Khaberni - The movie "The Ladder and the Snake 2: Children's Play" has stirred extensive controversy in Egypt since its release on the Yangoo Play platform on Eid al-Fitr, noting that its cinematic showing was in November of last year. The film, coming 25 years after the first part, presents a new world "that deals with the complexities of marital relationships, through the story of Ahmed (Amr Youssef); the architect striving to rediscover himself, and Malik (Asmaa Jalal); the entrepreneur who balances her professional ambition and emotional needs," featuring Dhafer L'Abidine, Majed El Masry, Hatem Salah, and Fadwa Abed, with a special appearance by Sawsan Badr. It is written by Ahmed Hasni, directed by Tarek El Arian, and produced by Musa Issa.
After the release of "The Ladder and the Snake 2: Children's Play" on "Yangoo Play", it faced criticism for containing "suggestive scenes and inappropriate appearances", prompting the lawyer Asmaa Salah to file an official complaint stating that the movie "poses a direct threat to family stability" and "opens the door to normalizing unacceptable behaviors".
Additionally, EgyptAir objected to a scene that featured the protagonists in its official uniform, describing it as "inappropriate" and affecting the "dignified image" of its employees. The company assured its right to take legal action, while an Egyptian pilot announced a complaint to "defend the profession".
On the other hand, the director Tarek El Arian defended his film, confirming in television statements that it "does not contain any bold scenes," describing it as a "social romantic" work that revolves around "a relationship between a husband and wife," pointing out that the promotional marketing "did not accurately reflect the nature of the work". He also emphasized that the judgment on the film should occur after watching it in full.
Critics also criticized the wave of attacks. Tarek El Shennawi noted a state of ambush against artistic works affecting creative freedom, writing on "Facebook": "I wish that a company of the size and history of EgyptAir would not get involved in issuing this statement that directs deadly arrows at art when it lacks a sense of humor. I hope that Egypt's prestigious institutions do not get dragged into such pettiness driven by a voice that hates and resents art emanating from social media under the guise of protecting morals. We need to reset the rhythm... Art in all its spectra moves and thrives in this margin of flexibility which unfortunately we are losing day by day." In turn, critic Ahmed Saad El Din described the objection of "EgyptAir" and the anger of some pilots as "unjustified", noting that the film does not include real offense, but employs the scene in a comedic context, warning against overburdening artistic works "more than they can bear".
