MAD Suggests: Must watch Lebanese movies

If you’re a movie buff, you’re surely familiar with Arab cinema; afterall, Egypt is known for its long history of cinema especially during the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s which were the years known as the Golden Years.
Egypt is not the only Arab country with a long history in cinema, but it is the leader; its successor being Lebanon. Cinema was introduced to Lebanon in the early 1900s, shortly after the first ever movie was released in France.
By the late 1920s, many theatres had already opened in Lebanon and by 1929, Lebanon’s first local film had been released. After that, cinema in Lebanon began to boom especially in the 60s and has since continued to flourish producing with it great directors and greater movies.
Below is a list of some of our TOP Lebanese movie recommendations!

Safar Barlik 
A must watch Lebanese classic starring Fairouz, Assi Rahbani, Salah Tizani and many other well known names. The events of this Lebanese gem takes place in 1914 during the Ottoman oppression.

Capernaum 
Directed by Nadine Labaki, Capernaum broke box office records and has since won over 20 local and international awards. The story caught many critics and movie-goers alike attention due to its controversial and sentimental plot.
The story revolves around a young boy who is in juvenile prison and decides to sue his parents for bringing him into the world. The plot follows the events leading up to his placement in jail and his hearing in front of the judge.

West Beirut
As the war breaks out in Lebanon, we follow the story of Tarek and Omar who now live in West Beirut. Tarek falls in love with someone from a different religion meanwhile his family wants to migrate.
The movie came out in 1998, was directed by the renowned Ziad Doueiri and was also nominated and has won several awards.

The Insult 
A devoted Christian, played by known comedian, TV host and actor Adel Karam, files a lawsuit against a Palesintian refugee worker.
As the case unravels, many issues concerning racism, the Lebanese war and genocides unravel.

Where Do We Go Now?
After a Cross is found broken and some sheep enter a Mosque, the Christian blame the Muslims and vice versa in a small, fictional village.
It is up to the women of the village to restore peace.

Ghadi 
A child with special needs is looked down upon by the entire village which forces his father, who is played by the renowned George Khabbaz, to do extreme things to keep the kid safe and with the family.
Ghadi portrays “being different” in a positive and entertaining way.

Bind Intersections
Coming from different backgrounds and having never met, three people play a huge role in each others’ lives without knowing.

Listen 
Two lovers, Joud and Rana, are forbidden from meeting, which prompts Joud, to send his lover letters in the form of recordings. This Lebanese hit was directed by the one-and-only Philippe Aractingi.