The title of this movie is so well chosen: “A Sad and Beautiful World.” It tells a love story between Yasmina and Nino and is a metaphor for the country of Lebanon, where it takes place. The plot is peppered with humor, laughter, and poetry, but it also lets us feel the chaos that the Lebanese people have endured for years.

    The movie opens a little like a fairy tale. The two are born a minute apart in a hospital under attack; they find themselves in the same elementary school, where their love starts blossoming; then, after losing each other, they are reunited by accident years later, as if destiny was taking a hand by drawing them irresistibly toward each other. As their paths cross, existential choices have to be made in an environment where, in spite of war and destruction, love becomes an act of faith for those who remain unfailingly attached to their country.

    Cyril Aris’ movie, which he co-wrote and directed, mixes the fantasies that make life easier for children during war, the irresistible romantic attraction between the two, and the harsh reality of Lebanon today. Yes, these two love each other, but they envision the future differently. Nino is an optimist who lives in the present and does what has to be done to make sure his little restaurant thrives; Yasmina is sarcastic – or realistic, in her own words – and wants to leave the country. She loves Nino, but she does not believe in the future of Lebanon and does not want to build a family. Actress Mounia Akl gives Yasmina her strength and determination. Nino, played by Hassan Akil, embodies the humor, lightness, and happiness of the Lebanese people.
 
    As Aris put it in an interview with a Lebanese online media outlet, “Yes, it’s a country that has endured crises, hardships, and tragedies, but it’s also a country where you can always find laughter, humor, and the zest for life that is so characteristic of the Lebanese people.”

    When they are children, Nino and Yasmina talk about “the island,” the place of joy where Nino’s parents live, where there is no war, just beauty and happiness. As they grow older, they still look for an island for themselves: this mythical place that once was, and could one day again be, Beirut.

    Today, there are more Lebanese people living outside Lebanon than in the country. Approximately 5 million citizens live in Lebanon, while there are an estimated at 8 to 18 million people of Lebanese descent who live outside the country.

    This beautiful and important movie will be shown in Orinda beginning Aug. 21 for at least one week. The International Film Showcase, a local nonprofit, brings acclaimed international film to the Bay Area. More about their future films at internationalshowcase.org. Tickets and showtime for “A Sad and Beautiful World” can be found at https://www.orindamovies.com/movies/