A File in Vice

The film follows Said, an officer in the Vice Squad, who becomes disillusioned with his superiors' decision to halt an investigation into Alia Hanim due to her connections with powerful officials. As he grapples with this ethical dilemma, he transforms into a rigid figure, driven to uncover the truth. The story takes a darker turn as Said learns of illicit activities occurring in a flat, prompting him to pursue evidence, even resorting to falsification to prove his case.

With a runtime of 116 minutes, A File in Vice showcases a mix of drama and thriller elements, making it a notable entry from the mid-1980s. The film's exploration of themes such as justice, power, and moral compromise provides a thought-provoking viewing experience. Collectors of international cinema will find this film's narrative and direction significant within the genre context of its time, especially considering its Egyptian origins and the work of director Atef El-Tayeb.