Arzé

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.

II watched this movie in San Francisco and absolutely loved it. The main character is both strong and vulnerable, and the actress delivers a phenomenal performance. The scene between her and her sister was incredibly poignant and really moved me. The film portrays Beirut and Lebanon, along with its complicated sects, in a simple yet impactful way. I also enjoyed the side characters, particularly the shop owner and the junkyard manager. Overall, the film features a fantastic cast and beautiful cinematography that showcases the beauty of the region like I've never seen before. It reminded me of "Capernaum," which I loved a few years ago. This is an excellent film overall, and I highly recommend it.

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.

Everybody wants a piece of Arzé when all she does is the best she can to support them. It is very triggering to see her ungrateful son and her deluded sister rip into her when things come to a head. Arzé is who she is because she had to, she was forced to by a deadbeat husband who left her when pregnant.

Clever way of showing us Beirut and its diverse culture and politics, the various "sects" as the subtitles call it, as Arzé and Kinan scour through the city for that blasted scooter. It's tense but also funny in a way how they all mistrust each other. The shop lady was to die for.

It says and shows a lot about the culture and the state of the country in the scope of an apparent family drama. I appreciated that. It might be biased but I wouldn't be able to tell anyway. You can only be biased about government and social unrest anyway.

And I can't believe we actually got a happy ending for this.

Arze is a breathtaking film that beautifully captures the essence of Lebanese culture. With a cast that shines-be it seasoned actors, comedians, or talented newcomers-every performance feels heartfelt and genuine. At its core, the story of Arze portrays the resilience and strength of a Lebanese woman, offering a moving and authentic representation of her journey. Richly detailed and thoughtfully crafted, the narrative invites viewers into the depth of Lebanese life. Director Mira Shaib has delivered an extraordinary film that stands as one of the most remarkable works from the Middle East in recent generations, making her debut truly unforgettable.