Tarek's mother, a lawyer, cannot work. Neither can his father. There is talk of Israelis attacking Palestinians. Certainly, the streets are controlled by armed gangs. The city has been cut in half, the Christians to the East, the Muslims to the West.
Religion takes on a new and vital importance.
Tarek's neighbour, May, is persuaded to hide the crucifix she wears. In West Beirut, it could have them all killed. Insecurity and danger is part of the adventure that has become their lives. Shot in a documentary style, Doueiri achieves a rare feel for the excitement and uncertainty that civil war imposes. The boys, Rami Doueiri and Mohamed Chames, are excellent.