a multidimensional opus for those who know how to use their gaze

When this film was shown to Lebanese audiences, it created a turmoil. Some thought it had hit just the right mood, others thought it played all the wrong notes. in all cases, it did seem to hit nerves, the right ones and the wrong ones. It must be said that this is a film that requires you to go along with it, not to bring your own expectations into it. It does bring out a very particular vision of that bewildering city that is Beirut. It is the director's vision, but it does in my opinion grasp an absolutely essential element: the city's tempo. The problem is, one has to ask if a city's tempo can exist outside the subjectivity of each citizen, and here, it is plain that the tempo in question is Salhab's. and mine. and many thirty-somethings of the Beiruti scene that Terra Incognita paints. Many things can be said about this film, but it is better to let the film be what it wants to be. It is important nonetheless to add that the film is incredibly rich visually and aurally, with structural experimentation reminiscent of many a master of intellectualist avant garde cinema of the 60s, as well as the more sensualist work of Takeshi Kitano (e.g. Hana-bi). The work Salhab put on the soundtrack is impressive to say the least, and the whole creates an eerily immersive experience of postwar Beirut. A film to watch with eyes and ears and mind wide open.

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

In Beirut, the destinies of several thirtysomethings (an architect, a tour guide, a mystic, a radio operator, and an exile returned home) collide.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Terra incognita

Photos2

Top Cast5

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed