Watch Marathon Beirut

Marathon Beirut is a 2008 Lebanese film directed by Danielle Arbid. The film is a coming-of-age drama set in the backdrop of the Beirut Marathon. The film delves into the personal lives of various characters, as they prepare for the marathon and navigate their challenging realities in modern-day Beirut. The protagonist of the film is a young woman, Farah (Manal Khader), who dreams of participating in the Beirut Marathon, despite her conservative family's objections. Farah is a middle-class university student who is dating a rich, older man named Joe (Alexander Siddig). Joe is an English businessman who is working in Beirut and is separated from his wife and two children. Their relationship is somewhat strained, and although they care for each other, they both have doubts about their future together.

As Farah starts her training for the marathon, she meets Younès (Paul Haber), a wealthy Lebanese man who is also training for the race. Younès is married to a French woman, Lucie (Helene Catzaras), but is infatuated with Farah. Their mutual attraction creates a conflict for Farah, who is already struggling with her feelings for Joe. Meanwhile, Younès is also struggling with his own marital problems and the social expectations placed on him as a wealthy Lebanese man.

Marathon Beirut also delves into the lives of other characters in Farah's world, including her younger sister and her boyfriend, a classmate who is secretly gay, and a group of young men who are part of a street gang. Each character's story adds to the overall narrative of the film and serves to provide a snapshot of life in Beirut in the early 2000s.

The film is visually stunning, capturing the vibrancy of Beirut's streets and the beauty of its architecture. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of traditional Lebanese music and contemporary Arabic pop songs. The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the viewer to become fully immersed in the lives of the characters and their struggles.

One of the central themes of Marathon Beirut is the idea of breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations. This is evident in Farah's desire to participate in the marathon, despite her family's objections. It is also present in Younès' desire to break away from the traditional expectations placed on him as a Lebanese man. This theme is explored through the lens of gender, class, and sexual orientation, making the film a nuanced commentary on the complexities of modern-day Beirut.

Overall, Marathon Beirut is a beautifully crafted film that provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in Beirut. It is a powerful commentary on the challenges of living in a city marked by social, political, and economic turmoil. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in Lebanese cinema or contemporary Middle Eastern culture.