📽 AT THE MOVIES-

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is directed by Guy Ritchie and stars Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, and Alex Pettyfer. Even though the film does use Ritchie’s style — plenty of rough and tough British underdogs — you can’t help but notice that it echoes Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

It is loosely based on some World War II documents that were revealed at the end of 2016. The movie tells the story of Operation Postmaster, the unofficial, unsanctioned mission that Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear) assigned to a group of rogue, rebellious daredevils. The goal was to sink the German U-boats and cut off supply from the Nazis while encouraging the United States to join in the war against Germany. Ian Fleming, the creator of Bond’s character, was involved in the operation and has reportedly drawn inspiration for the iconic character from the real event.

The film opens up with a scene of Gus March Phillips (Cavill) and Anders Lassen (Ritchson) on their fishing ship being stopped by German police at sea. After a few back and forths regarding why they’re at sea and a bit of police mockery from the pair, Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) and Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) show up and eventually blow up the police ship. This is the first of many attacks towards German police that the group initiates throughout the movie.

The movie follows the five rebels — they picked up their fifth member, GeoffreyAppleyard, from German captivity on La Palma — as they embark on the mission. With the help of more characters along the way, the group later became known as The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Be prepared for subtitles. A majority of the storyline involves the German language so be prepared for lots and lots of subtitles.

PRO TIP- Don’t leave right when the movie ends to get the chance to see the real historical figures and additional details from their lives that were left out of the movie.

WHERE TO WATCH- Catch the film at, Cima Arkan, VOX Cinema, Americana Plaza, and City Stars. Watch the trailer here (watch trailer, runtime: 2:05).

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Explore Greek Goddesses in a new light in Divine Might: Goddesses in GreekMyth. Natalie Haynes’s novel focuses on the powerful female deities of Olympus and the Furies. Leaving behind the usual spotlight on male gods, Haynes illuminates the strengths, complexities, and desires of goddesses like Athene, Aphrodite, and Hera, presenting a refreshing take on familiar legends.

Celebrating female empowerment through origin stories and insightful analysis, she sheds light on each of their motives urging readers to reconsider traditional interpretations. Whether unraveling the etymology of Aphrodite’s name or reevaluating Hera’s character, Haynes navigates the complexities of Greek mythology with academic rigor and a sardonic tone.

Some chapters may feel scattered or lacking in cohesion. Nevertheless, her engaging storytelling ensures that even experts in Greek mythology will find new insights to ponder. The Sunday Times agree that it is “a witty, intelligent book”

You can find it atCherry Blossom Books.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Fun, food, and farm animals — Sabeh is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.Tucked away in Orabi Compound on Cairo-Ismailia Road, Sabeh is a literal farm-to-table haven for you and your loved ones to enjoy in solitude. There are plenty of activities for both the young and the young-at-heart to enjoy, good food, specially-made desserts, and most importantly, tea.

Disconnect and reconnect. While putting your phone away isn’t a policy at Sabeh, you might find yourself doing so anyway. The welcoming atmosphere and rustic decor of the open-air farm are enough reason to put your phone down, and keeping your hands busy will make sure that it stays down. There’s plenty to do on the farm, from basketball to table tennis, dominos to playing cards, and planting to learning magic tricks. Once you’ve expended all your energy, you can walk over to the barns and say hello to goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, chickens, and turkeys.

After spending the day getting your hands dirty (maybe literally), you can feast on a menu of your choosing. As you reserve, you get to pick between set menus for breakfast or lunch/dinner. Breakfast consists of baladi bread, eggs, a variety of cheeses, traditional accompaniments, a selection of fresh juice, and tea. Lunch includes duck, pigeon, chicken, potatoes, mixed grill, okra tajin, goulash, mahshi, kishk, molokheyya, and fattah.

Shell out for the goat. You can choose to indulge in some mandi — succulent goat cooked underground, accompanied by golden basmati rice, and salads. Any choice of menu will end with a steaming cup of traditional tea prepared on coal fire, some Um Kalthoum playing in the background, and a mess of fiteer and honey. The best part is that if you take a liking to any of the products you try at Sabeh, you can purchase a jar or two to take home, alongside any plants, or even magic tricks your kids want to bring to show and tell.

💵 Per person: EGP 1k

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

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