We the Students

Three students, Adel, Hassanein, and Samir, face personal struggles. Adel is rejected by his father for loving his neighbor’s daughter, Hassanein seeks revenge for his father’s murder, and Samir deals with parental neglect after his parents’ divorce. Samir’s relationship with a maid leads to complications, prompting him to seek help from a dancer, Gamalat, for an abortion. The trio robs a bar for abortion money but finds it insufficient. Saidyh dies during the abortion, and Gamalat’s call to neighbors and the police results in their arrest and a fifteen-year prison sentence.

Directed by Atef Salem, We the Students leans on a strong ensemble — Shoukry Sarhan, Omar Sharif, Tahiya Cariocca — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1959.