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War on War

Name: War on War
Director: Maroun Bagdadi
Released: 1983
Duration: 28 min

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Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1983

Director

Maroun Bagdadi

Runtime

28 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Maroun Bagdadi’s documentary highlights the fragmented state of Lebanese society. It avoids typical war stories, choosing instead to break down the cycle of violence and the weakening of the nation-state. One of the film’s key strengths is its authentic, non-Western perspective. By featuring an Arab cast and a local setting, it provides a fresh take on Middle Eastern conflict, diverging from the typical depictions of the time. However, the film lacks depth in showing how different aspects of identity intersect. It focuses mainly on political and physical actions, leading to a noticeable lack of LGBTQ+ stories and limited roles for women.

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Category Breakdown

Does War on War have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories.

How does War on War portray gender?

Limited

The movie focuses mainly on the experiences of male soldiers and political activists. It doesn't show strong roles for women or challenge typical male roles in the conflict.

How racially and ethnically diverse is War on War?

Excellent

The film offers a genuine perspective by featuring an Arab cast and setting. It avoids a Western viewpoint, providing a local look at Middle Eastern conflict.

How does War on War represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film effectively critiques traditional institutions and the collapse of state governance. It shows the system as broken and unable to stop suffering.

Does War on War include disability representation?

Fair

While there are no main characters with physical disabilities, the film looks at the widespread issue of collective mental health problems due to ongoing violence.

Present on Screen

Provides a genuine, localized Arab perspective that avoids the Western viewpoint.
Offers a critical look at institutional stability and state governance.
Examines the deep psychological impact and trauma from systemic violence.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or stories.
Shows limited roles for women, focusing more on male combat roles.
Does not highlight specific characters with physical or visible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The camera wanders through streets standing witness to a war that has destroyed a city and an entire nation. Bagdadi goes to war against the Lebanese civil war, exploring different locations and situations in a country faced with its own demise. The poetic text raises questions of life and death through contrasting images of violent death and the will to live.

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