In this intriguing and entertaining thriller, Khalid Youssef tells the story of a young, rich man (Hani Salama) who kills his wife and his brother when he finds them in bed together. After he evades prosecution we start to wonder whether the killings were really spontaneous or if perhaps he had plotted everything in advance to get rid of both of them. Told from shifting perspectives in the style of Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon, including those of the hero, his mistress and a police detective investigating the case, the film moves around the murders cleverly, in a manner as unconventional and exciting as the story itself. Very convincing characters are involved in a game that requires a hefty dose of imagination from the audience. The film contains violence.
Direction
Khaled Youssef's Kurosawa worship actually earns its keep here.
Acting
Hani Salama's wealthy smarm hides calculation under charm.
Writing
Perspective shifts that reward attention, punish assumptions.
Director
Khaled Youssef
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
One of the few Egyptian films to openly critique judicial favoritism toward wealth and male privilege, released during Mubarak-era censorship loosening.
The title 'Khiana mashroaa' (Justified/Legitimate Betrayal) carries legal and religious double meaning—betrayal as permissible under certain interpretations.
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