In April, 1975, civil war breaks out; Beirut is partitioned along a Moslem-Christian line. Tarek is in high school, making Super 8 movies with his friend, Omar. At first the war is a lark: school has closed, the violence is fascinating, getting from West to East is a game. His mother wants to leave; his father refuses. Tarek spends time with May, a Christian, orphaned and living in his building. By accident, Tarek goes to an infamous brothel in the war-torn Olive Quarter, meeting its legendary madam, Oum Walid. He then takes Omar and May there using her underwear as a white flag for safe passage. Family tensions rise. As he comes of age, the war moves inexorably from adventure to tragedy.
Credits
West Beirut Cast
Name |
Character |
Carmen Lebbos
She was 35, now 61 years old
|
as Riad Noueri - Tarek' father |
Carmen Lebbos
She was 35, now 61 years old
|
as Hala Noueri - Tarek's mother |
Liliane Nemri
She was 38, now 65 years old
|
as Neighbor |
West Beirut Crew
Name |
Department |
Ziad Doueiri as Director. He was 35 (now 61) years old
|
Directing |
Ziad Doueiri as Writer. He was 35 (now 61) years old
|
Writing |