5 lebanese movies to watch on Netflix
With thousands of movies to choose from, and an algorithm that doesn’t always show you the hidden gems of the Netflix library, it can be difficult to choose what to watch during your late night binging session.
Here’s where we come in. Why not give Lebanese movies a try?
Lebanese directors have managed to leave their mark on this immense platform, enabling them to reach audiences across 190 countries.
Let’s break down our favorite movies from our favorite Lebanese directors.
This highly acclaimed movie centers around a 12 year old child, who decides to leave his negligent and violent parents. He chooses to sue them due to the life that they have given him. Capernaum, which is directed by Nadine Labaki, went to receive a host of accolades. These awards include ‘Best Directing’, ‘Audience Award’, and ‘Fan Favorite Award ‘by a range of film festivals such as the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, as well as the Stockholm International Film Festival.
The film received numerous positive reviews. A.O. Scott of the New York Times praises Labaki for “refusing to lose sight of the exuberance, grit and humor that people hold onto even in moments of the greatest desperation.” Andrea Gronvall of The Chicago Reader states that “It’s essential viewing for the ways in which it illuminates brutally hard lives many of us could otherwise not imagine.”
It tells the story of a large family gathering organized by the matriarch of the household. However, this meeting soon descends into chaos. The movie was nominated for a number of awards and won the ‘Special Jury Prize’ at the Dubai International Film Festival. The film also featured as a candidate at the Miami and St. Louis International Film Festivals but did not pick up an award. Matthew Lucas from The Front Row describes the movie as “sharply observant stuff that pulls no punches in its depiction of a family at war with itself on multiple front”.
An eccentric movie that features five women in a beauty salon as they search for answers to subjects ranging from love to happiness. The film dominated the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2007, picking up the ‘Youth Award’ and the ‘Sebastiane Award’. Craig Outhier of The Miami Herald defines it as a “Wistful tale of friendship and solidarity.” Tasha Robinson of The Chicago Tribune describes it as “pleasant and easygoing’.
This movie chronicles the struggle of Muslim and Christian women as they try to prevent the spread of violence in their war-torn village. The movie notably won the ‘Byarad d’Or at the Namur Film Festival. Moira MacDonald of The Seattle Times states that “This spirited troupe of women … makes us citizens of the village, invested in their joys and fears.” Nonetheless, some reviews were not so positive. Tom Long of The Detroit News says “Where Do We Go Now? Is more interesting than satisfying.”
This movie looks at a high school student named ‘Tarek’ who is elated when his school is forced to close due to an ongoing civil war raging in Beirut. Omar, his friend, accompanies him as they film the chaos that is occurring around them. The movie won the ‘Youth Jury Award’ at the Valladolid International Film Festival. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly describes it as “a fractious, clear-eyed fusion of comedy, innocence, romance, and sudden danger”.
Next time you’re planning a cozy movie night, give these a try and let us know how much you love them!
