Arzé

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.