Tickling Giants

As an Egyptian who grew up when the Arab Spring was happening, Bassem Youssef's al-bernameg was an event for every family to get together and just have a good time. As they said a couple of times in the documentary, best jokes are told at times when you're not supposed to be joking, and I could not agree more. Watching this show with my family gave me a sense of what was really happening in my county without any bias. Of course, many of the jokes went over my young and innocent mind but going back to watch these legendary episodes still never fails to make me laugh.It was always a mystery to me what had happened to the show that brought so many families together like that and why did Bassem have to leave Egypt and this documentary could not have done it better. It's a good movie and a good cautionary tail loloh btw! all the shows added at the end that mentions what the al-bernameg crew is doing now have also been canceled under the sisi regime :( kind of sad to see

This scared me, we are now in America living in a world where the media is in effect being silenced by a post-truth “government and presidency” with the help of a vast “state media machine” that feels no compunction to lie and misinform. It seems that the lines of decency and law have been blurred beyond all recognition and holding on to power, profit and control are now put above our democracy, the Constitution, and truth. Treason to these values has become acceptable, and supported by large sections of our population.

Bassem Youssef became a charismatic TV host in Egypt with a show that attracted far more regular viewers than any American talk show, late night or not, and this is his story of how he came onto that scene, and, shortly thereafter, with the return of dictatorship, his departure.The revolution in Egypt and its aftermath was a fascinating time, and what better way to understand the cultural changes and (unfortunately) circular trajectory of dictatorship through the openness to TV satire.This documentary lets us understand Mr Youssef, many in his crew, and also the Egyptian populace. The movie, which had phenomenal access, is both uplifting and heartbreaking.

Now here the thing..HOW COULD I SURVIVE IN COUNTRY THAT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK!!!This movie isn't only regarding the story of Dr. Bassem Youssef in Egypt, No, it represents the story of every single Egyptian who ever still free inside for we the Egyptians always deals with our problems with a HUGE SMILE!.I loved this movie & I'm sure I'm going to watched again and again, and again more....and more.

It is fascinating to see a country transition from the inside, and this documentary let's the viewer see just that through the lens of one of the most courageous individuals to emerge from the Arab Spring, Bassem Youssef. The humor is there, but as an American what I found most disturbing was how the optimism of the populist movement became twisted and eventually used as a tool to support an authoritarian leader. Definitely worth the watch; it is a cautionary tale whose lesson is not valid only in the Middle East.

With all the recent back and forth between President Trump and media outlets like CNBC and CNN, it’s easy to dismiss the role that freedom of the press plays in an open and democratic society. For anyone in doubt, this documentary is a must-see. When our leaders choose to attack and silence the media, the outcome can be devastating. We owe these filmmakers a debt of gratitude for reminding us -- in painful detail -- how delicate our freedoms are and how quickly they can be taken away.

Great movie. I was expecting to laugh which I did, but I also cried with so many heartbreaking details and back stories that I didn't know about . I am sorry that happened to him. He is such an amazing comedian and brilliant storyteller and his love for his country is grossly palpable throughout all the events. I look forward to watching more of his spectacular work.

Bassem Youssef is HILARIOUS! And takes the edge off while watching a power struggle go down. Most importantly he shows the power that one person can have over a political system. It's a classic story of good vs evil and done in a way that's incredibly entertaining. The cartoons are fantastic and keep the comedic moments aplenty.