You are here:

A Man in Our House

Name: A Man in Our House
Director: Henry Barakat
Released: 1961
Duration: 153 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

1961

Director

Henry Barakat

Runtime

153 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Man in Our House is a politically charged drama that frames anti-colonial resistance as a moral imperative. It effectively counters Western-centric clichés by emphasizing the ability to act of the indigenous population against systemic oppression. While the film adheres to the era's social constraints regarding sexuality, it provides a sophisticated critique of global power hierarchies. The narrative successfully connects private domestic life with the volatility of political revolution. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cultural defiance, using the protagonist's rebellion to challenge the status quo of Western-aligned political institutions.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does A Man in Our House have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows mid-century norms, focusing on heterosexual romance and traditional family structures. There are no queer narratives or non-binary gender identities present.

How does A Man in Our House portray gender?

Fair

Women play key roles in challenging traditional hierarchies by participating strategically in the resistance. Samia rejects an arranged marriage, while Nawal serves as a crucial liaison for the revolutionaries.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Man in Our House?

Good

The story centers on indigenous people reclaiming their national identity against Western influence. It highlights the struggle against a pro-colonial Prime Minister to regain control over their nation.

How does A Man in Our House represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative is grounded in anti-imperialist sentiments. It emphasizes revolutionary morality and collective national identity over the legalistic frameworks imposed by the colonial state.

Does A Man in Our House include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the character arcs or the plot progression.

Present on Screen

Strong critique of Western hegemony and colonial oppression.
Women play significant roles in the resistance, showing strategic utility.
Deeply rooted in anti-imperialist and nationalistic sentiment.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation or queer narratives.
Does not include portrayals of disability.

Official Synopsis

Rebel Ibrahim Hamdy assassinates a pro-colonial Prime Minister but is arrested and hides with a fellow university student, who initially refuses but eventually accepts him. Abdul Hamid Khatib meets Samia and her cousin, and Ibrahim uses the situation to hasten Samia’s marriage, which she rejects. Nawal, the youngest daughter, becomes the liaison between Ibrahim and his colleagues, helping him escape. Abdul Hamid tries to inform the political police of Ibrahim’s location, but Samia stops him. The head of the political police suspects them and punishes them to find Ibrahim. Ibrahim refuses to leave the country, returning to fight colonialism and participating in an operation.

How are these scores produced? →