Watch Dawn of the World

Dawn of the World is a 2008 French drama film that portrays the lives of a group of young Palestinians living in a refugee camp in Lebanon. The movie sheds light on the daily struggles of these people and their longing for a better life. The movie is directed by Abbas Fahdel and stars Karim Saleh, Hafsia Herzi, and Hiam Abbass in the lead roles.

The film is set in the 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, and it revolves around the lives of four main characters – Tarek, Omar, Amal, and Nadine. Tarek is a restless young man who is eager to escape the refugee camp and start a new life. Omar is his best friend who is working hard to provide for his family. Amal is a young woman who is forced to marry against her will, and Nadine is a single mother who is struggling to raise her child amidst the chaos of the war.

The film starts with Tarek's dreams of escaping the refugee camp as he is tired of the constant violence and poverty. He is constantly plagued by his memories of the war when his parents were killed in front of him. Omar, on the other hand, is content with his life in the camp and finds solace in his job, which involves scrounging metal from destroyed buildings to sell.

Amal's story is one of the most moving subplots in the film. She is forced to marry against her will to an older man who can provide security for her family. This marriage causes her great pain and she has to endure the abuse he inflicts on her every day. Nadine's story is equally heartbreaking, as she struggles to raise her child while the war rages on around her.

As the movie progresses, Tarek becomes more and more desperate to escape the refugee camp. He sets his sights on a wealthy woman, Mouna, who he believes can be the key to his escape. However, his obsession with her leads him down a dangerous path.

Throughout the film, the characters' personalities and experiences are woven together to create a portrait of the refugee camp. The director paints a picture of a place where hope is scarce, but resilience and courage are abundant. The film is shot in a documentary style, which adds to its authenticity.

Dawn of the World is a powerful film that highlights the plight of Palestinian refugees. The movie does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of life in the refugee camp. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, and the performances by the actors are raw and honest.

In conclusion, Dawn of the World is an intense and moving portrayal of life in a Palestinian refugee camp during the Lebanese Civil War. The film is a powerful commentary on the struggles of those living in war-torn regions and the human desire for a better life. The characters are complex and authentic, and their stories are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. This is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in Middle Eastern cinema or who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the Palestinian refugee crisis.