Capernaum (2018)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Capernaum is a Lebanese drama film directed by Nadine Labaki. The film is set in Beirut and tells the harrowing story of Zain, a 12-year-old boy living in the slums, who sues his parents for bringing him into a life of suffering. The title “Capernaum” refers to the Biblical village, but also translates to “chaos” in French, symbolizing the turmoil in Zain’s life.

The Story Unfolds

Zain’s Life in the Slums

The film opens with Zain (Zain Al Rafeea) in court, suing his parents for neglect. Flashbacks reveal his life in the slums of Beirut, where he struggles to survive amidst extreme poverty and familial neglect. Zain is one of many children in his family, forced to work and fend for himself.

The Tragic Incident

Zain’s sister, Sahar, is sold into marriage at a young age, which devastates him. After Sahar dies in childbirth, Zain runs away from home, overwhelmed by the injustice and grief. He meets Rahil (Yordanos Shiferaw), an Ethiopian migrant worker, and her infant son, Yonas. Rahil takes Zain in, and he helps care for Yonas while Rahil works.

The Disappearance of Rahil

Rahil is arrested for not having proper identification, leaving Zain to care for Yonas alone. The challenges of looking after Yonas while surviving on the streets push Zain to the brink. Desperate, he tries to find a way to provide for the baby, resorting to stealing and other means.

The Legal Battle

Zain’s journey leads him to commit a crime, for which he is imprisoned. While in jail, he decides to sue his parents, arguing that they should not have brought him into a life of misery. The court scenes provide a powerful platform for Zain to voice the pain and suffering experienced by many children in similar circumstances.

The Climax and Resolution

The film reaches its emotional peak in the courtroom, where Zain’s poignant testimony highlights the broader social issues of child neglect, poverty, and lack of rights for children. The outcome of the lawsuit is less important than the awareness it raises about the plight of children like Zain.

The Conclusion

Capernaum concludes with a sense of ambiguity, leaving the audience to ponder the systemic issues that led to Zain’s suffering. Despite the lack of a definitive resolution, the film ends on a hopeful note, with Zain’s photograph being taken for identification, symbolizing a step towards a better future.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Zain finally getting his photograph taken, signifying his recognition as an individual and a glimmer of hope for his future. The ending underscores the need for systemic change to address the root causes of poverty and neglect.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Capernaum.

Type of Movie

Capernaum is a drama film that combines elements of social realism and emotional storytelling to highlight issues of child poverty, neglect, and the struggles of migrant workers.

Cast

• Zain Al Rafeea as Zain
• Yordanos Shiferaw as Rahil
• Boluwatife Treasure Bankole as Yonas
• Kawsar Al Haddad as Souad, Zain’s mother
• Fadi Kamel Youssef as Selim, Zain’s father
• Cedra Izam as Sahar, Zain’s sister

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Khaled Mouzanar, whose music adds emotional depth to the story and enhances the film’s poignant atmosphere.

Filming Locations

Capernaum was filmed on location in Beirut, Lebanon. The real settings of the city’s slums and streets add to the authenticity and rawness of the film’s narrative.

Awards and Nominations

Capernaum received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Cannes Film Festival: Won the Jury Prize and received a 15-minute standing ovation.
• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film’s cast includes many non-professional actors who had real-life experiences similar to those of their characters. Zain Al Rafeea, for instance, was a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon.
• Director Nadine Labaki spent years researching and immersing herself in the lives of Beirut’s street children to create an authentic portrayal.
• The film’s script was often adapted on set to reflect the real-life experiences and improvisations of the actors.

Inspirations and References

Capernaum draws inspiration from the real-life struggles of children living in poverty in Beirut. The film aims to shed light on the systemic issues contributing to such conditions and advocate for the rights and dignity of children.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows Labaki’s vision, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by Zain and other children in similar situations. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions, providing further context and depth to the story.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While there are no direct novelizations, the film has inspired discussions and analyses in various books and essays exploring its impact and the social issues it addresses.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Zain’s heart-wrenching testimony in the courtroom.
• Zain and Yonas’s struggle to survive on the streets after Rahil’s arrest.
• The emotional moments between Zain and Rahil, highlighting their bond.
• The tragic discovery of Sahar’s fate and Zain’s subsequent escape from home.

Iconic Quotes

• “I want to sue my parents for giving me life.” – Zain
• “I’m nobody. I don’t even exist.” – Zain

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes several scenes that subtly highlight the contrasts between different social classes in Beirut.
• The use of real locations and non-professional actors adds to the film’s documentary-like realism.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $4 million, and it grossed over $68 million worldwide.
• Zain Al Rafeea, who played the lead role, was resettled in Norway with his family after the film’s success.
• The film’s title, Capernaum, refers to a Biblical village but is also used metaphorically to describe a place of chaos and disorder.

Why Watch?

Capernaum is a powerful and emotionally compelling film that offers a raw and unflinching look at the lives of children living in extreme poverty. Its realistic portrayal, strong performances, and social commentary make it a must-watch for those interested in impactful cinema.

Director’s Other Movies

Nadine Labaki also directed:

• Caramel (2007)
• Where Do We Go Now? (2011)
• Rio, I Love You (2014) – segment “O Milagre”

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Florida Project (2017)
• Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
• Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
• City of God (2002)
• Bicycle Thieves (1948)