Ghosts of Beirut

Ghosts of Beirut is very well written and depicts its time periods accurately. The acting is solid most of the time and I like the documentary pieces that were added.

The series should be 3 episodes longer, however. What I really missed, was the 90s and how Imad managed to be the so called ghost. In my opinion this is an essential part of his reputation.

I also would have liked the Arabic actors to be Lebanese, as most of them have a an Israeli Arabic background. This does not entirely capture the Lebanese vibe, although Dina Shahibi has lived in Beirut.

But this is well worth your time and attention.

Good acting although the Middle East topic was and still is very very complicated, I feel that there was not enough data about mugniyeh, his background, his extreme ruthlessness that is not depicted enough, for example there is a story about him burning alive a three year old child of a south Lebanese Israeli collaborator.

Where he grew up, how he met Hassan nasserallah. So the series is good acting is good but they could've added two episodes at least for a more gripping intriguing story.

The amount of stories about the Middle East can be made to an entire season, Meir Dagan R. I. P the head of mossad then was quite a fascinating man himself.

So I just started watching this and finished episode 1. I will continue watching the story and will update my comment when I finish.

So far I am impressed with the story telling, the acting and production.

The story interests me and I recall watching this unfold in the news and having discussions with friends and others in my community. It was quite scary to learn about even though we didn't have the information speedway that is available now...but I like to think that there was a little more integrity in journalism. I'm interested to see how this story unfolds and compare it to what we were told at the time.

But I just had to comment now because one thing that has stood out for me so far is the relationship and dialogue between young Imad and his wife Saada. It resembles and reminds me so much of Michael and Kay (the Godfather). I can't help but think...same crap, same lies, broken promises, insincere reassurances and terms of endearment, same hell bent vendettas, hatreds that go on for thousands of years, "this Sicilian thing", everyone at the helm is guilty and responsible, different people, different place, different time. Nothing changes. Wives, mothers and innocent children pay the price and bear the pain.

8 episodes wouldn't even be enough to present properly the number one terrorist of that era. The character of Radwan is superficial, many facts are neglected, and his relationship with Iran and Syria is weakly presented. More importantly, his deep relation with hizbullah is totally omitted. Actors tried their best, but they weren't convincing with their poor Palestinian and Moroccan lebanese accent. This story deserves much more invistigation, thoughtful script, 3 dimensional actors, and a professional production. Otherwise, it's a simple introduction for audiences that don't know about that legendary terrorist.

What a tremendous look back at some very important events in the ongoing horror that is Israel and their surrounding Arab enemies.

The enmity and hatred between the Jewish state and Iran, The Lebanon and American assistance to Tel Aviv and Israel is well displayed here. The pure love between Imad and his lovely wife cut deep throughout the series. I found it to be a marvelous juxtaposition between the love and loathing that is on display throughout this short but amazing series.

The amazing actress Dina Shihabi and her character is mesmerizing, entrancing, absorbing and demands the camera. She is enthralling with her lovely voice, hair and pure intelligence and empathy. I found myself pausing the show and going back to her and her scenes. She is thrilling!

Highly recommend this show to everyone. You most certainly will not regret it.

This line is so apropos imo regarding the ongoing hell that is the state of Israel, the USA and all the nebulous nefarious and righteous activities of their rivals and friends in the roiled region of tumult and turbulence. 'In the turmoil of knowledge, insanity abides.' I long ago decided to pay as little attention to the horrors there as possible. It is so sad and sorrowful and does not seem to ever ever end because an ending of it is impossible or may be the next WWIII flashpoint and the end of all things within that region.

I want to end this review with, "Peace out", but I can't for obvious reasons. May all the deities bless you all. Shokran.