Beirut (2018) User Reviews

Interesting and grim film with tight editing , awesome performance , complex intrigue with twists and turns

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 21 September 2020]

In 1972, Mason Skiles (Jom Hamm) is a U.S. diplomat in Lebanon living in Beirut with his Lebanese wife, Nadia (Leika Bekhti) . They have recently started caring for Karim, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who claims he is without a family , but he has actually a brother who has been linked to the 1972 Munich massacre. While hosting a party , Skiles is confronted by his friend, CIA analyst Cal Riley (Mark Pellegrino) , who wants to question Karim . Then the party is attacked by Karim's brother , Rami, and there takes place an ensuing gunfight with dramatic consequences . Ten years later , Skiles has become an alcoholic and is working as a self-employed labor arbitrator in New England . While arbitrating a labor issue between particularly intransigent parties and struggling to keep his small firm afloat , he is approached by Sully (Douglas Hodge) , an old client, on behalf of the U.S. government . Beirut: 1982 there Skile meets some CIA officers : Sandy Crowder (Rosamund Pike) , Gary Ruzak (Shea Whigham) and Donald Gaines (Dean Norris) to carry out a risked mission . The events developed in this film led to the known in Lebanon as "the invasion" , it began on 6 June 1982, when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) invaded southern Lebanon , after repeated attacks and counter-attacks between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) operating in southern Lebanon and the IDF that had caused civilian casualties on both sides of the border . The military operation was launched after gunmen from Abu Nidal's organization attempted to assassinate Shlomo Argov, Israel's ambassador to the United Kingdom. Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin blamed Abu Nidal's enemy , the PLO, for the incident,and used the incident as a casus belli for the invasion, subsequently , there took place Sabra and Shatila massacre of Palestinians and Lebanese.¨The Paris of the Middle East Was Burning . The Americans want to keep their secrets . The Israelis want to raise the stakes . He only wants to save a life¨.

Engaging and dark picture , skill montage , magnificent acting , thrills , plot twists , emotion and intense drama . Concerning murky and dark issues , dealing with thorny themes of corruption and betrayal in which our protagonists become involved . Set in Beirut , Lebanon, when it was full of a lot of warlike organitations and militias , especially formed by Drusos , Christians , Maronits , Falangists , Palestinians of PLO , Chii of Hamas , Sunnies , among others . In the movie there is action filled , brief studio character , drama with turns , as well as moving chases . It was originally conceived as a tense as well as thrilling flick based on actual events well written by Tony Gilroy though diverting in an action thriller , at times . Gilroy's fictionalized portrayal of U.S.A, Israeli and PLO -Palestine Liberation Organization- scheming in 1982 Lebanon ultimately proved too hot to handle , resulting in a real Lebanon encroachment . Jon Hamm is pretty well as the former U.S. diplomat caught in the crossfires of civil war, then CIA operatives must send to negotiate for the life of a friend he abandoned . And Rosemund Pike is very good as brave and stubborn CIA agent who helps him to execute his purport to negotiate for the life of a friend he left behind. In addition , a frankly fine support cast , such as Shea Whigham , Mark Pellegrino , Leïla Bekhti , Kate Fleetwood , Larry Pine , Douglas Hodge and Dean Norris.

It contains an atmospheric and evocative photography by Cinematographer Bjorn Charpentier, this expert cameraman paid homage to the time period chronicled in Beirut by fitting his cameras with vintage lenses, in fact those lenses were built from that era . And shot on location in Rhode Island and Tangier . Being accompanied by a thrilling and stirring musical score by John Debney. The motion picture was competently and splendidly made by US director Brad Anderson , though it had limited success at box-office. Brad Anderson was born in Madison, Connecticut, USA and was graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival . He is a notorious director and producer, known for Next Stop Wonderland (1998) , Session 9 (2001), The machinist (2004) , Transsiberian (2008) , The Call (2013) , Asylum (2014) , among others .

From Beirut With Love

[questl-18592 · 5/10 · 14 October 2020]

I quite like John Hamm. The man has this natural charm about him, he just seems like a nice, fun guy to the point that even when he's not great, he's still enjoyable. Beirut is a great example of that because the movie itself is kinda underwhelming but I still enjoyed him in it for the most part. Can't say the same for Pike. I don't know what it is but most of her performances annoy me and this wasn't an exception. That's really the story of Beirut though. There are times when it's good, clever and entertaining and then times when it's just soooo bad and the rest of the time it's just super generic. Nothing is ventured and nothing is really gained.

This is a tough one because I want to call it background noise but that doesn't work because there are things happening and it wouldn't work if you don't pay attention, but it's not really worth giving your attention either so it's stuck in this weird limbo space of only really being suitable for people that just want to watch it for some reason. Definitely not one I'd recommend paying any money on, if you can't at least check it out for free first then don't bother.

Negotiations in Beirut

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 16 October 2018]

Did find myself gripped by the trailer initially and the story sounded really interesting. A cast with the likes of John Hamm, Rosamund Pike (one of my main reasons for seeing the film) and Dean Norris also promised a good deal, and both Brad Anderson and Tony Gilroy have done solid work previous.

Although more divisive here, 'The Negotiator' from my understanding has as of now been received positively critically. It is not hard to see why, it is not perfect and falls short of being great but there are an awful lot of things to like. It did deserve to do better financially, having been a box office under-performer, and deserved much better than a limited release, not just in my country but worldwide too, where even then it would have been easy to miss with such tight competition released around the same time. With advertising that did it justice, rather than making it out to be a film far less complex and more insensitive than it actually is, and that it was released under the title 'The Negotiator' (a far more appealing title in the first place) worldwide instead of the misleading 'Beirut', the film would have fared better.

'The Negotiator' has a few faults. It does lose its way in the final third, where things lose momentum and plausibility declines. Felt too that the film resolved at the end too tidily.

For me, the music was on the intrusive side and while there was not much of a problem with the authenticity of it there was a problem with the placement, which could be inappropriate for the mood and not fitting that well.

Rosamund Pike does do very well in the acting stakes, but the character felt underwritten and underused somewhat, in general the character development was a little sketchy excepting the lead character.

However, 'The Negotiator' is slickly photographed and regardless of it not being the real location (though as said there have been many films that weren't made in the real life, either being done in another country or in the studio, and still manage to be good and even great to classic films) the scenery has beauty and grit. Anderson directs with control and tautness, giving alertness to the drama while allowing things to breathe too.

Gilroy's script is tightly structured, smart and thought-provoking, the political elements and connections not complicating the story despite their complexities. The story, while losing its way in the last act, is from the very start gripping, not hard to follow or dull and has a number of thrills and nail-biting suspense. Loved the meaty character writing for the lead character and his quite complex development and although some have said otherwise the film's representation of the Middle East/Beirut is far less insensitive than has been made out.

John Hamm in on top form here, at his best perhaps, and is rightfully the standout of the quite impeccable cast. Pike does very well being tough and sympathetic, and it was great seeing different roles for Dean Norris and Shea Whigham that contrast with the roles that they're most famous for.

Overall, not a great film and with its issues, namely the last act and the music, but gripping, intelligent and well cast and made. So much better than its misleading advertising, limited release, criticisms against it for not being authentic and being offensive (didn't think that personally) and financial under-performance indicates. 7/10 Bethany Cox

******* Hostages

[GManfred · 11 April 2018]

That's the basis for this taut, fast-paced actioner set in the Middle East of the 70's. John Hamm is a State Dept. negotiator coaxed out of retirement to find an American operative held by (select one) the Palestinians, Israelis, Lebanese or maybe the PLO. Be sure to bring a pad and pencil to keep track of the cast and which side they are on, because you never know in "Beirut".

For some reason, this picture is getting bad ratings from IMDb contributors. I don't know if here is a Hollywood conspiracy against it, but the bad reviewers are way off. "Beirut" needs to be seen by fans of edge-of-your-seat thriller fans. Just pay close attention as some info goes by quickly, which is in keeping with the complex plot and brisk pace of the movie.

My star rating is in the heading. The website no longer prints mine.

Has it's moments

[benjamin-norris · 6/10 · 2 November 2019]

Expected more in all honesty. Gives a very brief outline of an aspect of a very complicated conflict. Solid performances from the cast and solid direction from Brad Anderson. Middle of the road Middle Eastern thriller which just lacks cohesion and at does drag at certain points.

A fun ride

[rodsta69 · 7/10 · 11 April 2018]

Why are people so upset that it's not historically accurate? It never purported to be a history lesson. Snappy dialogue and a few twists and turns and Jon Hamm being Jon Hamm. I thought it was good.

Predictably nice

[gabriel_sanchez · 7/10 · 11 September 2021]

Cool to have on your watched films list, but not a prime entry.

In Beirut (2018), we follow the story of Mason Skiles, a high-profile diplomat on a quest to arrange an exchange of prisoners: terrorist Abu Rajal in exchange for US agent Cal Riley. Mason is not at his prime, especially after the events that led him to heavy-drinking and delusion. And, as expected, dealing with terrorist is not as straighforward as it might seem.

It is an enjoyable film, althought it is kinda predictable and it lacks a little more character development. But it goes to the point, and I was entertained. I was not sure what could happen in the end to Mason, even though the overall plot was predictable.

It is a thrilling film without much action scenes. It feels real, even though things happen fast.

I'd recommend this film to people who like suspense plot-wise and don't care a lot about crazy stunts and a lot of shooting.

Is it offensive? no. Is it great? no.

[GreenIsTheColor · 6/10 · 18 July 2018]

First, yes, the filmmakers could have been more considerate and filmed it in Beirut and hired local actors and crew if they wanted to truly pay homage to the city, but is it that despicable or offensive? Probably not. They might have made up for it by including all the clichés that the Lebanese folks like to hear and see, such as "ski in the morning, go to the beach in the afternoon, and party all night", and the girl in the bikini walking next to a veiled woman. And their over-simplified summation of the very complex nature of the conflicts seems to hold some truth and is probably just enough for the short attention span folk, who could only consume brief over-simplified summation. But overall, the film is only slightly entertaining, the story is ok, nothing deep or moving, average suspense and action, but it's interesting how it's mixed up with the tragic events of the city, although most of them is made up.

Not another spy thriller

[esther70 · 8/10 · 29 July 2018]

I don't care it is not filmed in Beirut. It is a good spy thriller that is unlike most others. It does not have car chases or thousands of bullets flying or naked men & women decorating the screen. It has depth and is thought provoking. A wife died and the husband grieved. A child lost his mentor and he seeked another, who led him to a totally different path. There are deceptions but there are also trust and friendship. It is a movie that keeps your brain churning instead of your adrenaline rushing.

Ignore the Zionist shills and their 1/10's -- Beirut is decent terrosit/hostrage drama

[TroliusMaximus · 7/10 · 17 July 2018]

Due to this film not (repeat: NOT) obligatorily portraying Israel as some helpless sheep stuck in a sea of blood-thirsty Moslem wolves -- rather, as the arguable antagonist to Middle East ruckus (indeed, a view that anyone who has taken it upon themselves to learn a modicum unvetted history, would attest to) -- many aspiring and / or employed JIDF online propaganda trolls have infested the IMDb reviews section of this film, in order to try to down-vote it into oblivion. To be fair, I'm frankly surprised a film that paints the Israelis in such a, at best, dubious light -- as well as the Americans as being the unwitting (read: witless) peace-keepers, stuck between the former faction, its colonised foe(s) and their regional, hegemonic bent -- was given the green light (seeing as how pro-Israel Hollywood has infamously been... for obvious reasons).

That being said, and politics aside, this film, albeit somewhat formulaic in narrative, is well-acted, well shot and has good pacing for its 100-plus-minute run-time. It stars Paul Hamm, who gives a polished performance. and the forever reliable Rosamund Pike -- a cast pairing that, alone, warrants this film's viewing. Beirut does not do anything particularly new, nor engender anything that stands out from the herd of 'Middle East malaise' themed -- that is, and as broached, aside from its depiction of the Israeli side, as it relates to the trilateral dispute that the film's subtext centres on.

As such, and irrespective of its by-the-numbers approach, the film still feels refreshing -- in it breaking the 'hasbara' mould that has become all too commonplace in films dealing with this eristic subject matter. Beirut's undertones create a glimmer of hope for the mainstream worm to yet turn and, perhaps, sometime in the distant future, for the world to approach the, what has long become a veritable meme of "peace in the Middle East", from a standpoint rooted in reality; nay emotion, fake / vetted news and propaganda.

Was ok until the ridiculous parts

[gregkut-245-771714 · 3/10 · 8 August 2018]

The initial plot line was interesting, about Jon Hamm as a State Dept leader employing and adopting the brother of a Palestine terrorrist. It had potential, but then it morphed into Mad Men Middle East. Hamm plays an cynical but smooth talking alcoholic haunted by past secrets, with an incredibly high tolerance for booze that can switch from wasted to competent on a dime. He also goes for mystery strolls through terror ridden Beirut neighborhoods. Finally, multi-lingual CIA Peggy olsen is along to be a foil to his self indulgence. Hank from Breaking Bad and Eli from Boardwalk Empire are there too as bad guys. I watched it on a plane, and I'm glad I didn't spend actual money on it.

Extremely Entertaining

[schubej-1 · 8/10 · 8 January 2019]

One reviewer indicated this was not filmed in Beirut and the city wasn't in the condition as depicted. Not ever having been there I won't dispute but the images of the damages and treatment of individuals were horrifying and set the tone for the film. But, terrorist activities in the area has been well documented since recorded history. Jon Hamm was exceptional in the development of his character and Rosemary Pike may have been somewhat miscast but she managed her character fairly well. What was most disturbing was the probability of sacrificing one to maintain a precarious "peace" in the Region. And, of course, there is the issue of corruption by a U.S. official in another country (go figure). All in all it is a complex story with something of an unlikely conclusion but it was still extremely entertaining.

Bueno, sí, es entretenida. Well, yes, it's entertaining

[Andres-Camara · 6/10 · 23 December 2018]

Si buscas una película de espías a la antigua, no la encontraras, si buscas una película política, tampoco, pero la ves y la sigues. Este tipo de películas, tiene un guion que realmente, no sé si está cerrado, ya que son tantas las ramas políticas, que te puedes perder.

Todos los actores están muy bien, Jon ha pasado de ser un actor de reparto a uno de primera fila.

La iluminación está muy bien. Me ha sorprendido, para bien. Te ayuda a meterte en la trama y es bonita.

El director está en su línea. No sabe poner la cámara, solo observa la película. Al menos no aburre como otras veces. Es su película más convencional.

Está muy bien para un sábado por la noche.

If you're looking for an old-fashioned spy movie, you will not find it, if you're looking for a political movie, either, but you see it and follow it. This type of films, has a script that really, I do not know if it is closed, since there are so many political branches, that you can lose.

All the actors are very well, Jon has gone from being a supporting actor to a front row one.

The lighting is very good. It has sorprised me for good. It helps you get into the plot and it's pretty.

The director is in his line. He does not know how to put the camera, just watch the movie. At least it does not bore like other times. It is his most conventional film.

It's fine for a Saturday night

This ain't Beirut

[gaierdw · 1/10 · 17 July 2018]

I was a US Marine stationed at the US Embassy Beirut during the period that this movie covers. Aside from the terrible production values, virtually everything shown in this film is not remotely the way it was. Such a disappointment, as I was hoping to see some of my military years reflected in the crazy place that Beirut was during the civil war. SKIP THIS.

Be smart. See it.

[JohnDeSando · 17 April 2018]

"I was a child during the Lebanese civil war, and I remember Israeli bombardments. So growing up, my view of Israel was completely negative. I'm not coming from a neutral place, but with time, I've had to re-examine my thinking." Ziad Doueiri (Lebanese director)

In the early '80's, Lebanon, and specifically Beirut, was a cauldron of conflicts that involved the interests of the US, the PLO, Israel, Syria, and Druze Militias. Director Brad Anderson and writer Tony Gilroy, reminding us of his fine work with Michael Clayton, carefully steer us through the city's growing rubble to chronicle the negotiations for a CIA spy to be exchanged for a rebel leader. Think The Year of Living Dangerously, Argo, and John le Carre for similar suspense.

Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm), a former US diplomat and current drunk, is called in as a skilled negotiator to bring back his friend, CIA agent Cal Riley (Mark Pellegrino), in a prisoner exchange. Hamm is particularly effective as a martini-soaked Cold War survivor whose role stateside after Lebanon as a labor negotiator has ennui written all over him.

Yet, this gig is fraught with danger because no one is a fool, and the smart players are too canny to be conned by a smooth talker like Mason. He has the good fortune to have his back guarded by cultural attaché Sandy Crowder (Rosamund Pike), an operative with multiple motives but a good bet to save the day.

Although little hope resides yet for a peace between Arabs and Israelis, the film succeeds in fleshing out the multiple points of view that have kept the Mideast a stew of ambitions and hatred. In the end, the film Beirut is an espionage thriller featuring an unBond, avowedly alcoholic hero. In that regard, it offers nothing new in this genre, just good action suspense and a modicum of insight.

The pace of this frenetic thriller set in the Lebanese Civil War is quick and smart with just enough character development to satisfy the harshest critics and enough turns in the negotiations to keep discerning audiences attentive and engaged. Be smart: see it.

Enjoyable

[mrwildgoose · 6/10 · 25 August 2021]

It's more of a laid back drama than a supercharged thriller. Quite engaging. John Hamm is good, and should be cast in more movies perhaps. Rosamund Pike is irritating, as often, and should be cast in less.

Dense and overly plot-heavy Middle-East political thriller

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 2 May 2018]

"Beirut" (2018 release; 109 min.) brings the story of Mason Skiles, a US diplomat in Beirut. As the movie opens, it is "1972" and Skiles is hosting a party. At the party is Karim, a 13 yr. old Lebanese boy whom Skiles and his wife have informally come to care for, A CIA officer is demanding that Karim be handed over, as his brother is linked to the Munich Olympic Games' terrorist attack. Then out of the blue an attack ensures, and the attackers take off with Karim, and murder Skiles' wife along the way. We then go to "10 years later"... At this point we're 10 min. into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the latest movie from director Brad Anderson (best known for "The Machinist" and "Transsiberian") and writer Tony Gilroy, who wrote all of the Bourne movies (and also directed one). Beware: the movie's ads scream out "from the writer of the Bourne trilogy", but if you are expecting an action movie in the same vein as the Bourne movies, you will be hugely disappointed. "Beirut" is NOT an action movie. Instead, it is a dense, plot-heavy political thriller. The only similarity with the Bourne movies is that much of "Beirut" is filmed with hand-held cameras (and hence at times close to inducing a headache from all the shaking pictures). Jon Hamm seems to relish his role as the hard-charging, hard-drinking Mason Skiles. Rosamund Pike (the other 'big' name), on the other hand, seems utterly lost as the CIA operative who may or may not have other ulterior motives in all this. The movie's photography is heavily skewed towards orange, as it appears many of the day-time scenes were shot late in the afternoon when the sun is providing that type of color.

"Beirut" premiered at this year's Sundance film festival to general great acclaim. The movie is now playing in select theaters. The Tuesday evening screening where I saw this at was attended poorly (5 people in total, including myself). If you are in the mood for a dense and plot-heavy (a bit too much for my liking) political thriller set in the Middle East, this one is right up your allay, and I'd suggest you check out "Beirut", be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion

Disappointing

[nselite · 6/10 · 10 November 2019]

Nice plot and good acting, but certainly some main scenes were not filmed in Beirut. Unreal in showing the exit of the airport, which is not Beirut, and also a Beirut beach which is not in Lebanon. There were never any camels roaming around in the Beirut beaches.

Well done

[grantjohnson-81564 · 7/10 · 15 July 2018]

This is a solid rental. Excellent cast and writing. Don't believe the haters on this one. It's worth the time and is very well done from start to finish. Is it predictable - yes - especially if you watch as many movies as probably everyone that posts a review on here does. Is it entertaining - absolutely.

A Solid Thriller, Enjoyable, Should be on Your List

[rbolepdx · 8/10 · 8 August 2018]

As a movie this is a solid, dependable thriller with a really solid performance by Jon Hamm, as well as by a range of supporting players who turn in good, taunt performances. The one exception is Rosamund Pike whom is a great actor, but is ill-used. I suspect there were a number of scenes left on the editing floor.

This movie will be controversial because of its depictions of Beirut, as well as lack of agency of the Lebanese people. These criticisms are valid, but at the same time it is very hard for Hollywood, let alone a Western director and writer to get the right nuance and tension of the period AND make a successful movie. To the critics, you have a point, but this is a thriller, not a documentary.

If you are looking for a modern spy/espionage movie, this should be on your list. Plus I would love to see more Jon Hamm in these types of roles...well done.

An old style spy thriller

[heaven1-2 · 7/10 · 17 April 2018]

Ok, the plot device of Once rising star falling into alcoholism because of tragedy in life is a little overplayed. But the movie doesn't work it has a lot of twist interns to it my main complaint about the movie is that sometimes the dialogue is almost unintelligible.

Cheesy Propaganda

[karimnn · 1/10 · 12 April 2018]

I am Lebanese, and lived in Lebanon in the 1970s and 1980s. First of all, this movie wasn't shot in Beirut. Beirut didn't look like this pile of ruble even during the 70s and 80s. The yellowish filter used in the movie does a great job! This movie is neither entertaining, nor is it historically accurate, so what is it really? A good propaganda film that delivers everything it promises. There was no Islamic militias during that period, all militias were secular in West Beirut, and to link the Munich Olympics massacre and real events to some fictitious character (Farid Abu Rajal) in Beirut takes the propaganda to a higher level.

All in all, I found this movie too simplistic, it is a cheesy propaganda that only simple minded people can enjoy.

Enjoy!

Underrated

[ajitgorakshavhad · 9/10 · 3 October 2019]

It's a good film.. it looks believable coz it has its flaws.. it's a film.. not an actual.deal happening there.. I see some critics giving it low scores and viewers like me enjoying it.. it's smart..brief n pecise.. no fancy dialogues.. as one of the dialogue in movie says.. all got what they wanted ...it's a rare thing.. so is the film performance.. viewers got to enjoy.. critics got to criticise.. it's a good film.. just like the film..I too will keep it short n to point..WATCH IT.

Bargaining In Beirut

[iquine · 7/10 · 21 November 2018]

(Flash Review)

During civil unrest and clashes between many groups in the Middle East with Beirut was a center point, CIA operatives attempt to rescue a friend stranded in a grimy cell by dangerous men. A savvy diplomat, Mason, must negotiate with assorted various groups at different levels of danger and power to make deals while playing some off of each other to get what he needs to locate and rescue his friend. This was a tense action packed movie and entertaining to watch Mason's savvy negotiating prowess. Awash in gritty scenes from early 80s Beirut during much violent strife, we also lightly observe America's involvement and impact. Will Mason be able to use his expertise to free his friend while not knowing who to trust? John Hamm was excellent as the quick talking deal spinner just like his days on Mad Men. The pacing was quick and it was fairly easy to follow the assorted characters and groups. This movie broke no new ground, just a solid, enjoyable and gritty Middle East based movie.

Beirut?

[explorador · 1/10 · 10 February 2019]

Does not look like Beirut, movie maker never went to Lebanon, he could have made the movie in Caracas as well. So much talking and such a lack of daylight, makes the movie unwatchable. Sorry I watched it 10 minutes and could not stand it anymore.