West Beirut

Surviving adolescence takes on a whole new meaning when you're growing up in Beirut circa 1975. Long-time Quentin Tarantino lenser Ziad Doueiri makes his directorial debut in this wrenching look at the effects the Lebanese Civil War had on the people of that once 'Paris of the East', as seen through the eyes of two teenage boys. Despite its bloody political backdrop, West Beirut is a surprisingly gentle coming-of-ager, with first-time actors Rami Doueiri (writer-director Ziad Doueiri's brother) and Mohamad Chamas (cast right out of an orphanage) turning in amazingly self-assured performances. Not much of a story, mind you, and what there is could have been far better focused, but it's still a fine effort by all involved. Recommended. (S. C. Sickles)