Featuring uncensored women’s stories in Arab culture, 80 Bako reminds us of the phenomenal Lebanese film Caramel. 80 Bako, featuring Huda Al-Mufti, follows the story of Boussy, the hairdresser who struggles to collect EGP 80,000 in order to marry her lover and live her dream life.
Similarly, Caramel, featuring Nadine Labaky, follows the story of Layal, the hairdresser who aspires to marry the love of her life, although it seems impossible and live happily ever after.
80 Bako: Women’s Stories Told by Women
Through both 80 Bako and Caramel, the women’s stories are told through uncensored lenses from various perspectives. Their stories are narrated, including their love life, economics affecting their lives and conflicts with social norms. 80 Bako follows the stories of four women: Boussy, Loula, Abeer (the salon owner), and Faten (a mother with a hobby of fortune telling).
Caramel: Untold Secrets & Dreams
On the other hand, Caramel features five women in Beirut who are in search of love, marriage, and companionship. Nisrine is engaged to Bassam but harbours a secret that she shares only with her co-workers. Jamale is a divorced mother of teenagers and a part-time model who is increasingly concerned about the passage of time. Rima finds herself attracted to Siham, a client who returns her smile. Lastly, Layale is in love with a married man and is willing to abandon everything at the sound of his voice.
Inside Women Salons World
Both are directed by women, and the two make us step into the atmosphere of women’s hair salons. The gossip, the loud laughs, the loud noises of hair dryers and music, waxing stories and eyebrow threading make you feel as though you’re in the salon chair without actually being there.
Perfect Casting
Huda Al-Mufti’s shift from the A-class girl role to an ordinary hairdresser is the unexpected surprise of Ramadan. Every detail of her looks and her character was made with absolute perfection. Her duet with Entessar is an ultimate pairing. Entessar managed to bring humour and realness to the show perfectly.
