Under The Bombs

Under The Bombs (2007)

Directed by Philippe Aractingi

Starring Nada Abou Farhat, Georges Khabbaz

This compelling fiction blurs the line between feature and documentary. Set in Lebanon and shot 10 days into the 34 day war in 2006. The story follows Zenia, a wealthy Shiite woman who works in Dubai, as she returns to her homeland to find her missing son (and sister). The chaos of the relentless bombing makes transportation impossible but she manages to find a friendly cab driver Tony, a christian, who is willing to drive her on the perilous journey to the south in search of her family. Along the way the two unlikely companions find an intimate closeness, a shared humanity. A innocent new love is born, from out of chaos comes hope and a new beginning.

The film uses all real people and non-actors apart from the two leading actors Farhat and Khabbaz. It's visceral fast paced and exciting. It's a very interesting drama that doesn't choke on politics or cause, just the effect of war and how out of destruction can come regeneration. It's a haunting and evocative film that I recommend watching and owning on dvd. Both actors are very successful in their own countries and this is exemplified in the film by their outstanding performances.

This film really got to me, its amazing how such a profoundly brilliant piece of cinema like this can slip below the radar of public demand. Its a fresh, original and brilliantly crafted film, set during a real war; this is guerilla film making at its best. I'm ashamed to say I didnt know either actor until Id seen this, but from now on I will be following Farhat and Khabbaz in all their future films.