Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Aug 9, 2023 2.5/4

Comparing Cairo to two would-be lovers that roam about in the splendor and complication of the city itself was a lovely idea from Ruba Nadda. It’s a perception that’s both romantic and perhaps a little naïve.

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Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Jul 14, 2022

Cairo Time is an Egyptian pastime in which absolutely nothing happens. [Full review in Spanish]

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David Lamble Bay Area Reporter Jun 12, 2020

You may never see Cairo the same way again after it plays itself in Ruba Nadda's low-key thwarted romance.

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Amie Simon Three Imaginary Girls Mar 8, 2019

There's a definite Lost-in-Translation'y vibe to this, coupled with amazing shots of both the city and people of Cairo. Beautifully filmed and superbly acted.

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Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Sep 7, 2011 B

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Rene Rodriguez Miami Herald Jan 31, 2011 3.5/4

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Peter Rainer Christian Science Monitor Jan 3, 2011 B

The lovely twilit moments in this movie stay with one, and that summoning them up in your mind is like slowing down time.

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Richard Knight Knight at the Movies Nov 3, 2010

This is a film where the promise of romance is almost as important as the romance itself. And perceptively gliding through it, Clarkson and her intricate yet simple approach is a quiet sensation.

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Shannon Wright Moviedex Oct 29, 2010 3/5

Cairo Time's narrative is manna for the menopausal, but, at the very least, worthy for the rest.

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Sean P. Means Salt Lake Tribune Oct 9, 2010 2/4

Not much happens in "Cairo Time," and it doesnt happen in slow, languid fashion.

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Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) Sep 30, 2010 4/5

What makes Cairo Time work stems from the playing of the leads and the manner in which Nadda presents the setting.

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Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sep 26, 2010 86/100

...has at its heart the mildest kind of dalliance, a betrayal so small and excusable it mightn't even register.

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Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Sep 25, 2010 B

Clarkson, in one of her few leading roles, is the film's bright spot and reason for seeing the film.

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Chris Foran Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sep 23, 2010 3/4

Clarkson, as always, is genuine and terrific.

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Margot Harrison Seven Days (VT) Sep 15, 2010 8/10

It's hard to call Cairo Time a "romance." Really, what it is is one of the rare realistic movies about attraction.

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Mike Scott Times-Picayune Sep 10, 2010 3/4

Clarkson not only anchors Nadda's film, but she lifts it up onto her shoulders, carrying it along and helping it become an emotional and thoughtful story of one woman's journey of self-discovery.

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Dan Lybarger Movie Marker Magazine Sep 3, 2010 4/5

Flirtation is often sexier than consummation. There's a constant 'should I or shouldn't I' tension that gives a tale some spine.

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Peter Canavese Groucho Reviews Sep 3, 2010 3/4

The picturesque romantic travelogue...is as obvious but elegant as the bit of symbolism that ends it.

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Robert W. Butler Kansas City Star Sep 2, 2010 3.5/4

A sumptuous feast for heart, head, eye and ear.

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Moira MacDonald Seattle Times Sep 2, 2010 3/4

Clarkson lights up Ruba Nadda's stately drama Cairo Time like the moon on a summer night, making every moment luminous with quiet, resigned longing.

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