Capernaum

Harrowing story of a neglected child who chooses life on the streets of Beirut over living with his parents.

I came across this movie on a flight and it is now top 5 of all time for me. I can't even put words to the feeling it gave me - heartbreak on so many fronts, but with glimpses of quiet, deep compassion and kindness in duty where, all things considered, you wouldn't expect it to live. This boy. <3 This movie was so changing for me. I want everyone to see it.

Real. Touching. Heartbreaking. At first, I didn't want to review the movie, just give it the highest rating and leave it at that because I don't think I am worthy to judge it. And here I am, writing this, not because I have become any worthier but because people need to watch it. Capernaum tugs at your heartstrings and makes you ache. It's painful, and not in an ordinary way. I watched the movie a few days back and I still think about it. It's definitely made me more grateful for the things I have. The actors don't feel like they're acting (to some extent they're not), it feels like a reality, their innocent eyes describing a journey most of the world was unaware of. I want to recommend this to everyone, but if you're at a low point in your life or show signs of depression, avoid it, you suffer enough. I watched most of the film with tears streaming down my face and at the end, I just sat in the dark with the credits rolling and wondering about the world we live in. Capernaum is a masterpiece.

Unflinching yet undeniably powerful film, Capernaum is a gut-wrenching portrayal of a childhood stolen, a stark indictment of societal inequalities. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of Zain's world. We witness child exploitation, crushing poverty, and the callous indifference of a system that has failed him. Labaki's masterstroke lies in casting non-professional actors like Zain Al Rafeea, whose raw, unfiltered performances pierce through the screen with an almost documentary-like immediacy. He's not playing a role; he is Zain. Capernaum is a must-watch for anyone who dares to confront the harsh realities of our world. It's a raw gem, leaving me both deeply moved and fiercely hopeful for a better tomorrow.

A long time since I've witnessed such marvellous cinema. I felt immersed in Beirut and the tribulations and hardship of Zain's family. Living in severe overcrowding circumstances with sinister predators circling, it was remarkable tenderness might thrive between Zain and his 11 year old sister who was to die as a new bride. And then Zain looked after the infant left behind by his Ethiopian befriender. The Director used Non professional actors and Zain, a child, utterly convincing, was observed during filming getting to know and build trust with Yonas, an infant who would die if he left her. Filmed like a documentary, with a mesmerising score, in devastated Beirut. Outstanding.

Hard hitting reality Nadine labaki ✨ mam you just outstanding mam..... The family drama which is serious to deal The acting was excellent from that boy cinematography was good Direction outstanding...... Reason why nominated for best foreign film in academic awards..... Glad to see this kind of film from middle-East even idk they making movie im surprised and happy for capernaum ✨😁😇

"Capernaum" is completely heartbreaking and unforgettable. This is a tough movie to get through, but it is one that aims to make a powerful statement, which is commendable. I found myself completely engaged with the story and it felt like I was watching real events unfold and never a movie. The two young boys in this movie are on-screen magic and their performances are something that is remarkable. The movie has so many unpleasant things happening, there's never any real time to process any of it and it can make the movie a bit draining. Nonetheless, it is an engrossing drama that is expertly made and is worth experiencing because of how honest and eye-opening it feels. Overall, it's a movie made with purpose and a skillfully made one full of moments that will stick with me for a long time.

Surprisingly powerful film. Brilliant acting by the children. Only the heartless could fail to be moved by this story.

This is a quite sombre, touching film which reminded me a little of Slumdog Millionaire, only without the music. It'd take a hard person not to feel sorry for the main character, Zain. It's frustrating and thought-provoking, with a particularly poignant ending I felt. I would recommend this film, as long as you know that its quite gritty and dark in tone - a good piece of social commentary I suppose.

Misery porn doesn't automatically make for good drama, and Capernaum is proof positive of that sentiment; the film often features excellent cinematography and an exceptionally good performance from child actor Zain Al Rafeea (as protagonist Zain), but is a mix of sincere, simple conflicts and laughably heavy-handed and unrealistic melodrama. Perhaps the best representation of this is a framing device where Zain literally takes his parents to court in an attempt to prevent them from having kids, where all the attendees are dumbfounded by the supposedly profound nature of his statements as if Frank Capra was brought on to tack on an ending to this screenplay. The events of the film are tragic, yes, but there isn't much in the way of context or theme to them, everything is just to provide another layer of struggle for our poor protagonist to contend with. Except juvenile prison, weirdly enough. It's sort of glossed over (like a lot in this film that probably should have been explored more), but once there Zain sort of gets taken in by an Artful Dodger-esque crowd without any sort of fanfare. It's Al Rafeea that really saves a lot of this film, delivering actual sincerity where Capernaum could have easily slid into being a very nicely framed arthouse melodrama alone. (2.5/5)