Watch Terrace of the Sea
- 2009
- 52 min
Terrace of the Sea is a 2019 Lebanese drama film directed by Marie Lechner. The movie tells the story of three Syrian siblings who have fled the war in their country and are living as refugees in Lebanon. They have a dream of leaving Lebanon and moving to Europe, but they have to struggle daily with the harsh reality of their lives.
The movie begins with the introduction of the siblings- 17-year old Tarek (Rodrigue Sleiman), his younger sister Amira (Reem Talhami) and her husband Omar (Badih Bouchakra). The three of them rent a small room in a dingy apartment in a poor neighborhood of Beirut. They have left their parents behind in Syria and are on their own. Omar works in a car garage and Amira works as a cleaner in a hotel. Tarek spends his days wandering the streets of Beirut.
Despite their challenging circumstances, the siblings are bound together by their love for each other and their dream of a better future. Their daily struggles are seen through the eyes of Tarek, who is the main protagonist of the movie. He is a young man who is full of hope, dreams and zeal for life. He is also the one who bears the burden of looking after his sister and her husband.
The movie takes the viewers on a journey through the everyday life of the siblings. We see them deal with mundane issues like finding food, paying rent, and getting by in a foreign land. We also see them face more profound issues like the trauma of leaving their homeland, the heartbreak of being away from loved ones and the uncertainty that comes with living as refugees.
Tarek is the heart of the movie, and his character is beautifully portrayed by Rodrigue Sleiman. His nuanced acting captures the essence of a young man grappling with loss, conflict and his own dreams. The movie also showcases the deep bond between siblings, and how they support each other through life's toughest moments. Amira, played by Reem Talhami, is subdued yet powerful, portraying the struggles of a young woman trying to find her place in a foreign land. Badih Bouchakra's acting as Omar is exemplary, portraying the struggles of a young husband who is unable to provide for his family, and yet refuses to give up on his dream of a bright future.
The movie's title, Terrace of the Sea, alludes to a beautiful but enigmatic terrace that Tarek often visits during the movie. It is a place of solace for him, a place where he can dream and imagine a better future. The terrace is also a metaphor for hope, one of the central themes of the movie.
The movie's director, Marie Lechner, has done an excellent job of bringing the story to life. She has managed to create a realistic portrayal of the struggles that refugees face, without ever being exploitative or melodramatic. The director, along with the excellent cast, delivers a message of hope, love and resilience.
The film benefits from the beautiful locations that it is shot-in. The city of Beirut is captured in all its harsh beauty, and its winding streets, the picturesque harbor, and the timeless architecture add to the film's impact. The sound design is excellent, and the movie's score, by Khyam Allami, is exceptional in capturing the mood and tone of the film.
At the heart of the movie is the story of a family surviving, and thriving, in the midst of adversity. It is an honest, heart-warming tale of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. The ending is poignant and emotionally charged, a fitting tribute to the struggles of refugees all around the world.
In conclusion, Terrace of the Sea is a must-watch movie for anyone who wants to understand the plight of refugees and the struggles they face. It is a movie that will leave a profound impact on viewers and is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.