reunites with his lifelong friend, Ali Al-Zahhar (played by Mahmoud El-Gendy). They meet one night in the desert and have an ordinary conversation, though it seems Ali shares information about the incidents with Hassan. They cross paths again during a football match between Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC, under the watchful eye of a police informant assigned to follow them. Despite his efforts, Officer Mo'tasem fails to uncover the source of Hassan’s knowledge.

One day, Hassan dreams of another disaster. He predicts that something catastrophic will occur at 19 Marjane Street between 3:00 and 3:30 PM, though he has no further details. Accompanied by Officer Mo'tasem, Hassan rushes to the location. There, they find a private security officer guarding a political refugee residing in apartment 12 on the fourth floor of building 19. Concluding that the disaster will involve this individual, they prepare for the worst. Minutes later, the refugee appears with his dog, while children returning from school enter the building. Meanwhile, a car carrying four armed men with rifles approaches from the street.

Hassan instinctively runs to protect the children, while Officer Mo'tasem moves to shield the refugee. A shootout ensues, resulting in the deaths of two attackers, the injury of one, and the surrender of the fourth. Both the refugee and the children are saved.

Despite his repeated efforts, Officer Mo'tasem fails to uncover the source of Hassan’s seemingly prophetic knowledge. One day, Hassan awakens to find himself facing a new officer, El-Sayouti (played by Mustafa Metwalli). The case has been transferred from Mo'tasem to El-Sayouti, who subjects Hassan to severe torture in an attempt to extract the truth, but Hassan remains silent.

Later, Hassan meets Ali Al-Zahhar near the pyramids at night. Ali declares himself the “Pharaoh of this era,” proud of his efforts to protect the country despite his simplicity and poverty. He vows to continue defending it from evil.

Meanwhile, another man proposes to Hassan’s fiancée, flaunting his wealth. Enraged, Hassan publicly beats him in front of the entire neighborhood. Hassan then visits the cinema to meet Ali, who provides details about a significant incident. The next day, Hassan reports to Officer Mo'tasem that heroin is being smuggled in the suitcase of a politically protected figure whose immunity shields him from searches.

Time and again, Hassan accurately predicts crimes, and his information consistently proves reliable.

It is revealed that all the secret operations exposed by Hassan were orchestrated by a powerful criminal syndicate with significant influence in the country. The syndicate eventually discovers that the confidential information Hassan has been providing to security forces originates from his friend, Ali Al-Zahhar. Ali, who works at a telephone communication center, overhears sensitive conversations revealing threats to national security.

To protect Ali's identity, Hassan steadfastly conceals his source, even under immense pressure and torture, maintaining the narrative that his knowledge comes from dreams. This unwavering loyalty underscores Hassan’s commitment to safeguarding his friend while continuing to stand against the forces threatening his country.

Hassan and Ali devise a bold plan to expose high-level corruption and criminal activities, targeting the influential elite. Their efforts uncover a dangerous network, including a drug lord involved in the heroin trade. As their actions gain attention, the stakes escalate, placing them in grave danger. Tragedy strikes when Ali is killed at his workplace, unable to escape the repercussions of their daring endeavors. Overcome with grief and anger, Hassan informs Officer Mo'tasem of his friend’s death in a poignant confrontation. "I will keep dreaming," Hassan shouts in the final scene. Mo'tasem Al-Alfi shoots the terrorists.

Cast

The main actors in the film: Adel Imam and Hussein Fahmy

• Adel Emam: (Hassan Behnasi Behloul)
• Hussein Fahmy: (Officer Mo'tasem Al-Alfi)
• Mahmoud el-Gendy: (Ali Al-Zuhar)
• Aida Riyad: (Hanaa)
• Gamal Ismail: (The Coffee Shop Owner)
• Mustafa Metwalli: (Al-Asyouti)
• Abdel Hafiz El-Tatawy: (Behnasi Behloul the Barber - Hassan’s Father)
• Ahmed Louxor: (Behnasi’s Friend)
• Hanem Mohamed: (Hanaa’s Mother)
• Karim El-Husseini: (The Minister’s Son)
• Mohamed Al-Sawy: (State Security Detective)
• Hisham Abdallah: (Investigative Officer)
• Abu El-Fotouh Amara: (The Informant)
• Sayed Hatem: (Farag Abu Zaid)
• Hisham Osman
• Abdel Hadi Anwar
• Adel Khalaf

Guest appearances

• Ahmed Rateb: (The Arab Diplomat)
• Ahmed Aql: (Member of Parliament)
• Said El-Saleh: (Sergeant Madbouli Abdel Aal)
• Bassam Ragab: (Hanaa's New Fiancé)

With participation from

Hamdy Youssef: (The Mysterious Man) Zayed Fouad Hamdy Salem Fouad Farghaly Ezzat El-Mashad: (Media Spokesperson)

Tawfiq El-Kurdi: (General Omar El-Sayyad) Hassan El-Deeb Ahmed Kamaly Abdel Wahab El-Hadidi: (Media Supervisor) Ahmed El-Barai: (Coffee Shop Patron)

Mahmoud Abu Zeid Wahid Hamed: (Man at the Coffee Table) Adel Helal Leila Abdel Hakim: (Aalia - Fouad Farghaly’s Wife) Hindeya: (Wedding Dancer)

Hussein Arar: (Soft Drink Vendor) Abdel Jawad Metwally: (Airport Officer) Yehia Suleiman Nihad Ramez

Reception

Critical Response

Playing with the Big Boys received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful performances, especially by Adel Emam, whose portrayal of Hassan was praised for its depth and relatability. Critics lauded the film's ability to address pressing societal issues while maintaining an engaging and entertaining narrative. The film is widely regarded as one of the finest works written by screenwriter Wahid Hamed, marking his sixth collaboration with Adel Emam. This partnership had previously yielded notable successes, including Elect Dr. Suleiman (1981), Al Ensan Ya'esh Mara Wahida (1981), Al-Ghoul (1983), Al Halfout (1984), and the television series Dreams of the Flying Boy (1978). The film has earned a distinguished place in Egyptian cinematic history, being listed among the 100 greatest films in the memory of Egyptian cinema. The film was ranked 90th from the 100 greatest films of Egyptian cinema during the activities of the 20th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival in 1996.

Fathi Farag remarked on the film, noting that Wahid Hamed demonstrated skill in crafting a screenplay that effectively combines seriousness with an awareness of real-world issues, while also meeting the demands of popular success. The film serves as a strong example of this approach. This time, an innovative formula was employed, blending dreams with reality, under the direction of the highly talented Sherif Arafa. The protagonist, Hassan Bahloul, portrayed by Adel Emam, is a character who straddles the line between these two realms. He is a young, unemployed, aimless university graduate, a cynical and financially destitute lover. While Adel Emam’s portrayal of Hassan often sees him strolling through the streets of the Interior Ministry as though he were walking in Zamalek’s fish garden, joking with informants, the character is simultaneously exposed to the grim sounds of torture. He mocks the informants and guards, who appear almost absurd in their actions. The film carries a distinct tone of satire, particularly aimed at the vast, convoluted bureaucratic procedures that yield no real results. "Playing with the Big Boys" is both a popular and highly successful film, with Adel Emam delivering a performance that captures his signature comedic style. At the same time, it stands as a well-crafted and respectable film in terms of its writing, direction, acting, music, and overall execution.