Zozo

The plot is rather predictable and on the simplistic side, whether it's the accidental tragedy of Zozo's family, or his later cultural shock. The acting and cast are good. But I was especially spell bounded by the music and the photography of the film. The film looks low budget and didn't pretend to be otherwise. But it attempted to draw on its strength in the forgotten tragedy in Lebanon and the strong acting and cinematography. And movie succeeded for the most part IMHO. As I was watching the film, I couldn't help but thinking in the back of my head of the more recent tragedy in southern Lebanon, perhaps more death and destruction this time around? How many Zozo were created this time? Marx said that history repeats itself the first time is tragedy, the second time farce. To those who were unfortunate enough to be part of it, it always will be just tragedy.

The movie deals with the agony of a young Lebanese boy who witnesses the death of his family and is when he is finally sent to live in Sweden with his grandparents, finds himself out-casted in a foreign society.

Josef Fares, cleverly represents the Lebanse society living through a horrible situation. The characterization and narrative allow the audience to strongly connect with the film as it something that we as Lebanese feel deeply connected with, having being affected by the civil war in one way or another.

From the technical side, the cinematography and use of visual effects were very well done again, inviting the audience into the world of the film. As an aspiring Lebanese filmmaker, it gives me a great feeling to know that there are talented Lebanese filmmakers all over the whole who still believe and are devoted to developing the Lebanese film industry. I strongly applaud director Josef Fares and I look forward to watching more of his films.

What can i say. Joseph Fares has managed to capture on film the experience of what it meant to be Lebanese and to be in Lebanon during the war. Away from any and all politicization, away from the savagery and brutality the film is able to project the "Human" face of what anyone of us would go through given the circumstances. I left in 1989 as well, but i was one of the fortunate ones and my family remained safe. What Joseph and Zozo (actor) were able to produce together was beyond remarkable. Beauty indeed is found in simplicity, so is power. Carmen Lebbos who plays zozo's mother in this unfolding story is also able to bring the best of her game and i wouldn't be surprised if the film is able to capture more than one home run at the Oscars. Goodluck :) Hint: in Lebanon we call Joseph --> ZoZo :)

This movie isn't bad nor great. A Swedish friend of mine gave me the movie to watch and it was the 1st Joseph Fares' movie that I've seen .. according to my Swedish friend; he liked the movie but he believes it isn't his best.

While I was watching the movie I felt I'm back to Beirut again which I visited in the summer of 2005 .. and naturally because Joseph has Lebanese roots he is capable of showing it realistically even much more better than most of Arabian movies.

The problem to me is .. that movie isn't clear .. I mean what's the point exactly? .. not that the movie isn't well made or unbalanced .. it is well made and well balanced but sometimes you get the feeling that the movie is just an empty beautiful picture! Because it doesn't go deep enough. Compare "Zozo" to "West Beirut" and maybe you will know what I mean.

Imad Creidi gave a very good performances .. Carmen Lebbos was good .. the rest were also good.

I believe this movie is good .. it has a good message but fails to show the message in the best way.

Joseph Fares did an amazing job especially on cinematography and I think has a good potential to make a few great movies in the future .. I hope I can see other movies for Joseph Fares like "Jalla Jalla!" and "Kopps".

The movie is well done, I like it very much.... It is indeed very cruel hard and tough for the boy... but while you see the movie you smile at the same time. I never know there is such good Lebanese director. Mabrouk. Maybe one thing.. I like the end of the movie... it shows the innocence of children... and from nothing they are trying to be happy in life... But I think the end is also sad.. there is a feeling of sadness with this peaceful end of the last picture of the movie.. so I think it is little exaggerating as drama. But again all the movie is excellent!

I arrived 5 minutes late to the theater, so I hope to see it again later.