West Beirut (1998)
Original title: بيروت الغربية
32 votes
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.
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Top billed cast
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Rami DoueiriTarek NoueriNaamar SahliMohamad ChamasOmarRola Al AminMay
Carmen LebbosHala Noueri - Tarek's motherCarmen LebbosRiad Noueri - Tarek' fatherLiliane NemriNeighborLeïla KaramOum Walid - the madameMahmoud MabsoutHassan - the baker
Hassan FarhatRoadblock MilitiamanFadi Abou KhalilBakery MilitiamanKeywords
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Viewing momentFrequently asked questions about West Beirut
What is West Beirut about?
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.
How long is West Beirut?
West Beirut has a runtime of 105 minutes.
Where can I watch West Beirut?
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