Original subtitles

It's going down!

It's a MiG-21.

Look at the tail, dimwit! It's a Hawker Hunter.

They came very close.

Line up. Come on. Line up!

The old witch is back.

Come on.

Come on!

Come on, the break is over!

Come on!

-Let's go. -Why is she is still alive?

Let's go.

Old maid!

Tarek, where are you going?

Let's go, children of the fatherland

The day of glory has arrived

Against us tyranny's

Bloody flag is raised

We are all for the Motherland For the flag

For the glory, our sword and our pen

Our fields, our mountains...

Where men grow strong

Noueiri! Monsieur Noueiri!

Come down!

We are all for the Motherland!

For the glory of our land!

We are all for the Motherland! For the Flag!

Monsieur Noueiri, stand straight.

Write this. "Monsieur Tarek Noueiri is clowning around."

How is "monsieur" spelled?

Go ahead.

"Monsieur."

You're a certified illiterate.

Who are you mocking, Monsieur Noueiri? France?

Is it a yes or a no?

Say, "Yes, I am mocking France,

or, "No, I am not mocking France."

It's no.

No?

Yes, I mean no.

Oh, I see.

I am mocking the country that is educating me.

No. I mean yes... No.

Is this funny?

Higher. Higher.

The other side.

Monsieur Noueiri, you are an idiot.

You are rude.

Your insolence has no limit.

It's like you're not in school, Monsieur Noueiri.

You belong in the jungle.

Out!

Get out!

Keep it in your minds,

ladies and gentlemen,

that the Lycée Français of Beirut

is the embodiment of the French mission.

Let us not forget that France created your country,

gave you your borders,

and taught you about peace.

It was us who created your civilization

and your constitution.

Know that education,

especially French education,

is the only way out of your primitive customs.

So open your books...

We are going to do a composition.

Here's the subject. Is everyone ready?

A building's caretaker addresses you in a rude manner

because he thinks you are a thief.

A building's caretaker addresses you in a rude manner,

because he thinks you are a thief.

13 APRIL 1975

Describe how you reacted and how it all ended.

Describe how you reacted and how it all ended.

First, the introduction.

Second, developing the subject...

Calm down!

Mom!

Mom, you should be more responsible.

Tarek, why are you saying that?

Do you know I was the last one waiting?

The second I heard the news on the radio,

I left the courthouse as quickly as I could.

Where's Dad?

I hope to God he's home.

Masked gunmen of the Phalangist Party have attacked...

Masked gunmen have attacked a bus carrying...

Mom, what's going on?

No one knows what's happening.

I know.

...towards Tel al-Zaatar.

The accident was preceded by...

Ms. Hala, your son was great today.

You shut up!

During the break, he decided...

...to liberate Palestine that caused the death and injury of six people...

Your son, during the break--

What did you do this time?

I didn't do anything. You know Omar, he likes making things up.

-That's enough. -Hey, shut up!

As I was saying...

Tarek, Omar, stop it.

Will you leave me alone?

Not with your hands.

Mom, I want sardines.

Sardines. Every single day, you want sardines.

Do you remember college in 1963?

What happened, Dad?

We started a student demonstration that spread all the way to Algeria.

We almost brought the government down.

Today reminded me of those days.

Where was Mom then?

Mom was in a different revolution,

she was in my revolution.

Mom is strong!

Riad.

Who was behind the massacre?

I think the Israelis retaliated against the Palestinians.

It's not our problem.

How can you say that? It's happening on our land.

Today at the courthouse, a European reporter told me,

"Lebanon is about to undergo drastic changes."

Drastic changes?

What a genius.

For 100 years, we've been through drastic changes.

He said, "Plan for a long winter."

Since when has the West understood the East?

I agree.

Pretty soon, they'll send some big shot American

and after a little negotiating, this thing will be over.

And next summer, we'll go camping in France.

No, thank you.

I go to France every day.

Mom, Dad, look at this.

Look.

There.

Dad, what are they?

They're flares.

Hey, Abu Khodor!

Hey, Abu Khodor!

Goddammit!

Every single lousy morning! Now you listen...

That damn rooster of yours.

Have him shut the fuck up,

or I'll rip his fucking head off. Do you hear me?

I've had enough of this!

I curse you and your rooster.

This isn't a goddam zoo!

May Allah spread pain all over you!

And to you, too.

Tarek, you're going to be late for school.

Do we have to do this every day?

School?

What's wrong with you today?

Watch your mouth, kid!

There is no school.

The Bastille's closed.

Listen to me, Dad. Let's talk man to man.

Yesterday, Madame Vieillard told us,

"Ne venez pas en classe."

In Arabic, that means, "Do not come to class."

Then, I told her...

-Mom, who are they? -I don't know.

So, I told her, I'm going even if they blow it to pieces.

She said, "Monsieur Noueiri, don't bother." Is that clear?

If the school's closed, then we'll go back.

It's closed.

I can't believe it. There's war and all you can think of is school.

Move it! Move it!

Newspaper!

Newspaper!

Give me both.

An-Nahar newspaper!

An-Nahar newspaper!

31 KILLED YESTERDAY IN AIN EL-REMMANEH

"Thirty-one dead in bus massacre.

Many wounded. Arafat calls on Arab leaders.

Gemayel accuses Israel."

What's going on?

I don't know.

Move it! Make way!

-What's happening? -Keep driving!

-Come on! -Quickly!

Quickly!

Keep going!

-Keep going! -Quickly!

I'm late for school.

-Hurry up! -Keep going!

ID.

Who are they?

My wife and son.

Where are you going?

We're taking him to school.

Forget school. They're not letting anyone through.

Who's "they"?

The Christians.

Dad, school's started.

Sir, I was born here.

Only Christians can cross.

Dad, listen to the guy.

Shut up!

But we're from Beirut.

Beirut? Don't you get it? Today, it's only East or West.

They're not letting Muslims in. Go back!

Which Beirut are we in?

West Beirut, I guess.

Mom, Dad, my beloved school is that way.

You're such a pain.

Thank you, Prophet Muhammad!

Hey, kids!

Hey, kids!

-What's up? -Get inside!

Bombs are falling!

"Bombs are falling!"

I've had enough of this life!

Are you deaf?

Talk to me.

Move your ass!

You're glued to that chair!

Goal your ass!

Go get us food!

Even if you don't want to eat, I do.

That must be your fucking mother.

Take it easy.

Come on!

Morning, Mr. Hassan.

Morning, Tarek.

-What's new? -Nothing much.

-What will it be? -The usual.

Right away.

Out of my way.

Darwiche, you don’t let anyone talk.

If my mother only knew how often I eat here...

I grew up with Muslims. No one's going to make me leave.

-I don't believe you. -Then don't.

Mr. Hassan, what's with Darwiche?

He's looking for trouble!

Listen to me. If anyone asks you about your religion,

say you're Lebanese, and send them to me.

-Here. -Put it on my bill.

Christians don't want to mix with Muslims in this country.

Hello, Tarek.

Hello, Mr. Abdallah.

Come in.

Are you happy that there's no school today?

No, just the opposite.

I'm really sad it's closed.

School is closed but there is still homework.

Don't worry, Tarek is a math genius.

Did they let your Uncle Badeeh out?

Idiot. I'll get in trouble with the old man.

I told you never to come here without a book.

And cut down on the conversation.

Good morning, Mr. Abdallah. Goodbye, Mr. Abdallah.

He'll stick to you like glue,

and I get left with the shit!

Please, I'm not talking Hebrew.

I want to show you something.

But if you open your mouth, I swear I'll kick your ass.

Swear.

I swear to God.

No, swear!

I swear on my mother.

What else?

I hope to die.

What else?

And I hope I end up like your Uncle Badeeh if I say a word.

That's who I wanted to talk about.

Birdbrain Badeeh?

No! The wife of Birdbrain Badeeh.

Uncle Badeeh got a woman?

And she's very hot.

Hot? Show me.

Calm down.

Oh, my god.

This is good stuff.

You have to calm down.

-No fair, let me see. -Wait!

-Let me see. -I said wait.

You're drilling a hole in my back.

Man, you're about to take off!

-Move, it's my turn now! -Easy!

Have you seen her underwear?

You're kidding.

Holy shit!

Peace on Earth.

Rolling, action!

I love thighs.

Thanks, God.

I want to land in that airport.

What a valley!

Billiard ball!

Telly Savalas is in town!

She seems sad.

What's the beauty's name?

Layla. Layla Safi.

Layla Safi? I love that name!

When can we see the film?

When I take it in.

The son of a bitch Spiro charges ten bucks a roll!

We'll go somewhere else.

No one else develops Super 8.

Layla Safi.

Try to imagine Layla Safi on one of those clear nights.

She fights with her man and...

leaves the house late one night

and runs down to the beach.

And at the beach...

she lays down and smokes...

she gazes at the moon and then...

she slowly gets undressed.

She's naked.

Very naked... And she doesn't care.

And who is beside her? You, Mr. Tarek.

She looks at you, you look at her. She looks at you...

and your heart is beating.

It's beating fast.

She asks you, "Can I sit next to you?" Layla sits close to you.

She holds your hand and caresses your skinny legs.

And then, slowly, she takes off your underwear.

But the waves steal your underwear away.

She looks at you with lust...

She brings her lips close to you and bites your lips.

Your heart is about to stop.

She takes your head and licks your neck.

And she whispers...

Guess what she says...

She says, "Tarek, take me...

Tarek, take me...

Take me...

back to Badeeh!"

Asshole!

You ruined the film!

What is it?

Talk to me.

Come on, Hala.

Nothing's wrong.

Our country has been through other crises.

Remember what they said in '58? Civil war.

Again in '64 and '73.

What happened? Nothing.

These dogfights are between the Syrians and Israelis. We're used to it.

The country is solid as a rock, and I'll prove it to you.

This is the first pick from the farm.

The farmers told me

that the first crop will hit the market a month early.

Who could ask for more?

Have a taste... Taste it from my hand.

Taste it!

I love you.

Riad, what is happening?

Keep quiet.

Tarek! Tarek!

Tarek!

Hala!

Tarek!

-Did you get my bag? -Yes! Come on!

To the shelter! Come on!

Come on!

Move!

To the shelter! Come on!

To the shelter!

My husband wants to stay home! So to hell with him!

-You're going to die on the spot. -To the shelter!

To the shelters! Come on!

Stop wailing!

All, please sit down.

Hold him.

Don't get mad.

Stop smoking here.

Calm down, lady!

Move! Move, make way!

Oh, my god!

Get some water!

Whiskey! Get some whiskey.

There's no water! Get whiskey!

Everyone, take your place.

-What happened? -May God protect us!

-I got the whiskey. -Come on!

-Tarek, stay. -Go easy!

He's still alive,

but your smoke will kill him.

Oh, God, why is this happening to us?

Hold on!

-You're going to make it. -You're okay.

We know the situation.

Someone go and tell my darn husband to come down.

Oh, my god!

We're choking in here.

Bombs outside and smoke inside!

Window panes! Glass for homes!

Glass for cars!

Batteries, tires, and pans!

Oil!

They bought it brand-new.

Scram! Move!

Damn you!

May Allah destroy your homes like you did ours!

-Make the coffee. We're coming! -Mind your own business!

-You're whistling at me? I spit on you! -Go back to where you came from.

I spit on you!

Go chase your own wives!

Watch out!

Damn you!

Damn you! You broke my glass!

Glass? To hell with your glass!

Son of a bitch!

We're dying and all he cares about is his glass!

I'll make him eat the fucking glass!

What are you looking at?

Marlboro! Kent! Winston!

You bum! I'm dying here.

You're shish-kebabing me on a small flame!

Answer me, will you?

Have mercy on me! Say something.

Hala, what is it?

-Hala, what is it? -Leave me.

Leave me alone!

Talk to me.

What are you doing?

It's going to get worse.

I know, it's tense.

Tense? People are dying, and you call it tense?

What do you want to do?

I want to leave Beirut. Now.

Let's take the car and go.

Hala.

Mom, what's wrong?

Go? Where?

The mountains.

Mom, calm down!

To the mountains? They're looting people's houses.

To hell with the house! If they want to empty it, they will.

Riad, I'm leaving with my son.

Mom!

-Mom! -For God's sake!

Mom, you're going to rip my shoulder out!

Don't leave Dad alone.

At least wait for Dad.

Your father wants to stay.

Mom, you're going to kill us!

You drive like Steve McQueen.

Brilliant!

Awesome job!

I'm glad we made it!

You really nailed the car.

-Try flying next time. -Calm down.

-Women shouldn't touch a steering wheel. -It's okay, calm down.

-The guy's right. -The world has gone mad.

She did a great job.

How will I fix this?

It's good for the junkyard.

Where are you going?

The car's had it.

She hit the middle of the car.

The car does not hit another car by itself.

Yes, brother, but...

Don't worry, she'll get used to it.

My mother felt the same when my father died.

She broke down. We took her to the hospital.

And when she came back home, she stopped giving piano lessons.

She wouldn't let me play.

Is that why you moved here?

Yes. She sold the house and the piano, too.

-Where are you from? -From Baalbek.

-What's your name? -May, and you?

Tarek.

-Mr. Mustafa, good to see you. -You too, Mr. Tarek.

That's Cristo, the owner of the arcade.

Hey, Cristo!

Still playing with it?

-Cristo likes lollipops. -What does that mean?

It means... never mind!

Captain Darwiche.

What's up, Noueiri?

How's the AK47?

AK47? Now we're talking bazooka.

I've got one too!

Darwiche was the hero of the Holiday Inn Battle.

They caught him and carved a snake on him.

That's why we call him "Papa Snake."

For revenge, he caught four guys from East Beirut.

-You know what he did? -What?

He tossed them from the 15th floor. You know why?

He wanted to teach them how to fly.

Welcome to my office.

Mr. Hassan!

Yo, Tarek!

-Glad to see you. -Me, too.

-How are you? -Good.

Good...

Who's the lady?

That's my man! Good for you! What would you like?

-Two specials. -Right away. Out of my way!

-A cold drink? -Yes.

In the fridge!

This is for the lady.

Here you go.

-Here you go. -Put it on my bill.

-Take care now. -You too.

Ismael... The bread!

Azouri!

Move your dog!

Swine! What did the dog do?

He only barks at you and Omar.

Azouri, move your dog.

Move him yourself...

traitor!

Azouri, scram!

In the name of the Father and the Son.

He got caught screwing a nun.

I'm warning you, Azouri.

He's sticking it into a nun! Sucking on a nun!

Where have you been?

I'm going to kick his ass!

Omar, this is May.

Just a moment.

Fuck!

I swear you're brainless!

Are my words just piss in the sand or what?

I told you to never bring anyone here.

I swear, you get me into so much shit, no prophet could ever save me.

Who the fuck is that?

May, my new neighbor.

Is that right?

The girl is really nice.

No shit!

Listen.

The poor girl's an orphan.

Orphan? Why don't you bring the whole orphanage here then?

Who am I, Mother Teresa?

And what's with the cross?

What's the matter with the cross?

It matters! Take her home!

Here's your camera and your film.

She comes too or I'm gone.

-Does she know about the film? -No.

-She doesn't know anything? -No!

You're a fuck-up.

I'm May.

I tried to call Spiro but the phones are out.

Where are we going?

To the Zeytouni District.

She'll ride behind you.

-What does she want? -Sugar candy.

She needs a toilet.

Are we developing this film today or not?

Women.

No, thank you.

Sir...

Sir...

Can we go through?

If you want.

-Over there, sir. -Go on.

It will be quick.

Allah be with you.

-Tarek. -Please let's go back.

Are you blind? The street's closed!

Sir, see that store?

I'll be right back.

There's no getting back, asshole! Seven were shot!

Are you nuts?

Listen, I know Darwiche, Papa Snake.

-Damn you, Tarek. -In what world do you think you live?

Guys! See what this asshole wants.

Walk towards the wall.

-Wait a minute. -Against the wall!

Come on!

-Where are you from? -From Beirut.

West Beirut, sir.

West Beirut? Let's see some ID.

No IDs...

What if you're Christian spies? I see a lot of those bastards these days.

Where are you from?

Sir, we're all Muslims from West Beirut.

-Wafic, the jeep. -Calm down.

-What do you mean "calm down"? -Please, sir, calm down.

Calm down.

My friend Tarek, over here... Asshole!

You tell him in plain Arabic.

Have a smoke... have one.

-Hurry up. -Please, smoke this.

-Come here! -Here you go, sir.

All done.

I told him that the place over there that develops film is closed!

But he's still convinced that it was open so I told him they stole the shop.

That it's gone from the Milky Way.

But no! Cuckoo head doesn't listen.

Sir, listen, leave him to me... because I swear,

I'll teach him a few things after school.

We won't ever return to Zeytouni.

I hope you win the war!

We're with you all the way.

May God protect you.

You are heroes!

I will develop this film...

even if I have to go to Mars.

To Mars? May your last breath go to Mars.

You almost ended us back there.

And you, Virgin Mary, if I see that cross on you again,

I'll hang you on it myself!

You two are starting to get on my nerves!

Give me that.

Tarek, please.

Is this what you're mad about?

-Do you want a candy? -No?

Do you want a candy?

Sir...

Yes.

-Sir... -Yes.

Can you develop this?

No, not anymore.

Now it's video.

Who can do it?

I don't know. Try East Beirut.

They'll crucify you and the film!

We'll send a Christian.

May, would you go East? I'll pay for your taxi.

Only bombs go East.

Fool. Taxis can only go to the border.

Then she'll have to cross on foot... under sniper fire!

Idiot. Do you know what will happen if anyone sees the film?

-It's a scandal! -What?

Nothing! You see.

I'll go East.

Here we go.

Tarek, I said I'll go. I know people.

Virgin Mary, shut up!

-I should shut up? -Yes, you shut up!

Fuck the day I taught you how to film! Give me this.

This camera... That's it!

Finito. Capisce?

Tarek.

Tarek.

Tarek, listen to me. Please listen to me.

I want to tell you something.

It's important.

My father...

My father wants us to start praying

every Friday at the Mosque.

He said since there's no school, it'll do us good.

He wants me to read the Koran. Have you read the Koran?

Me? Not a word.

He wants us up at the crack of dawn to pray.

We have to fast during Ramadan and God knows what.

What did your mom say?

Nothing. Not a word.

She got herself a veil and won't wear short sleeves.

Are you serious?

And get this.

He said theater is forbidden, cinema too,

and rock 'n' roll is obscene.

What does obscene mean?

Sex! And music about sex is the work of Satan.

Is Paul Anka the work of Satan?

Your dad is strange.

And what about Arabic music?

Oum Kalthoum is okay.

Oum Kalthoum?

All her songs are about sex!

Your dad is strange.

I don't want to go to the Mosque.

-You know the first verse of the Koran? -Not yet.

"In the Name of God...

the Most Gracious..."

Repeat after me. "The Most Gracious."

"The Most Gracious."

"Dispenser of Grace."

"Dispenser of Grace."

"Lord of the Day of Judgment."

"Lord of the Day of Judgment."

-"Thee Alone Do We Worship." -"Thee Alone Do..."

Damn! Since when?

Since hearing it every goddam morning!

You're a blasphemer!

-Hairy chest! -Hairless chest!

Omar, where is May?

Answer me, where is she?

We left her alone.

How could you leave her alone?

May!

May!

Where's the girl?

-I told you not to leave her. -I didn't.

-She was with you. -And you too.

May!

May!

We're in deep shit! The girl's gone! Do you know what that means?

-Maybe she took a taxi. -Taxi, what taxi? How?

-I don't know! -Really?

Screw your mother. I told you not to call her Virgin Mary.

She's history. What do I tell her family? What have I done?

Watch out, asshole!

Who's the asshole? Motherfucker!

I'm a motherfucker?

Watch what you're saying!

Show some respect!

I'll show you respect. You're a faggot!

Shut up, cocksucker!

Me, cocksucker? Hold it right there!

I'll show you!

-Why don't you step out? -Don't speak, you're the cocksucker!

-Who do you think you are? -Step back.

You, move out of my way! I'm going to get you!

Don't you dare come near me!

-I'll smash your skull! -Go away!

-I'm going to break your neck! -Move it!

Keep going, come on!

I will show you!

Who do you think you are? I will smash your head.

No one can play the boss with me!

Who the hell does he think he is?

Doesn't he know who I am? I am a Noueiri.

Damn you, Omar.

Did you have to lose the girl, too?

Abu Khodor! This isn't a zoo!

Damn you and damn your rooster!

You're a bunch of Bedouins.

Damn whoever let you in this country!

May Allah spit on you!

Don't you let people sleep?

You piss us all off!

Go find your old man.

He's screwing around!

You've got no class, you little coward.

You coward!

Dare show your face.

Stay home!

Refugee! You do not belong here.

Pack your shit and go back South!

Damn you! Curse you!

Cleanse your mouth before you talk about the South!

May Allah send darkness

to your soul before I do it myself. Bitch, listen...

You deserved it!

You little...

You little...

You bastard!

She never lets anyone rest.

I can't stand it either!

-She should go back South. -Don't say that!

Soon we'll all be refugees.

What's that?

That's lunch.

You imbecile!

You're an impolite, pigheaded pissball!

Your parents didn't raise you! You skinny twig.

You think I didn't see you with that girl downstairs?

What's this?

Listen, lady, if I see your son throwing his garbage at me again,

I'll bite his head off!

If you touch my son again, I'll drag your ass South myself.

Look who's talking.

Skinny like her son!

Imbecile!

You and your son are lower than the lowest garbage of the South.

Get out!

Your son is a blood clot in my vein!

I hope you clot in hell!

-Damn you both! -Is it true?

It wasn't me. That bitch will pay for this.

That's nice! Your mouth is dirtier than hers.

You're making me mad.

-Mom, you're exaggerating. -Oh, am I?

I'll show you.

What is this? Isn't there enough mess outside?

This! And this! And this!

What are closets for?

And what's this? We have weapons now?

It's just a slingshot.

I don't believe it! And what is this?

Mom, please, not that.

What is this?

And what about homework?

My son... your son is never home.

In and out all day and all night.

I never know what you're up to. I know nothing!

Mom.

Mother, listen to me.

Tell me something.

Do you see me in the streets with the militia?

Do you see me robbing homes?

Do I play with Molotov cocktails?

You and your father should help me.

Mom.

Want me to fix you a sardine sandwich?

The best.

Because you're my mom,

I'll do my homework with Dad.

After I teach that woman a lesson.

Tarek.

I'm always the target.

You and three million other people.

What would happen to you both if I die in this war?

"O rage! O despair! O frightening old age!

Insidious distraction to mar the purity of...

satisfaction.

I swan... squen..."

"I squander while the victor..."

"While the victor..."

"Dismayed by every futile apparition..."

Apparition... I fear the worst, a prey to..."

You and the theater. That's enough!

Dad, this is nonsense!

Man didn't go to the moon with poetry.

Come on, you almost got it right.

Le Cid is classic French literature.

France? We're barely surviving here!

Tarek, we all studied Corneille.

To hell with Corneille. Leave me alone!

-How about some English? -No.

Look, school's closed!

Not my fault. When it opens, we'll see.

It might never re-open.

Fine with me.

What about some Arabic history?

Arabic history? Goddam Arabs!

-Why's that? -Arabs are scum.

-You're an Arab yourself. -Me?

I'm Lebanese, Phoenician.

Phoenician? Where did you learn that word?

In Arabic history class!

On the contrary, you should be proud of your heritage.

We once ruled everything between Spain and China.

Did you know the Europeans were living in caves

while we, Arabs, were inventing medicine and physics?

That was 1,000 years ago.

Yeah, 1,000 years ago. Look at us now.

I can't blame you. You're right.

The Arabs turned their backs on us.

Not only Arabs, the whole world turned its back on us.

If you don't study, you don't get a degree.

And you'll end up like your cousin, Khalil, selling falafel.

Falafel?

I love falafel.

He jumped me from behind.

I flipped him over and punched him.

The Court House is closed.

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

A revolution of the people!

Of the people!

A revolution of the Arabs!

Of the Arabs!

A revolution of the people!

Of the people!

With our blood and soul,

we will avenge you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

The Council of Ministers held an urgent session

to reach a reconciliation...

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

-Who's Kamal? -No idea.

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

With our blood, we'll remember you, Kamal!

We'll remember you, Kamal!

-A revolution of the people! -Of the people!

-A revolution of the Arabs! -Of the Arabs!

-A revolution of the people! -Of the people!

Omar!

Omar!

Tarek!

Tarek!

NOUEIRI

This war of yours stops right here at my doorstep!

Let Gemayel and Arafat know who they're dealing with!

Hello, Miss...

Miss?

I like that.

He said "Miss."

Where's the exit?

That way.

Sure?

-Yes, I'm sure. Come on, move! -I'm afraid!

Are you sure it's the exit?

Hold on...

Rosie, the groom has arrived.

Come, darling.

Handsome, are you in love?

How are you?

Check this out.

Come to me, sweetie.

Come over here.

Come over here. Come. Come.

Oh, shit!

Who did you come with?

Ma'am, let me explain.

It's a mistake. I swear no one saw me.

Madam, the young man is telling you he's here alone.

You're scaring him.

You go back to work.

Now.

Yes, I swear.

No one saw me except Allah himself.

Go home, kid.

Ma'am, they're bombing outside.

Wait downstairs. When it stops, you go.

But I just got here.

Just a little longer?

Can't you understand Arabic?

This is not a place for a young man.

How could you send me out?

I don't believe this!

This guy just doesn't get it.

Salim!

Take this kid home.

Ma'am, tell me something.

-What's age got to do with it? -What?

What's age got to do with it?

Who am I arguing with?

-Tarek Noueiri, nice to meet you. -Damn!

What planet are you from?

West Beirut.

West Beirut?

What is this East Beirut, West Beirut shit?

Here, there's no East or West.

At Oum Walid's, it's Beirut, period!

Are you...

the Oum Walid? No!

No?

You got a problem with that?

No. On the contrary, Ms. Oum Walid,

we thought you were a myth.

A myth, huh? Well, you're not the only one!

All of Beirut knows who Oum Walid is.

Do you see this house? Look around.

It's been standing for 70 years.

There's no house like it in Beirut.

This house is blessed!

Hey, Rosie!

Rosie!

A glass of milk for the young man.

Sorry, I don't drink milk.

Coffee's fine.

-Pretty, isn't she? -No.

Rosie isn't pretty?

-She is. -Horny guy!

Beirut, look at you now!

Mr. Salim, why did you hang up a bra?

It's a code.

For the snipers.

They see the bra, you live.

They don't, God have mercy on you.

Even if they're far?

It makes no difference.

You bastards!

Omar!

I went to May's, to Cristo's. Where the hell have you been?

What happened to you? I thought you were dead.

One word out of you, and we're in serious trouble!

-Swear. -I swear to God.

-No, swear. -On our prophet Muhammad.

-What else? -Come on! Talk!

Omar, don't ask me how I got there

because I don't know how I got there.

Omar, I discovered Oum Walid's place.

What? You went to the whorehouse without me!

It's a brothel.

And you went inside?

Not only did I go inside,

I know every nook and cranny.

The girls are packed like sardines.

I met them all.

Bambi, Sobhiye, Reshdiye...

There was one called Rosie.

She made me a cup of coffee... with milk.

Milk?

Even with nothing, the place gets you horny! But with Nescafe...

Nescafe? I almost got shot while you hang out at the whorehouse!

It's a brothel!

What if I fix you a cup of tea instead of that?

So what do you say?

Stop staring at the TV.

Look at me. Haven't you noticed?

I dressed nice and did a makeover for you.

They're going to cut the power.

What's left is this candle.

Light my candles.

Blow my fuses. Trip my circuit.

Show me the stars, you stallion.

You, my precious crown.

I go first and you follow,

or you go and I follow.

Come on, before we have to rush to the shelter.

Wait, please.

Get out.

Zeytouni? Even the Devil won't dare to go there.

Haven't you heard the news? Zeytouni is a no-go area.

Zeytouni is what separates us from East Beirut.

Maybe he'll listen to the cross.

No!

You know what?

All my problems started

when I let you peep at Aunt Layla.

-Who's Layla? -None of your business.

You know what?

I deserve this shit!

If I'd never bought this camera,

maybe the war wouldn't have started.

And tell me something.

Did Oum Walid have to put her whorehouse in Zeytouni?

-It's a brothel! -We're going to a brothel?

No, we're gonna see some fireworks!

I don't see the Mercedes. Let's go home.

No, I'm going!

Going? What about the snipers?

Stop yelling!

I'm going to Oum Walid's with or without you.

Then leave her out of this.

We've been here for two hours. Have you seen a soul?

-I'll show you, it's great. -No, don't.

Tarek, please!

Omar.

I have the technology.

Technology? I'll show you technology.

Technology. The technicians are waiting!

Are you happy?

Talk. Or can you only say, "Tarek, I want a sugar candy.

Tarek, I want chocolates"?

Tarek, he's right.

Let's forget the whole thing.

Why are you looking at me like that?

May... your bra.

May, please. I want the bra.

Don't look.

Turn around.

Are you having sex too?

-Where are you going? -See you later.

Tarek, wait! Wait!

Tarek!

Tarek!

Happy now?

Oh, my God!

Give it to me! You pervert!

Hi, everybody.

He wants to cut the phone lines.

I'm going to cut his throat.

Listen, you tell him...

if I see him around here, I'll make his kids orphans

and his wife a widow.

The son of a bitch! He's just a doorman!

Ms. Oum Walid, I think I have

a solution to the Middle East problem.

Make Gemayel and Arafat meet right here in Zeytouni.

And also...

Hi, Ms. Oum Walid.

This is my friend Omar.

I'll have a cup of coffee with some of your milk.

So, anyway, as I was saying...

This is my friend May.

Hi, Ms. Oum Walid.

Hello? Oum Walid is in deep shit!

Someone must have put some strange shit

in my bong because I can't see straight.

Is this a love house

or is this a headache house?

Mr. Tarek, is this Friendship Hotel or what?

Don't you know what's happening out there?

I do. I do. But we have our contacts.

We got hold of the secret code.

The secret code?

This is the last straw. Both of you, out!

Out!

Tarek...

Who gave you permission to come?

Did I?

And who did you bring with you?

Salim.

I'll kick his ass for letting you in.

Salim! Salim!

-Salim is a nice guy. -Nice guy?

He's bringing kids in here. Walid is driving me crazy.

Calm down, I'll pour you a drink.

Don't pour me a thing. I'm blaspheming today.

I thought you had no religion.

I'm turning into a sinner.

My clients brought the war in here.

Why? Because one of my girls screwed two people from different faiths.

All hell broke loose.

They took it out on poor Rosie.

Since when did a bed have a religion?

This country's finished!

Do me a favor, grab your friends and go home.

Listen, what you came for, you won't find it here.

Look, business is slow.

Ma'am, I did not--

Don't call me "ma'am"!

How about "madam"?

Not even "madam."

Okay, just Oum Walid.

Enough! Stop, not another word.

-Can I just-- -Enough! Get out!

I don't want to see your face here ever again.

I don't know you, you don't know me. Out!

-Out! -Fine.

I thought there was hope for Beirut.

May, tell me, what do you think of Beirut?

Now, I can go anywhere I want.

Okay?

Why do I always have to look for you?

Tarek, it's a mess at home.

My sister ran away with a guy,

a guy from East Beirut.

Poor dad. He's gone crazy.

Why are you sad? Is it because of me?

Did I say something?

No, it has nothing to do with you.

Then what is it?

Is it because of Oum Walid?

A little.

Yeah, I thought she would be nicer, too.

But if I was her, I would do the same thing.

Zeytouni is no Honolulu.

To get there, I had to run

faster than my own shadow.

With lace panties in my hand.

We don't have money.

We eat sardines at least three times a week.

My dad feels hopeless.

He's not working.

I don't dare ask him for pocket money.

Remember when the war started...

how we had fun...

Now, I'm afraid I'll lose my parents.

Then who will be left?

Have you ever seen someone...

struck by disaster,

and you say, "Thank God, it's not me"?

Now I feel like I'm that someone...

and everyone is saying, "Poor guy, thank God, it's not us."

I miss school.

I even miss Madame Vieillard.

By the way, I think May likes you.

No, I think she likes you.

-Then she likes both of us. -Yeah, both of...

Tarek, don't start!

Let's light this up.

Here you go.

East Beirut is that way.

Dad, why don't we leave?

Because I've worked this land all my life.

Do you want us to start all over again?

And what would your mother do?

-She said she could type. -Type?

Your mother's a lawyer, not a typist.

Enough of this talk.

We're staying here like everyone else.

Things aren't that bad.

When I was your age, we lived through many wars.

My parents never left.

Not even to America?

No way.

Everyone gets his share.

What a country!

Come on, hurry up!

Come on, Hassan!

Mom!

This is all the kerosene I found.

That's fine.

I asked for two.

I said one. Read the sign.

-Please. -I said one!

Next! Calm down!

Bless you! One more bag of bread.

I can't. Look behind you.

I have a big family.

-I hope it gets bigger. -Bless you.

This is all the flour they gave us today.

If you don't like it, go somewhere else.

I've had it.

I swear, I'll shut this damn place down!

Take it easy, Hassan.

We've been here all day!

So, go complain to the government!

-Which one? There are many! -Move!

Move! Twenty bags, hurry up!

Darwiche, stand in line. They've been here all day.

I'm Papa Snake, and I said 20 bags. Hurry up!

Darwiche, I have to feed everyone here.

Your mother was here.

Poor woman...

I protect this neighborhood. If I say 20, it's 20.

And if I say 50, it's 50 with a smile.

Protect the neighborhood? Fine!

I don't have 20 bags. I'll give you 10.

For your mother's sake, poor woman.

Ismael, give him ten bags and hurry!

You son of a bitch!

You motherfucker! I'm not talking Chinese.

Give him what he wants!

I'll tell you what, Papa Snake.

If this is how you protect the neighborhood,

I'll be damned

if I sell you one grain of wheat.

Now get out! Next.

I'm going to fuck your mother!

I'll show you!

Tarek!

Tarek!

Darwiche, stop!

Get your hands off me!

No, come on!

-Where is he? Where did he go? -Hassan!

-Hassan. -Where is he?

Son of a bitch!

You son of a bitch!

You lousy dog!

-You son of a bitch! -Hassan, stop.

-Damn you! -Calm down!

-You dirty bastard! -Calm down!

Once a coward, always a coward!

He's nothing but a lousy coward!

How am I going to feed everyone here now?

Riad?

Riad.

We can't stay here anymore! Do you hear me?

What's wrong with her?

"What's wrong with her?" Go out and take a look.

Calm down.

Is that all you can say? All you do is read.

Hala works, Hala cleans, Hala cooks.

Listen, I can live poor,

hungry, even without my son.

But I won't be humiliated!

Leave us alone, son.

I said, leave us alone!

What happened to you?

You wanted to fight imperialism.

Everyone is selling out. Let's leave.

Leave?

Leave where?

-Who cares? Timbuktu! -Hala!

That's nonsense!

Where do you want to go? Jordan? Greece? Or Paris?

Do you know what they call us in Switzerland?

"Deluxe refugees."

In London Airport, they set their sniffer dogs on us.

In America, they call us "sand niggers."

We're even begging communists just to cross their borders.

Today, we're on every blacklist.

We're all terrorists and hashish dealers.

Isn't that humiliating?

Riad, this country is unlivable.

You must understand.

I won't belong to any other country.

I am staying.

We're staying.

If I die, I'll be at peace.

But if I lose you two...

-Can't sleep? -No. The night is too quiet.

Can I sit with you?

Riad.

About what I said earlier, I wasn't thinking.

You're not alone.

I'm in pain too.

Sometimes I want to go

into the street and scream at the world.

A hundred thousand dead...

and the game still goes on.

They say...

war brings people together.

But I wonder, when this war is over...

will we stay together, you and me?

No.

I forgot how.

Just for me.

-It's been a while. -That's all right.

Here...

I still love you.