Capernaum
Capernaum

Movie spotlight

Capernaum

2018
Movie
126 min
Arabic

After running away from his negligent parents, committing a violent crime and being sentenced to five years in jail, a hardened, streetwise 12-year-old Lebanese boy sues his parents in protest of the life they have given him.

Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users92%
Director: Nadine LabakiGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a Beirut slum, a young boy named Zain takes his parents to court for the "crime" of giving him life. Through flashbacks, the film reveals Zain's harsh life, his abandonment of his family, and his struggle for survival on the streets. He finds a temporary solace and purpose when he meets Rahil, an Ethiopian immigrant working illegally, and her infant son, Yonas.

Critical Reception

Capernaum received widespread critical acclaim for its raw, emotional power, its unflinching portrayal of poverty and neglect, and the stunning performances, particularly from its non-professional cast. It was praised for its social commentary and its ability to evoke empathy for its characters' plight.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and unforgettable portrayal of childhood resilience in the face of extreme adversity.

  • Praised for its authentic and powerful performances, especially from its young, non-professional lead.

  • Lauded for its unflinching social commentary on poverty, immigration, and child neglect in the Middle East.

Google audience: Audiences were deeply affected by the film's powerful storytelling and the raw, authentic performances. Many highlighted the film's ability to shed light on the harsh realities faced by vulnerable children and immigrant communities, praising its emotional impact and social relevance.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Won Best Foreign Film at the César Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's lead actor, Zain Al Rafeea, was a refugee himself living in the same Beirut neighborhood where the film was shot, and his own experiences heavily influenced his performance.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There’s something distinctly Dickensian about the urchin style of life lived by “Zain” (Zain Al-Rafeea) on the modern-day streets of Lebanon. He has to use his wits and guile, his charm and his youth to scrape a living after he ran away fro...

Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell

**_I wouldn't call it entertaining per se, but it's certainly provocative_** >_I saw kids who are so neglected, so abused that there's nothing anymore in their eyes. These children don't laugh, don't cry, and don't play. If you put a toy...