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Movies & Series
18 posts
Cinema as a textbook. Reviews of Arabic movies and Musalsalat that focus on the dialect, the slang, and the cultural context you need to understand the plot.
Omar al-Mukhtar and the Airplanes Under the Throne
Omar al-Mukhtar, the Libyan resistance leader who fought Italian colonial rule, is credited with a famous reply about Italian airplanes and the Throne of God. But did he really say it?
How Do You Say the F-Word in Arabic? The MSA vs. Dialect Dilemma
English uses one obscene root for everything, but Arabic splits the "F-word" into two worlds: the sanitized MSA of subtitles (تبًا, اللعين) and the raw dialect of the street (like the root ن-ي-ك). Learn why Netflix subtitles delete 48% of curses and how Arabs actually swear.
How The Exorcist Possessed My Arabic Lesson
"We thought our Arabic instructor had gone crazy!" But showing the opening scenes of The Exorcist (1973) turned out to be the perfect lesson. Discover how the film's "real" Arabic numerals, the call to prayer in Iraq, and William Peter Blatty's Lebanese roots provided an unexpected and engaging entry point for beginner Arabic students.
Translating Taboos in Arabic Subtitles: Key Insights
Translating subtitles into Arabic is challenging due to cultural differences and social taboos. A study looked at how subtitles in the US sitcom "Two and a Half Men" dealt with these issues. Here are the key findings and techniques used by the subtitlers.
Looking for Arabic Series with Subtitles? Why Shahid Is Your Best Bet
Netflix struggles with Arabic content and subtitles. Shahid (شاهد), however, is a superior streaming platform for Arabic learners, offering extensive content across dialects and essential English/Arabic subtitles.
‘Finding Ola’ on Netflix: A Sequel to Egypt’s Popular Ayza Atgawez – عايزة أتجوز
"Finding Ola" (البحث عن عُلا) on Netflix is the sequel to Egypt's hit "Ayza Atgawez" (عايزة أتجوز). This article covers the series' plot, starring Hend Sabry, and traces its unique journey from a popular blog to a major TV production.
Why Netflix’s ‘Perfect Strangers’ Sparked Backlash, and How to Add English Subtitles
"Perfect Strangers" (أصحاب ولا أعزّ), Netflix's first Arabic film, faced backlash in Egypt for its themes of infidelity and homosexuality. This article covers the film's plot, reasons for controversy, and a trick to watch it with English subtitles.
Kal-El and Ra’s al-Ghul: The Secret Arabic and Hebrew Origins of DC Comics Names
This article analyzes the Arabic and Hebrew origins of famous DC Comics character names. It explores linguistic and cultural connections for heroes like Superman (Kal-El) and villains like Ra's al-Ghoul, detailing their hidden meanings.
Alephia 2053: The Dystopian Animated Film for Arabic Listening Practice
"Alephia 2053" is a Lebanese animated movie depicting a bleak, oppressive future for the Arab world. Available for free on YouTube, it's a politically significant film and an excellent Arabic listening exercise, featuring MSA dialogue and multi-language subtitles.
How to Get Arabic Subtitles on Netflix for Any Movie or Series
This guide provides a simple trick to add Arabic subtitles to almost any Netflix movie or series. It works on TVs, Chromecasts, and Fire Sticks, requiring no installations.
