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By David Nusair

Cairo Time follows an American magazine writer (Patricia Clarkson's Juliette) as she arrives in Cairo hoping to spend some time with her husband, though his ongoing work-related absence ultimately forces Juliette to see the sights with a friendly local named Tareq (Alexander Siddig).

Director Ruba Nadda does a superb job of luring the viewer into the proceedings almost instantly, as the filmmaker effectively captures the inherent chaos and sleaziness of the titular city - yet it's just as clear that the awe-inspiring visuals and Nadda's emphasis on seriously scenic locales inevitably ensures that the film comes off as an unexpectedly captivating travelogue.

The plot, which is certainly as thin as one could possibly envision, exists primarily as a springboard for Juliette's continuing escapades in and around Cairo, with her back-and-forth banter with Siddig's character establishing itself as a highlight within the proceedings virtually from the get-go - as Clarkson and Siddig offer up compelling, thoroughly ingratiating work that draws the viewer into even the most seemingly inconsequential of their encounters (ie the two share a nighttime cruise around the Nile river).

Siddig's effortlessly magnetic performance is nothing short of a revelation, as the actor - best known for his role on Deep Space Nine - more than holds his own opposite an equally affecting Clarkson and cements his place as the film's secret weapon early on.

The end result is a very low-key, very charming little movie that's as delightful as it is entertaining, with the touching (and unexpectedly heartbreaking) conclusion ensuring that Cairo Time lingers in one's mind long after the end credits have rolled.

Copyright 2001 Reel Film Reviews

'Cairo Time' a rewarding journey

David Lewis, Chronicle Staff Writer

The melancholic, beautiful "Cairo Time" confirms two things that hardly need confirming: The Egyptian capital is a breathtaking metropolis, and Patricia Clarkson is one of the best actors in the world.

But director Ruba Nadda has skillfully crafted far more than a travelogue with a gifted thespian. This is a poetic, romantic, emotionally complex film that sneaks up on you, particularly in its final scenes.

The story opens as fashion editor Juliette (Clarkson) arrives in Cairo for a vacation with her husband, who ends up being a no-show because of unexpected U.N. duty in Gaza. Meeting Juliette at the airport instead is her husband's friend Tareq (Alexander Siddig, dashing and quite convincing).

"Cairo Time" is in no rush to get anywhere, whether it's showing Juliette getting acclimated to the ancient city or unexpectedly developing feelings for Tareq.

Clarkson is so good that even when she's playing an introspective character like Juliette and surrounded by potential scene-stealing images of incredible Cairo, she still commands the screen. Most of her best work here - and the same goes for the rest of the film - occurs when little to nothing is being said.

Perhaps like Cairo itself, the film forces viewers to slow down, to feel the power of those seemingly small yet life-changing moments that we don't always see coming. And as we watch Juliette head off to a special place in those last frames, one more thing is confirmed: Good things come to those who wait.

Copyright 2010 San Francisco Chronicle