Rich and imposing.

At more than 2 1/2 hours, The Yacoubian Building is nothing if not long. But it's a window into a culture that few of us get to see.

The Yacoubian Building distinguishes itself both as the most expensive Egyptian film ever made and, despite its nearly three-hour running time, one of the most watchable.

Rather flamboyant, a bit crude, not without its own stereotypes and sentimentality, Hamed's film nevertheless demonstrates some courage and insight.