Watch Beirut

Beirut is a political thriller movie that takes you on a gripping journey through the war-torn streets of Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, during the early 1980s. The movie is directed by Brad Anderson and written by Tony Gilroy, who is best known for writing the Bourne trilogy. The story revolves around an American diplomat, Mason Skiles (played by Jon Hamm), who was forced to flee Lebanon in 1972 after a tragic incident that tore his life apart. Ten years later, he is called back to Beirut by CIA operatives, who need his help to negotiate the release of a kidnapped CIA agent.

Mason reluctantly agrees to return to Beirut, which is now a city divided by civil war and controlled by various militias. He soon discovers that his old friend, Cal Riley (played by Mark Pellegrino), who was a CIA agent, has been taken hostage by a radical Palestinian group.

As Mason begins to navigate the treacherous waters of Beirut's political landscape, he realizes that he must confront his past and come to terms with the events that led to his departure from Lebanon. He also forms an unlikely alliance with a young Palestinian refugee, Karim Abou Rajal (played by Idir Chender), who helps him navigate through the complexities of the city's political factions.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990 and claimed the lives of over 100,000 people. It explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and shows how these themes are woven into the fabric of the city's political and social landscape.

One of the strengths of Beirut is its attention to detail when it comes to the portrayal of the city and its people. The movie was shot in Morocco, but the production team went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of Beirut in the 1980s. From the bombed-out buildings and bullet-ridden walls to the crowded streets and bustling markets, the movie captures the essence of the city during one of its darkest periods.

The performances by the cast are also worth mentioning. Jon Hamm is excellent as Mason Skiles, a man who is haunted by his past and struggling to find his place in the world. He brings a sense of gravitas and vulnerability to the role, which makes the character more relatable and sympathetic.

Idir Chender, who plays Karim Abou Rajal, is also impressive. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, which adds depth to the character and makes him more than just a sidekick to Mason Skiles. His performance is subtle and nuanced, and he manages to convey a range of emotions without saying a word.

Overall, Beirut is a well-crafted political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is a movie that grapples with complex themes and does so in a way that is thought-provoking and engaging. If you enjoy movies that blend action with political intrigue, then Beirut is definitely worth watching.