Lebanon's Oscar submission 'A Sad and Beautiful World' earns positive reviews for its evocative romance spanning three decades amid national crises. Director Cyril Aris crafts a story of destined lovers Nino and Yasmina, whose relationship mirrors Lebanon's turbulent history. The film blends magical realism with strong performances from leads Hasan Akil and Mounia Akl.
Film Overview
'A Sad and Beautiful World' follows Nino (Hasan Akil) and Yasmina (Mounia Akl), born minutes apart in a Beirut hospital during wartime. Their opposites-attract romance unfolds over three decades, shaped by Lebanon's economic and political turmoil. Nino's eternal optimism contrasts Yasmina's realistic worries, rooted in personal traumas like his parents' death and her parents' separation.
Narrative and Style
The story uses flashbacks, kinetic camera work, and collage-like editing to traverse time periods. Early scenes evoke romantic comedy with serendipitous meetings, such as Nino crashing his car into Yasmina's mother's business. As their bond deepens into marriage and parenthood, grayer tones emerge, reflecting Lebanon's decline. Magical realist elements, like Nino's vision of a paradisical island, symbolize a safe haven. Composer Anthony Sahyoun's electronic score adds hopeful yet introspective vibes.
Performances and Themes
Akil and Akl deliver believable chemistry, with Akil's positivity clashing against Akl's sternness in ways that highlight compatibility. Cinematographer Joe Saade captures intimacy through close-ups and innovative shots. The film adapts romance tropes to geopolitical context, showing how national crises infiltrate personal lives, forcing choices between homeland attachment and separation for survival.
Festival and Production Details
Reviewed after screenings at the Venice, Asian World, and Red Sea film festivals, the 110-minute film is produced by Abbout Productions, Reynard Films, and Diversity Hire. Cyril Aris directs and co-writes with Bane Fakih, emphasizing themes of destiny and resilience.