Martyr

This was mesmerising from beginning to end. I'm not just talking about the hunky actors parading shirtless in shorts throughout much of the film. Nor the hints and glimpses of a deeper secret of forbidden friendship or longings that permeate so many scenes. I mean the story itself reflecting so many of the problems faced by present-day Lebanese youth (or Arab youth) in general and how these interact with the mores and concerns of an older generation. This is one of the few films I haven't deleted after watching once and I shall be watching again after a decent interval.

I have just struggled my way through this film, and I have no idea where the rumour began that this is in any way a Gay/Queer film. A few male bodies in semi-nudity ( the rarest glimpses only of a very darkened masturbation under a shower is barely visible ) does not qualify this film to be put into this category. It has also deeply depressing scenes of grief and the cause of it, and anyone disturbed by bodies claustrophobically locked under water should avoid it. The opening in itself is strangely disturbing, but if I go further I will be giving spoilers. A negative experience.

As a unilingual American speaking only English some films are are to follow. This was not difficult but easy to follow. The stage craft of the internal dialogue demonstrates a skill to communicate beyond limits of local and language. The on location set of the beach was very beautiful. A great view into an unhappy part of humanity.

Everything goes well in the beginning. Smooth flowing cinematography. Good acting. Vignette scenes. And then... that drowning rescue scene with the unnecessary characters, shots and a situation stretched way too far... that it became so contrived... too scripted and very telenovela. It just spoiled a great start.

A truly breathtaking experience which will stay with you for days ... weeks ... after your first viewing.

I have never seen grief and loss so deeply and authentically portrayed, from a culture about which I know too little. It is fascinating, and a learning experience as well.

It is also gloriously filmed to the point that you feel the sunlight and heat and, of course, the water.

While not a queer film per se, there is a beautiful homoeroticism about it all.

It is also not a narrative film: you need to just sit back and let it wash over you on your first viewing and let the imagery and music take you away.

When I first got my DVD copy, I watched it twice, back-to-back. Utterly captivating.