Introduction –
Movies like Slumdog Millionaire and Capernaum are like reality checks, eye-openers for the privileged. It introduces us to some of the world’s harshly ironic and heart-wrenching tales of survival. While Slumdog Millionaire went overboard and fictionalized many events, Capernaum actually walks us through the harsh realities faced by the refugees of Beirut, especially those arriving illegally from Syria and Ethiopia. Capernaum forces us to appreciate life as it is, stop complaining and look at our challenges from a newly acquired perspective.
Synopsis –
Zain ( Zain Al Rafeea ), a 12 year old lad belongs to a family of migrants who live in Beirut, Lebanon illegally. Without official papers they have little hope for living a normal life. The family’s illegal status pushes them into the most compromised and poor neighborhood of the city where each day is a fight for survival – from being arrested, harassed or losing one of the family members to the city’s human vultures, Aspro ( Alaa Chouchnieh ) is one of them.
From supplying tramadol to the addicted to selling fruits and juices on the streets, Zain does everything to keep his large family stay afloat. Of all his brothers and sisters he is extremely fond of Sahar ( Cedra Izam ), his elder sister, who is the pillar of his strength. His gumption, his matured actions, some way beyond his age and qualifications are the highlights of this film. His training to Sahar on how to use handmade sanitary napkins, washing her undergarment and how to hide the fact from their parents is one such touching example. The reason is because one of the shop owners in the vicinity, a baker ( Fadi Kassem ) has an eye on Sahar and Zain’s mother is interested in the proposal. Child marriage it seems is acceptable and a crude solution to poverty.
Endless Adversities & Pursuit for Happiness
However, in spite of Zain’s best efforts Sahar’s puberty turns into her enemy. She is married off to the baker. Zain protests and threatens but his parents, especially his mother, Souad ( Kawsar Al Haddad ) simply brushes off his intimidation. Frustrated at his parents insensitive attitude he runs away from home. After days of struggle and doing odd jobs Zain turns penniless. His enterprising mind runs short of ideas. It is at this point in time he meets an Ethiopian refugee Rahil ( Yordanos Shiferaw ) and her son, a toddler named Yonas ( Boluwatife Treasure Bankole ).
Rahil and Zain arrive at a deal. While Rahil will work in the nearby amusement part, Zain will look after baby Yonas. The movie is actually shot in a series of flashbacks including Zain’s presence in the jail, charged for attempted murder. Check out Capernaum on Amazon Prime.
TRIVIA –
- Zain is a real-life character. Director Nadine Labaki discovered him on the streets of Beirut. Today, he and his family live a comfortable life in one of the European countries.
- More than 500 minutes of rushes were shot to make this 1 hour twenty six minute film.
- Prestigious Award – Jury Prize at Cannes.
Is Capernaum true story? Capernaum Ending Explained!
It is a docudrama. It simply means the movie is a dramatized version of several real-life occurrences and events.
Analysis –
Nadine Labaki has kept cinematic liberty to the minimum as none of the scenes are sensationalized or critically embellished for enhanced effects. The direction is simple, authentic with zero manipulation in terms of lighting, filters or introduction of unnecessary sub-plots. The naturalistic style literally anesthetizes the mind.
The script is simple and straight forward. Zain’s performance steals the show. Agreed, he’s a kid from the street, but replicating his inner turmoil in front of the camera like a professional actor is simply a treat to the eyes. Rahil is another character we fell in love with. Kudos to her brilliant performance. What about Yonas? For God’s sake he’s just a two year old baby but simply blends into the situation and becomes a seamless part of Zain’s and Rahil’s struggles.
Viewing the film is like actually walking the inner lanes of Beirut slums and the struggle in the air seeps into our bodies. The reason once again is the use of realism, and shot compositions which are devoid of conflicting attributes. Except for some creative aerial shots of the city and quintessential elements the entire movie is a bundle of raw cinematography.
2018 Nadine Labaki Labaki, Joelle Keserwani, Jihad Hojeily and Georges Khabbaz 126 Minutes Amazon Prime Video