Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful docu follows story of "Jon Stewart of Egypt."
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tickling Giants
What's the Story?
TICKLING GIANTS tells the story of Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian surgeon who, in the face of the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, decided to start a comedy show a la The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Directed by a Daily Show producer, Sara Taksler, the documentary chronicles how Youssef left his lucrative medical career behind and risked everything to start his edgy show, first out of a personal home and then out of a studio, backed by a network. Youssef and his staff face insurmountable odds after the military deposes Egypt's first democratically elected leader and returns power to a military general. When Youssef criticizes General el-Sisi, the military leader who eventually runs for president, some of his viewers turn on him, demand that he stop second-guessing authority figures, and even call for his death. But Youssef remains convinced that Egypt needs voices of dissent.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful story of the "Jon Stewart of Egypt" makes you think not just about how humor is important under despotic regimes, but also how it works in democratic ones. It's incredible to see Youssef shed his scrubs and try his hand at political satire. And he doesn't just try -- he thrives, striking a chord with mostly young Egyptian viewers who are thrilled to finally connect with someone who isn't afraid to poke a little fun at authority.
But unlike Stewart -- who makes several appearances in the documentary to support his international protege -- Youssef doesn't have a channel like Comedy Central backing his show or a democratic country filled with viewers who understand that political humor is not only allowable but sometimes necessary. In the end, Youssef realizes that questioning those in power comes with a cost, and he ends up having to pay -- not with his life (thank goodness), but with his and his family's safety. Regardless of whether audiences are familiar with Youssef, Tickling Giants is a must-see for any comedy lover.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence depicted in Tickling Giants. Do you think the depictions of fighting, protesting, and chants for death are necessary to the film? Why or why not?
How does Tickling Giants promote courage, perseverance, and compassion? Why are those important character strengths? Are Youssef and his staff role models?
What do you think about the idea promoted in the film that dissent is a powerful step toward democracy? Is dissent more or less powerful when humor is involved?
Why do you think Jon Stewart plays such a big role in the documentary?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 17, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : June 13, 2017
- Cast : Bassem Youssef , Jon Stewart
- Director : Sara Taksler
- Studio : Fork Films
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate