I recently watched the movie Capernaum (2018), and I must say that it is one of the most heart-wrenching and thought-provoking films I have ever seen. The story follows the life of a young boy named Zain who lives in extreme poverty in Beirut, Lebanon. The film is directed by Nadine Labaki, who also stars in it as Zain’s lawyer.
The movie starts with Zain being brought to court, where he is suing his own parents for giving birth to him. Right from the beginning, the audience understands the gravity of Zain’s situation, as he is forced to live on the streets while his parents prioritize their own selfish desires over his basic necessities.
As the story progresses, we see Zain’s struggle to survive and protect his younger sister, who is also a victim of their parents’ neglect. The scenes are raw and evocative, depicting the harsh reality of life in a developing country.
One of the strengths of the movie is the performances of the child actors, who bring a sense of authenticity to the story. Zain Al Rafeea, who plays the lead role, is a remarkable talent and deserves all the praise he has received.
The cinematography of the film is also noteworthy, capturing the claustrophobic and chaotic environment of Beirut with great finesse.
One of the things that I appreciated most about Capernaum was its ability to evoke a range of emotions. I found myself angry, sad, and hopeful all at the same time. The film tackles important themes such as poverty, child neglect, and the plight of refugees, making it a socially relevant and timely movie.
Overall, I would highly recommend Capernaum to anyone who is interested in watching a movie that is both powerful and thought-provoking. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Lesson about Capernaum
One lesson we can take from the movie Capernaum 2018 is the importance of empathy and kindness towards those who are marginalized and struggling.
The Best of Capernaum
- 1. Realistic depiction of poverty and injustice: Capernaum provides an unflinching portrait of poverty and desperation, highlighting the brutal realities of life for marginalized people in modern-day Lebanon. The film is praised for its realistic depiction of extreme poverty and the legal system that often fails to protect the most vulnerable.
- 2. Inspiring performance by the child actor: Zain Al Rafeea, a 12-year-old Syrian refugee, delivers a jaw-dropping performance as the film’s protagonist. His raw acting skills and emotional range make the audience feel the pain and struggles of a child who wants justice and a better life.
- 3. Raises important social issues: Capernaum tackles critical social issues, including child neglect, socio-economic inequality, and the refugee crisis. The film prompts a conversation about the moral obligations of society towards these issues and calls for more significant action to help those in need. It provides a harrowing look at the reality of life for many people around the world and the urgent need for change.
Week points of Capernaum
- 1. The story can be emotionally draining for some viewers as it deals with poverty, abuse and neglect, and the harsh realities of life. The heavy themes may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to such topics.
- 2. The narrative can be disjointed at times, jumping back and forth between different timelines and characters. This can make it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters and fully grasp the plot.
- 3. Some critics have noted that while Capernaum raises important social issues, it may not offer any real solutions or attempts to tackle them. The movie may leave some viewers feeling frustrated or hopeless about the state of the world.
Technical details of Capernaum
Title | Capernaum |
---|---|
Year | 2018 |
Rated | R |
Released | 20 Sep 2018 |
Runtime | 126 min |
Genre | Drama |
Director | Nadine Labaki |
Writer | Nadine Labaki, Jihad Hojeily, Michelle Keserwany |
Actors | Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole |
Plot | CapernaĆ¼m ("Chaos") tells the story of Zain (Zain al-Rafeea), a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the "crime" of giving him life. The film follows Zain as he journeys from gutsy, streetwise child to hardened 12-year-old "adult" fleeing his negligent parents, surviving through his wits on the streets, where he meets Ethiopian migrant worker Rahil, who provides him with shelter and food, as Zain takes care of her baby son Yonas in return. Zain later gets jailed for committing a violent crime, and finally seeks justice in a courtroom. |
Country | Lebanon, France, Cyprus, Qatar, United Kingdom |
Awards | Nominated for 1 Oscar. 38 wins & 55 nominations total |