Arzé

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.

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.

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.

I enjoyed watching "Arzé" and was surprised to know that it was Mira Shaib's first feature because the film does not feel like a debut film but rather made by a seasoned director. I am a huge fan of Diamand Abou Abboud and was very happy to see her finally a lead in a film which she deserves so much! I also like the young actor who played Kinan. I think he has a lot of talent. I was equally happy to see Betty Taoutel in such a raw performance unlike what we've seen from her in the past. The script is very well written, engaging, moving, and hilarious. The dialogue was so natural and not pretencious. The cinematography is gorgeous with bright colors that reflect Beirut so well. I also really enjoyed how it was shot in real locations. It made me want to go walk around Beirut and rediscover it all over while listening to the beautiful score of the film. I can't wait to see more films like this from Lebanon.