West Beirut (1998): Identity and resilience

By Nicholas Schwab

The Lebanese Civil War, which raged from 1975 to 1990, is still regarded as one of the more crucial periods in the country’s turbulent history and has left a lasting impact on the collective consciousness of Lebanon. Ziad Doueiri’s “West Beirut” (1998) is one of the many artistic interpretations of this time that attempts to captures the essence of life amid the chaos of the war. With its setting in Beirut in the early years of the conflict, the movie weaves together themes of identity, resilience, and the devastating effects of conflict on people and communities to present a gripping examination of the human condition. Ultimately, the film shows the 1975 Lebanese Civil war, successfully highlighting the identity crises caused by the war as well as the resilience of the human spirit using a narrative focused on its young protagonists, Tarek, Omar, and May.

“West Beirut” illustrates the impact of the war on individual identity, as in many ways, the film is a coming-of-age story about the teenage main characters. Tarek and Omar’s friendship in fact serves as a microcosm of Lebanon’s fractured society during this period, especially underlining the arbitrary nature of the conflict and its human cost. Throughout the film, the two are put into dangerous situations, such as crossing areas with snipers aimed at them, and even being shot at in the street. In addition, they argue often, whether it is about Tarek almost getting Omar into trouble, or even more complex topics such as the addition of May, a Christian, into their friend group. Despite all of this, the friends ultimately realize that their shared humanity transcends the boundaries imposed by war and external pressures of sectarian traditionalism. 

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This is evident toward the end of the film in the scene where Tarek truly opens up to Omar on the rooftop and the two cry and hug.

As previously stated, “West Beirut” is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the horrors of war, the characters demonstrate courage, finding moments of joy and laughter amidst the chaos. Tarek, Omar, and May refuse to be defined by the violence surrounding them, choosing instead to and defy the limitations imposed by their circumstances. In example, they make valiant attempts to cling to innocence, such as when Tarek empties the bucket onto his neighbor who wakes everyone up with a tirade of negativity from her balcony each morning. Their unwavering determination to preserve their sense of self and also protect their loved ones (shown by Tarek worrying about his parents dying when he is crying on the roof) portrays indomitable human spirit.

Overall, “West Beirut” is a poignant and powerful portrayal of the Lebanese Civil War, using the experiences of its young protagonists, to highlight the profound impact of war on individual identity while celebrating the resilience and strength of the human spirit. As Lebanon continues to reckon with the legacy of its turbulent past, “West Beirut” remains a powerful beacon of hope and confidence in the strength of humankind to survive and prosper.