Watch Cities of Men

Cities of Men is an Egyptian TV series produced by Filmhub, originally released in 2016. The show explores the lives of three friends living in the busy and bustling city of Alexandria, each with their own personal struggles and aspirations. At the center of the show is Ali, played by Karim Kassem, a young man who dreams of leaving his mundane life behind and making it big as a singer. Ali's passion for music is his one escape from the pressures of his job, his family, and his social circle, and he pours all his energy into chasing his dream, despite the many obstacles that stand in his way. Alongside Ali are his two best friends, Mahmoud (played by Mahmoud El-Bezzawy) and Taha (played by Ahmed Malek), who provide him with a support system and a sounding board as he navigates the challenges of his youth.

One of the most striking elements of Cities of Men is its portrayal of contemporary Egyptian society, which the show depicts as a place of contrasts and contradictions. On one hand, the city of Alexandria is a bustling metropolis full of life and energy, with people from all walks of life coming together in a vibrant cultural melting pot. On the other hand, it is a place where tradition and conservatism still hold sway, and where opportunities for social mobility are few and far between. The show's characters are all struggling to find their place in this complex social landscape, and the tensions and conflicts that arise between them are a reflection of the larger forces shaping Egyptian society as a whole.

Despite its serious themes, Cities of Men is also a show that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The friendship between Ali, Mahmoud, and Taha is a constant source of humor and warmth, and their banter and teasing provides a welcome contrast to the more serious elements of the story. At the same time, the show's music is a major highlight, with Ali's performances providing some of the most memorable and moving moments of the series.

One of the other strengths of Cities of Men is its portrayal of gender relations in Egypt, a topic that is rarely explored in popular media. The show does not shy away from depicting the challenges faced by women in Egyptian society, from the prevalence of street harassment to the social pressure to get married and start a family at a young age. At the same time, the female characters in the show are all portrayed as strong, independent individuals who are capable of standing up for themselves and asserting their own desires and ambitions. Whether it is Dalida, the ambitious journalist played by Nesrine Amin, or Rania, the love interest played by Amina Khalil, the women of Cities of Men are all fully-realized characters in their own right, rather than just supporting players in the men's stories.

Overall, Cities of Men is a compelling and engaging TV series that manages to balance its serious themes with a sense of humor and warmth. Its exploration of contemporary Egyptian society feels fresh and relevant, and its characters are all complex and nuanced, with their own unique struggles and aspirations. Whether you are a fan of music, drama, or just great storytelling, Cities of Men is definitely worth checking out.