Watch After Shave

After Shave is a Lebanese drama film directed by Hany Tamba and released in 2005. It follows the story of Tarek, a young man who returns to Lebanon after a long absence to attend his father's funeral. Initially, Tarek intends to stay for only a few days before returning to his life in Paris but ends up staying for much longer than he anticipated.

The film revolves around Tarek's struggle to find his place in Lebanon and come to terms with his past. Throughout the movie, Tarek is haunted by memories of his childhood and his relationship with his father. He also reconnects with old friends and family members who provide a window into Lebanon's complicated history and present.

One of the central themes of After Shave is the tension between tradition and modernity in Lebanon. Tarek is caught between his desire to embrace the modern world and his loyalty to his family's traditions. His father's death and the subsequent events of the movie force Tarek to confront this tension and make difficult decisions about his future.

The performances in After Shave are uniformly excellent. Rafik Ali Ahmad gives a nuanced and understated performance as Tarek, conveying the character's complex emotions with subtlety and restraint. Mahmoud Mabsout is similarly impressive as Tarek's childhood friend, Fathi, who has fallen on hard times. Julia Kassar is also excellent as Tarek's sister, Rima, who has her own struggles and secrets.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the atmosphere of contemporary Beirut with precision and evocative imagery. The city is a character in its own right, with its bustling streets, crumbling buildings, and vibrant nightlife. The film's score is also notable, consisting of a mix of traditional Lebanese music and contemporary tracks that reflect Tarek's conflicted identity.

One of the strengths of After Shave is the way it captures the complexities of Lebanese society. The film portrays a country that is struggling to reconcile its past with its present and find a path forward. It explores issues of identity, family, and tradition in a way that is both relatable and specific to Lebanon.

Overall, After Shave is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into contemporary Lebanon and the struggles of its people. The movie's themes of identity, tradition, and modernity are universal and will resonate with audiences around the world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Lebanese cinema or in exploring the complexities of the Middle East.