Some of these reviews are pretty harsh and kind of unfair. I'm a student of the Arabic language. This series is actually awesome for exposure to Levantine dialect and culture. Give it a chance.
35 Reviews
Another Lebanese series to watch
ramas-499445 October 2021
excellent soap opera + a magical touch of intellectual overtone ...
Sherparsa25 September 2019
Yes, this entire series may (or may not) be an exact replica of an American or European soap, perhaps even copied line by line as well as shot by shot ...
it's also full of script flaws and plot errors here and there ... actings, although mostly great, do also degrade once a while in some cases ... but the whole work is so finely directed and professionally videographed and above all, the well stated social commentary is so deep yet so plainly conveyed that I have nothing to say but for i am highly impressed!
yes, i already knew Lebanon is a secular country with very charming people and I was also well aware that the movie industry of Lebanon is a well established one with a decades-long history before I started watching ... but still, as the movie went on, I found myself more and more attached to the events and stories of each one of the many characters that all happen to be imperfect human beings yet everyone is quite understandable!
a huge kudos to all people involved in creating such a truly nice job indeed!
it's also full of script flaws and plot errors here and there ... actings, although mostly great, do also degrade once a while in some cases ... but the whole work is so finely directed and professionally videographed and above all, the well stated social commentary is so deep yet so plainly conveyed that I have nothing to say but for i am highly impressed!
yes, i already knew Lebanon is a secular country with very charming people and I was also well aware that the movie industry of Lebanon is a well established one with a decades-long history before I started watching ... but still, as the movie went on, I found myself more and more attached to the events and stories of each one of the many characters that all happen to be imperfect human beings yet everyone is quite understandable!
a huge kudos to all people involved in creating such a truly nice job indeed!
An opinion for a special story
tariqhaddad9 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I consider this series one of the interesting and funny series, especially the train scenes. I was pleased to watch this TV show
The end of the story was shocking to me, and I expected that Younes is the killer, or that the story is a movie in the cinema as the first scene in the series, and the heroes of the series are nothing but the film's actors
Genius
blackravenfox2 October 2020
Is it cheesy? Yes!
Does it skip some information and you have to mentally fill in the blanks? Yes!
Is the main character a spoiled selfish lout? But does he learn and change? Absolutely!
Is it different, hysterical and fun? Absolutely!
I have to admit, it took a little brain tweaking to get into this. I'm a blond, freckle faced, born and raised Californian. I love Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. So, to hear these characters talk about these famous western writers, was fun and shocking to me. Shocking that they would even know them. The main character, who is 'The Writer', dreams regularly about his main protagonist, Mr. Helmi. In the dream he is always in a train boxcar, and different characters from his book and life are sometimes on the train. Mr. Helmi helps him reason out who the murderer is. This part of the story is brilliant and fun. This show really is hysterically, but as I mentioned, your head has to be open to understanding, otherwise you won't get the jokes because they are presented in a dry humor. I believe this show also offers 'life lessons' about how easily you can lose control. The sisters of the murdered girl continually jump to conclusions that make perfect sense, but are way off. The blogger/journalist seems so clever at first, but then falls down a rabbit hole. I highly recommend this show and didn't regret one bit, the time I spent watching it. One more note, it is interesting that none of the characters ever kiss, even at their engagement party. Evidence that it is not really necessary.
Not wow but nicely done,
h_r-8597223 December 2021
I'll keep it simple
You can easily watch this series and enjoy it, it's not a bad choice at all, good acting, interesting murder-mystery kind of story and great imagery with an artistic type of direction (cool concept).
But i think the only real problem is that the storyline is slow, i don't know why Arabic series in general always try to hit 30 episodes, it's becoming a tradition.
So this is the only negative thing otherwise it's almost great, no need for harsh reviews, it's unfair.
Just a side note, The director, the writer, the lead male actor and the fictional detective character, are Syrians not Lebanese.
But i think the only real problem is that the storyline is slow, i don't know why Arabic series in general always try to hit 30 episodes, it's becoming a tradition.
So this is the only negative thing otherwise it's almost great, no need for harsh reviews, it's unfair.
Just a side note, The director, the writer, the lead male actor and the fictional detective character, are Syrians not Lebanese.
Excruciatingly awful- painfully cringy
al-kurdi_ahmad15 April 2020
Words cannot explain the series of stomachaches I had stumbling upon this "show". I fully resent the idea of any penny spent on the cinematography/production aspect, waste of potential and finance. There are many good screenplay writers, directors and actors in Lebanon/Syria region- this is a no way a representative of what's best. Almost all of the actors (especially well known Syrian actor Basil Khayyat, main character in the show) has done terribly. They were so unbelievably bad, and I'm pretty sure the script and directing made it even 10 times worse. I'm not sure whether this speaks volumes about the hegemonic presence of such style of writing and direction of visual arts in the region (that desperately needs a huge boost), or the overrated and outdated actors with very weak training that doesn't live up to potential of entertainment production. Either way, there's work that needs to be done. In no way this was good in any aspect or any standard. I don't get the high rating based on this being "the first show to make it" and thus we should be proud. This needs to be changed. Non of the show elements add up. It was insanely messy. Very weak acting and plot line. The script is highly underdeveloped. Doesn't relate or resonate on any level for a person that watches english speaking/western thrillers yet is from the region. It's insanely cheesy, repetitive and unoriginal, wasted production with not one ounce of research done on the surrounding environment. This doesn't even resonate with foreign audiences that are supposed to be exposed to "what else is out there", partly because of the unoriginality, but mainly due to how actually awful the show is. Nothing about this was good, absolutely nothing. You cannot possibly be serious if you even have the slightest reservation to how horrible it is. Goodbye.
Excellent! For many reasons!
dorismicholsippel20 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sad by the negative reviews.
What first attracted me is the title, as I am a writer myself - not a famous one! This gives me an advantage to see more in the script than what others may view as negative. It doesn't matter the genre, what matters is that writers make their readers think. Since this is a TV show about a writer, if you don't think, then you're missing sweet, subtle humor, easy acting for fun, silly stuff as well as serious plot.
I once read a book by an author who wrote in local North Eastern England accent. The reviews said that the author couldn't spell! Well, perhaps the readers didn't know that the author spelled words as they would be pronounced if one lived in the area. I had the great opportunity of spending a month in a northern English city where I learned the dialect. So, when I read this book with the accent clearly in print, I had no trouble understanding what the author conveyed. Other readers didn't understand what the writer accomplished.
That is true for this series, The Writer. Perhaps it is because I am a writer myself, I know the need for peace and quiet to write. I also know that writers live in their heads, so, to see the main character think through his plots is a nice touch! The viewing audience gets into the writer's life, his mind, his characters, his flaws and his strengths. If you're bored, then you're not thinking!
I thought the acting was done well, suspense kept me guessing, and now I will be looking for more from this cast and from Lebanon.
Since I speak English only, my enjoyment was diminished somewhat by having no choice but to read the subtitles to keep up with the story. Still, I heard the tone of voice, interpreted facial expresions, and felt drawn into the story. At times, I was glad to have the Back Button on Netflix to be sure I got the words correctly. I simply didn't want to miss a thing!
What first attracted me is the title, as I am a writer myself - not a famous one! This gives me an advantage to see more in the script than what others may view as negative. It doesn't matter the genre, what matters is that writers make their readers think. Since this is a TV show about a writer, if you don't think, then you're missing sweet, subtle humor, easy acting for fun, silly stuff as well as serious plot.
I once read a book by an author who wrote in local North Eastern England accent. The reviews said that the author couldn't spell! Well, perhaps the readers didn't know that the author spelled words as they would be pronounced if one lived in the area. I had the great opportunity of spending a month in a northern English city where I learned the dialect. So, when I read this book with the accent clearly in print, I had no trouble understanding what the author conveyed. Other readers didn't understand what the writer accomplished.
That is true for this series, The Writer. Perhaps it is because I am a writer myself, I know the need for peace and quiet to write. I also know that writers live in their heads, so, to see the main character think through his plots is a nice touch! The viewing audience gets into the writer's life, his mind, his characters, his flaws and his strengths. If you're bored, then you're not thinking!
I thought the acting was done well, suspense kept me guessing, and now I will be looking for more from this cast and from Lebanon.
Since I speak English only, my enjoyment was diminished somewhat by having no choice but to read the subtitles to keep up with the story. Still, I heard the tone of voice, interpreted facial expresions, and felt drawn into the story. At times, I was glad to have the Back Button on Netflix to be sure I got the words correctly. I simply didn't want to miss a thing!
Too long an entertainment at a very slow-going pace
manugw14 October 2019
A whodunnit turned into a long soap opera Arab fiction tempo style, these series would have been better ten episodes short, since some of them get sluggish and become burdensome to watch. Nevertheless it has got elaborated characters, rich dialogues with added poetry, original literary resources ( i. e, when the writer dreams on), and smart turn of events to make things fit.
don't even think about it
juluisahmad15 April 2020
Well done Lebanon!
paligladayan27 June 2019
I'm a Lebanese living abroad.. I often watch Lebanese series online because I love our culture, our traditions, our language, in short, I love my country.. but also because it makes me feel like I'm still part of what I like to call home..
Yet I'm also a big fan of Hollywood and other international movies and series of all genres, and subconsciously I am always comparing Lebanese movies and series to international ones.. which let's be honest is not fair.. since like everything else in life, budget mostly but also filmmaking experience make a huge difference on the final outcome..
This series redefines Lebanese series and brings Lebanese productions up to a whole new level and opens the door to new genres! The screenplay was unique, the sceneries were heartwarming, the music was an innovation on its own, the characters were well developed and the acting of most of the characters was very realistic, bringing the series to a whole new level..
Although, I should mention that it was hard for me to get attached to the series at the beginning.. it took me 3-4 episodes to grasp the plot, get acquainted to the new genre and start loving the characters.. so if you're like me, and judge a series by the first episode, this one will teach you to be patient and give it a chance to prove itself.. I am truly convinced that its innovative aspect might be the reason why it might take some time to actually get into the story and be perplexed by its misteries..
I am so proud of my country, my people and my culture.. By both the genre, the new filming techniques used, the contemporary acting, the appearance of many new talents, the constant mentioning of worldknown authors, books, actors and directors, etc (which allowed me to situate the plot into our reality) this series is a promising success!
Cheers to new challenges! Well done Lebanon 💜
Predictable but watchable
lolla-2177313 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
If you have nothing else to watch. Daniella's acting has gotten better in more recent series (for example til death - lalmawt).
I think a dragged a bit too much just to fill the spot for 30 episodes, the storyline was okay, the acting mediocre. The ending was very predictable. From the moment Majdeline was showing signs of an obsessive behavior (from the very early episodes), I guessed she would be the killer.
Not disappointed, as I did not have high expectations. However, do not dismiss the actors, and do watch Til death on Netflix with Daniella Rahme.
I think a dragged a bit too much just to fill the spot for 30 episodes, the storyline was okay, the acting mediocre. The ending was very predictable. From the moment Majdeline was showing signs of an obsessive behavior (from the very early episodes), I guessed she would be the killer.
Not disappointed, as I did not have high expectations. However, do not dismiss the actors, and do watch Til death on Netflix with Daniella Rahme.
Poorly preformed, poorly written, well filmed
lotushabbab27 June 2019
I'm very happy that the Arab entertainment has found itself in filming, a mixture between Lebanese and Syrian cast. It's very well shot, although there would've been more space to play with the cinematography, but so far so good, i hope we move forward with that.
I have to say there are highly preformed actors and actresses, but I don't feel like they're taking the story seriously. I'm very surprised and really want to question why Mr. Bassel Khayat A.K.A. lead actor Yunis Jibran, (a well known actor) has really preformed differently, when his character was so strong in other roles such as "Al Ekhwa" (The Brothers, an Arabic series) and many others like it. I'm not sure why he preformed his acting in this way, as I have no doubt that he is an amazing actor with years and years of experience and degrees.
I really hope we keep seeing more of new Arab series on Netflix.
I have to say there are highly preformed actors and actresses, but I don't feel like they're taking the story seriously. I'm very surprised and really want to question why Mr. Bassel Khayat A.K.A. lead actor Yunis Jibran, (a well known actor) has really preformed differently, when his character was so strong in other roles such as "Al Ekhwa" (The Brothers, an Arabic series) and many others like it. I'm not sure why he preformed his acting in this way, as I have no doubt that he is an amazing actor with years and years of experience and degrees.
I really hope we keep seeing more of new Arab series on Netflix.
I like this show
tarekterekmani6 November 2020
Outstanding performance and director
michellelias3 September 2019
It is a beautiful story, keeps you attached to the screen to solve the case.. every person is a suspect till the end!! Every actor did a great job to deliver a unique performance. Bassel Khayat is an outstanding actor and the director did amazing work. Did not get bored for a second. This is the best series i have watched in a while.
Don't waste your time on this silly soap
ravivenkit22 May 2019
I made the mistake of watching a reasonably good first episode and it went downhill from there very quickly. I gave up after 15 wretchedly written and performed episodes (not even sure how many there are in total. )
Don't make the same mistake I did!
Don't make the same mistake I did!
Very nice show
pauldaher30 May 2019
Waste of time
LunaCinefila29 November 2019
Best TV Series for this year! Amazing Story
waleedchayeb2 July 2019
Its indeed the best series for 2019, the story is well written, the performance is perfect and for sure Rami Hanna did a wonderful job in this one.
You can't expect the episodes, and its an artistic show! so don't expect to see fast story with usual acting, its artistic, so you need to dive into the characters and enjoy every single scene from the decoration to the face expressions..
Love This
valaing-9248429 October 2019
I am really enjoying this series and hope more of the public discover this. I'm half way through the 30 episodes and dreading it ending.
I hope there is a second series. More people need to know about this fabulous show.
It centers around a married but separated writer called Younis. He is mentoring and and having an affair with a young street wise girl Tamara who is murdered near his secret mountain house.
It switches between black and white when he is in his own books getting advise from his main detective character and present time.
There is a lot going on and everyone is a suspect. Really draws you in with mystery, humor and suspense.
I hope there is a second series. More people need to know about this fabulous show.
It centers around a married but separated writer called Younis. He is mentoring and and having an affair with a young street wise girl Tamara who is murdered near his secret mountain house.
It switches between black and white when he is in his own books getting advise from his main detective character and present time.
There is a lot going on and everyone is a suspect. Really draws you in with mystery, humor and suspense.
I love this Murder Mystery Drama!!!! Must watch!!
naileesq7 April 2020
The Writer, is an amazing, Lebanese murder mystery drama. It will keep you on your toes, with every twist and turn. Even though the beginning begins a bit slow, be a little patient. It will get juicy.
So many, possible suspects and something new to absorb into mind every time. WOW IS ALL I CAN SAY!!! I'm barley halfway through, and I had to write a review already!
Who killed her? Dang it, I can't wait to find out!!
I don't speak Arabic, but I used English subtitles. Loving the culture, the sound of the language, the beautiful cast!
This is a 5 star rating from me. I'm on my 3rd Lebanese Drama on Netflix. Check out this one soon!!!
So many, possible suspects and something new to absorb into mind every time. WOW IS ALL I CAN SAY!!! I'm barley halfway through, and I had to write a review already!
Who killed her? Dang it, I can't wait to find out!!
I don't speak Arabic, but I used English subtitles. Loving the culture, the sound of the language, the beautiful cast!
This is a 5 star rating from me. I'm on my 3rd Lebanese Drama on Netflix. Check out this one soon!!!
Review on The Writer
savirag1 June 2021
I am an Indian living in gulf and watch Egyptian and Labanese serials regularly on Netflix .
The serial "The writer" is ok.. story doesn't move fast. The protagonist Mr. Bassel is over acting and he is not adding value to the character.. when he is with his son he is too much. The way he repeats some words and sentences are irritating. Other artists have done well. Very natural. Ofcourse Bassel is a handsome man. :D. Ok to watch.
The serial "The writer" is ok.. story doesn't move fast. The protagonist Mr. Bassel is over acting and he is not adding value to the character.. when he is with his son he is too much. The way he repeats some words and sentences are irritating. Other artists have done well. Very natural. Ofcourse Bassel is a handsome man. :D. Ok to watch.
Highly Recommended!! Best Lebanese Series - One of the Top Series I watched
dbiesroland17 June 2019
Really I was surprised when NETFLIX put this film among the list of Series. It is new and had no feedback yet. I never watch Lebanese Series... but this Title captured me. Each Episode keeps you focused. Acting was very good. Story was excellent. The Music in the film and at the end is perfect. Simply the Cast, Directing, Script, quality of filming all excellent. Waiting for more like this.
horrible series
monterescu15 April 2020
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