Arzé

The film delivers exceptional performances, engaging drama, and an authentic narrative, with touches of humor in just the right places. It offers viewers a rare glimpse into Lebanon, particularly the vibrant yet intricate life in Beirut, capturing the multifaceted complexities of the era. The story weaves together a tapestry of interactions: the tender yet challenging relationship between a single mother and her son, the dynamics between sisters, the essence of neighborhoods, and the intersection of different cultures. It sheds light on the cultural diversity in Lebanon, exploring the differences and stereotypes among ethnic groups and communities. At its core, the film carries a resonant message-perseverance and hard work will ultimately lead you to your goals. Through its vivid storytelling, the movie paints a nuanced picture of human relationships and cultural nuances, offering both heartwarming and thought-provoking moments.

A layered, emotionally rich, and visually vibrant piece with a well-balanced rhythm, the film delivers a series of clever, nuanced jabs at Lebanese national culture. Even though many of us-myself included-may not be fully familiar with the political and cultural intricacies of Lebanon, the shared identity of the Middle East creates an undeniable sense of closeness.

The film subtly exposes the deep-rooted social, political, and cultural divisions of its setting, especially poignant in today's context. And it does so with wit and sophistication, allowing the critique to emerge organically from its narrative.

It's a film capable of resonating with a wide range of audiences-accessible without being simplistic, engaging without being didactic.

The performances are convincing, the cinematography is effective, and every element-while not overly showy-serves its purpose well. There's a sense of equilibrium across the board, where no single aspect overshadows another. That harmony, in my view, is a mark of true directorial skill.

When someone steals the family scooter, arzé ( diamand abou abboud) goes on journey to find it and take it back! Interesting stories are interwoven as they run around beirut, searching for the scooter. Each member of the family has their own issues and missions. Really well told! Lots of fighting, as each member of the family tries to work out their own issues, which are more important than anything else going on. Grandma is sure her husband is coming back some day, but he's been gone for years. The son's girlfriend might be moving away. Mom is trying to keep her baking business going, just to pay the rent. A good overview of the various religions and cultures found there. Filmed in lebanon, it's in arabic, with english subtitles. Really good tale from a place most of us have never visited. Directed by mira shaib, her second full length film. This won several film fest awards!

I laughed and cried and got to learn a bit about Beirut and Lebanon as a whole. This is a lovely film and it's a directorial debut which makes it even more impressive. The acting is beautiful the lead actress is brilliant in this role so is the son who you want to hate him first but then grows on you. There are so many layers that I am planning to watch again when it comes out on a streaming service. Loved that in the q&a the director mentioned the Bicycle thief inspiration and influence which was evident in the film. I love it when a movie makes you want to see it again and I hope many people catch this gem when it comes out.

While the premise of a journey to retrieve something that belongs to the protagonist is familiar, Arzé stands out as a beautifully crafted film. It is expertly written, directed, shot, and acted, with a captivating portrayal of Beirut. The film takes us through lesser-known neighborhoods, offering a unique perspective of the city, far from the typical tourist spots.

While it addresses sectarianism-one of Lebanon's most pressing issues-the film does so with a light, humorous touch, making it both thought-provoking and enjoyable to watch. Arzé also explores themes of family dynamics, such as the relationships between mother and son, and sisters, while touching on coming-of-age moments and first loves.

Overall, it is a remarkable film and a fantastic debut for Mira Shaib.