Very good job done! This movie is the first Lebanese movie that i see in the cinema; and to tell you the truth, it gave me the courage to produce a Lebanese movie in the future, why not? My Indian friend liked the movie too. He was reacting with every single part of it. One thing: Sabah's appearance was too short. I respect our beloved singer and i, like everybody, acknowledge her efforts to rise up with our traditional songs; but i felt her role was unnecessary ( too short). It could have been replaced by a huge screen playing one of her clips and dancers are performing in the front.At the end,I want to thank all the crew for their efforts!
19 Reviews
It wasn't abhorrent, nor was it any great film. This is no start to the Lebanese film industry. (Time has proved so as well)
fox-3720425 January 2017
This film starts with an old man holding up traffic and taking a pee, right in the middle of the road, on a car battery to get it started. I thought for 35 minutes inward that this was a bad comedy, I thought it had way too much music queues, (not singing just background music or Alia singing into a microphone for a recording) but yet all that time I thought so differently from what this movie actually is.
Without any knowledge of what this movie was about going in, I could not possibly tell you early in the film that this is a Musical Drama, with themes of both the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War and creativity in dance. As a viewer outside of the Middle East you can probably tell now this movie threw me off guard a bit.
The acting in this movie is not very good, not horrible by any means, but noticeable. I liked some of the music, mainly the dabkes oddly enough I found them quite enjoyable. The songs in this musical however are quite bad, mostly unimportant and seem like filler. They could've made this film better by only having the actual dance scenes as the music.
Speaking of which, the "score" or "Soundtrack" or whatever you would want to call it (ambient noise mixed with queues of a woman singing) are very odd. There is a lot of landscape shots of the Lebanon countryside and city shots that have this exact same queue over and over again. It often looks and sounds like a horror film at times whenever these shots occur, or at the least the use of these queues are just inappropriate with their frequency and even timing in a lot of scenes.
The rest of the movies elements are in the actual story, which I shall sum up as a troupe of dancers are dancing this new form of the traditional dabke, and while I didn't really get it in the beginning of the film, which is just confusing, this difference really made a showing at the wedding scene later on, where they perform and tick a lot of traditional older men off. They essentially then have a dance off and its not the worst thing. It was a bit of fun.
I won't tell the ending of course. But I will say overall the story while its not great is probably the best thing with the movie alongside the dabke music if you like it. (If you don't, avoid this film like the plague) So I can give it a mediocre rating, it's not the worst thing I've seen, not nearly.
Without any knowledge of what this movie was about going in, I could not possibly tell you early in the film that this is a Musical Drama, with themes of both the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War and creativity in dance. As a viewer outside of the Middle East you can probably tell now this movie threw me off guard a bit.
The acting in this movie is not very good, not horrible by any means, but noticeable. I liked some of the music, mainly the dabkes oddly enough I found them quite enjoyable. The songs in this musical however are quite bad, mostly unimportant and seem like filler. They could've made this film better by only having the actual dance scenes as the music.
Speaking of which, the "score" or "Soundtrack" or whatever you would want to call it (ambient noise mixed with queues of a woman singing) are very odd. There is a lot of landscape shots of the Lebanon countryside and city shots that have this exact same queue over and over again. It often looks and sounds like a horror film at times whenever these shots occur, or at the least the use of these queues are just inappropriate with their frequency and even timing in a lot of scenes.
The rest of the movies elements are in the actual story, which I shall sum up as a troupe of dancers are dancing this new form of the traditional dabke, and while I didn't really get it in the beginning of the film, which is just confusing, this difference really made a showing at the wedding scene later on, where they perform and tick a lot of traditional older men off. They essentially then have a dance off and its not the worst thing. It was a bit of fun.
I won't tell the ending of course. But I will say overall the story while its not great is probably the best thing with the movie alongside the dabke music if you like it. (If you don't, avoid this film like the plague) So I can give it a mediocre rating, it's not the worst thing I've seen, not nearly.
Lebanon at it's best....
jad-khairallah5 February 2006
One of the best Lebanese movies out there. good production, very authentic acting, a well outspoken movie. Now if any of you don't know anything about Lebanon or think Lebanon is another product on the food chain, go see the movie, you'll see Lebanon in its extremely well put plot detailing its variable ethnic groups, its freestyle thinking, creative planning etc... this movie depicts a man who intents to regroup his old friends including an ex-lover to form a Dabke band (Dabke is the national dance of Lebanon. It can be danced by men, women, or both, with different steps and different rhythms being more common in different areas of the Middle East. Dabke is a dance of community, often performed at weddings and other joyous occasions. it is also a dance of solidarity and a way of expressing nationalism and the age-old presence of art and culture in a positive way. The dabke leader is supposed to be like a tree, with arms in the air, a proud and upright trunk, and feet that stomp the ground in rhythm, emphasizing their connection to their land. Its meaning in Arabic is "stomping of the feet," and stomping, as well as jumping and kicking, are moves that characterize the dabke in a unique manner) and travel throughout the country and show off this new Techno-Dabke band called the Digi Dabke. Watching the film will allow you to see multiple sceneries depicting Lebanon's superb climate and landmark and showing the Lebanese people at their best. The film emphasizes also on the need to maintain one's root and consider them as an essential output to ones originality and character.
Believe me, whether you're the fan of the genre or not this film is a must see for all fans of movies out there.it has potential and something special that everyone must see to understand.
Believe me, whether you're the fan of the genre or not this film is a must see for all fans of movies out there.it has potential and something special that everyone must see to understand.
Lebaness actors must find some other career!
saadrabia29 April 2006
I saw "Bosta" (a.k.a "Dance thing" and "Digi Dabki movie"!) at the theater next to my home and I have to say I'm glad that I only spent Dhr 15. I wouldn't have dared to waste my money on seeing it in a public theater in fear of how bad it might have been.
The story line itself was very reminiscent of many old movies such as Abdul Haleem's late colored movies and many more, but wasn't as well thought out and constructed as it could have been. The plot revolves around an aspiring Dabki dancer cruising Lebanon for to re-group his old palls and his lover all into one new age dabki style called Digi Dabki.(OMG)
You can pretty much guess what happens next: The guy tries hard to fight all obstacles and get all his team together; The team regroups; He loves a girl; he tries so hard to get her back; the group faces problem (dah) and then the Dream comes true, Horryyyyyyy.
There are parts where the film tries to be touching and poignant... but, the acting and inability to emote on-screen feeling was totally lost due to what I call "Lame Lebanese Acting". If it wasn't for the imagery and scenery I would've left the theater from the 10th minute, because at that time the story was so clear and I already became bored.
All in all, the movie was only about a 2/10. The familiar story line seems like a clear rip off from the many previously famous films, but with a bad try in introducing a new crazy idea (what the hick is Digi Dabki, I mean my 3 years young cousin can give you better ideas!).
Bad acting lead one to believe that just because you are a successful video clip director doesn't necessarily mean you can act. The only exceptions to this are: The Bus and... nothing else!! What also bothered me about the movie was the fact that it felt like if I was watching a "National Geographic" documentary, which is seriously "NOT COOL" inside a theater; many wide quite shots with no any intention except the fact of showing some tree or background image, I mean come on, if you want to show a country then do a documentary, more pleasing and can also gain prizes and respect and fame, if that's what you are looking for!
When the movie was pending release I read a review in which "Bosta" was referred to as "The Lebanese New Film-making Age" and that's EXACTLY what it was, a new age of failure and bad film-making in general. Save yourself the torment and go rent "Ramadan Fouq Al Borkan" whose star Adel Imam is living proof that just because you are known in one realm of the entertainment industry, doesn't necessarily mean you have to cross over to the other.
The story line itself was very reminiscent of many old movies such as Abdul Haleem's late colored movies and many more, but wasn't as well thought out and constructed as it could have been. The plot revolves around an aspiring Dabki dancer cruising Lebanon for to re-group his old palls and his lover all into one new age dabki style called Digi Dabki.(OMG)
You can pretty much guess what happens next: The guy tries hard to fight all obstacles and get all his team together; The team regroups; He loves a girl; he tries so hard to get her back; the group faces problem (dah) and then the Dream comes true, Horryyyyyyy.
There are parts where the film tries to be touching and poignant... but, the acting and inability to emote on-screen feeling was totally lost due to what I call "Lame Lebanese Acting". If it wasn't for the imagery and scenery I would've left the theater from the 10th minute, because at that time the story was so clear and I already became bored.
All in all, the movie was only about a 2/10. The familiar story line seems like a clear rip off from the many previously famous films, but with a bad try in introducing a new crazy idea (what the hick is Digi Dabki, I mean my 3 years young cousin can give you better ideas!).
Bad acting lead one to believe that just because you are a successful video clip director doesn't necessarily mean you can act. The only exceptions to this are: The Bus and... nothing else!! What also bothered me about the movie was the fact that it felt like if I was watching a "National Geographic" documentary, which is seriously "NOT COOL" inside a theater; many wide quite shots with no any intention except the fact of showing some tree or background image, I mean come on, if you want to show a country then do a documentary, more pleasing and can also gain prizes and respect and fame, if that's what you are looking for!
When the movie was pending release I read a review in which "Bosta" was referred to as "The Lebanese New Film-making Age" and that's EXACTLY what it was, a new age of failure and bad film-making in general. Save yourself the torment and go rent "Ramadan Fouq Al Borkan" whose star Adel Imam is living proof that just because you are known in one realm of the entertainment industry, doesn't necessarily mean you have to cross over to the other.
Bosta could be used as a torture method
infestorOfSouls9 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
firs off all i have to admit that i watched this movie with my Lebanese friend who told me it is the one of the best Lebanese movies ever made. Since i haven't watched any Lebanese movies before (hmmm, why?) i said OK to him and we started to watch.
Well than the movie turned out to be an unbearable flick with lots of bad acting. i have to say, Lebanese can't act and all roles were played awfully. also the plot was totally negligible and silly. the plot is bunch of guys trying to save Lebanon from his misery of traditional dabke. officially this movie made me to hate dabke, i just cannot bear anymore to see any kind of dabke or their likes.
throughout the movie the digi-dabke damned bus tours in Lebanon from city to city and your agony hits more and more after each city. i didn't know that the movie was 142 minutes long! if just i knew! my dear Lebanese friend was just telling me to ease my pain:"it's over after this city. it's over after this city", well it simply was not! just keep away from this movie and waster your 142 minutes by watching something else or make one of your friends to suffer by showing them this piece of junk!
Well than the movie turned out to be an unbearable flick with lots of bad acting. i have to say, Lebanese can't act and all roles were played awfully. also the plot was totally negligible and silly. the plot is bunch of guys trying to save Lebanon from his misery of traditional dabke. officially this movie made me to hate dabke, i just cannot bear anymore to see any kind of dabke or their likes.
throughout the movie the digi-dabke damned bus tours in Lebanon from city to city and your agony hits more and more after each city. i didn't know that the movie was 142 minutes long! if just i knew! my dear Lebanese friend was just telling me to ease my pain:"it's over after this city. it's over after this city", well it simply was not! just keep away from this movie and waster your 142 minutes by watching something else or make one of your friends to suffer by showing them this piece of junk!
Bosta - A 100% Lebanese Feature Film
yalibnan22 January 2006
It's a fever that has spread like wildfire, not only in Lebanon but in the entire Arab World. Watching Philippe Aractingi's "Bosta" is not an option. It's a necessity. Here's why...
Following the premiere on December 1, "Bosta" has topped the box office ratings in Lebanon, beating Harry Potter among other international blockbusters.
If you're Lebanese, you can expect - for once and for the first time - to see yourself in a world-class Lebanese feature film/musical, yourself as you are, not a melodramatized version of who you're supposed to be. "Bosta" is a movie about modern Lebanese identity. Beneath the colloquial Lebanese dialogue runs a subtext that reaches deep into the roots of Lebanese consciousness. The plot touches on sensitive themes (postwar survival, children/parent relationships, adult temptations, national identity, self-worth) and functions on several levels (that of the society, family, and individual). It captures the dynamics of many a dichotomy: the individual vs. the group, local vs. expatriate, young vs. old, past vs. present. Encompassing so much that evokes identification, "Bosta" will have a personal meaning for every Lebanese viewer.
Following the premiere on December 1, "Bosta" has topped the box office ratings in Lebanon, beating Harry Potter among other international blockbusters.
If you're Lebanese, you can expect - for once and for the first time - to see yourself in a world-class Lebanese feature film/musical, yourself as you are, not a melodramatized version of who you're supposed to be. "Bosta" is a movie about modern Lebanese identity. Beneath the colloquial Lebanese dialogue runs a subtext that reaches deep into the roots of Lebanese consciousness. The plot touches on sensitive themes (postwar survival, children/parent relationships, adult temptations, national identity, self-worth) and functions on several levels (that of the society, family, and individual). It captures the dynamics of many a dichotomy: the individual vs. the group, local vs. expatriate, young vs. old, past vs. present. Encompassing so much that evokes identification, "Bosta" will have a personal meaning for every Lebanese viewer.
Had potential if it were better executed!
qui_j9 April 2021
This is a poorly produced low budget film with a very cheesy script. The voice over and dubbing technique is very amateurish and results in a lack of lip synchronization when the characters are singing or talking. This is absolutely distracting. The story is badly told with poor editing and scene sequencing, and really bad acting. Viewers have no idea at times what is happening with the plot. The movie, like the country itself, had a lot of potential but poor execution and production results in it never achieving a high level at all! Instead, it's more at the level of a really bad home movie.
Support Lebanese movies
jad11310 March 2006
I feel sad when I watch all these great Series on Lebanese TVs, and see no movies released. Geniuses are here, all they need is support. All you have to do is watch Bint El Mouallem (the daughter of the teacher), or Houlm Adar (March Dream) or A7la Biout Ras Beirut to know how easy going are these series, you feel they are true, they come from our daily lives, yet, they carry a lot of messages in this world of chaos. When I saw Bosta for the first time, the hole period of war passed through my head, in a glimpse of time. Even though I was just a young boy when it all began, I know that there were something very special about Lebanon, and that thing has to come back. It must come back.
wonderful work
sambg8923 April 2006
As a fan of Lebanese work,I think "bosta" is one of the best among Lebanese movies and serieses.It's so real and easy to believe.you won't feel uncomfortable or bored while watching it.It takes you back in time and reminds you of how stupid we Lebanese were to dis-troy both our country and ourselves for the sake of nothing.you would start thinking:"if the war didn't happen,every thing would have been much more better to everyone".it teaches you a lesson,and it makes you accept change.way to go... the actors did a fine job,they were able to prove there abilities as better actors then most of the famous actors in the Arab world.And that is great.
A Great Lebanese Movie!
dog65830 May 2006
Very rare Lebanese movies are a masterpiece! But this one really is! This movie tells the story of a guy which has left Lebanon like most of it's youth , and when he comes back he wants to put the old Lebanese dancing "Dabke" with the new themes , and a society of dancing wants to stop him because they think he is corrupting it, and so begins his quest across Lebanon to show all people his created dance.
This is a great movie for Lebanese and not Lebanese people , because it shows most of Lebanon's great views , recommended for all fans of the musical genre and non fans of the musical genre too.
A must see!
This is a great movie for Lebanese and not Lebanese people , because it shows most of Lebanon's great views , recommended for all fans of the musical genre and non fans of the musical genre too.
A must see!
Bosta more then 1 meaning
jc-torbey121 October 2020
Piece of art !
Debajyoti_Guha10 June 2022
One has to love one's roots deeply to write such a beautiful poetry. It is hard to believe that this the Director's first work. Except for the editing, nothing can be complained about the movie. This is my first Lebanese movie as a Bengali from India . I am in love already !
Changed my view!!!
samirforce2924 April 2006
I'm Canadian Lebanese, my auntie brought me this film from Lebanon as a present telling me it's a hit in Lebanon... at first i thought that it was another low-budget movie with bad actors and didn't really want to watch it...But then having nothing to do, i gave it a try and it changed my whole view about Lebanese movies: the direction was great(same for the camera shots) the quality of the image was comparable to a western movie, the actors did a big effort, the story and dialogs were excellent... the movie also deals with lots of Lebanese every day troubles and it makes the whole religious segregation between Lebanese just not worthy and ridiculous(i see a lot of those things when i go to Leb every summer) the movie also opened my eyes on what Lebanese can achieve...
A Day in the Life of Lebanon
cadmandu17 September 2006
This film is about a Lebanese folk dance troupe that goes on tour. They do traditional "debke" but also modernized, even hip hop, versions, which are controversial in their country.
I am not Lebanese, nor Arab, so for me this was a treat on several levels. I got to see a country that's been in the news a lot, but about which I know little. The music is wonderful, the dancing interesting. Contrary to what most people here are saying, I thought the acting amateurish and the plot predictable. Mediocre cinematography.
But that's not the point -- this is a fun movie. It's a bit longer than it should be, but the music is thrilling. Also funny. I saw it at the Arabic Film festival in San Francisco, and most of the audience was Arabic if not Lebanese, so I got a sense I didn't get all the humor, but most of the dialog is accessible to anyone. If you like Middle Eastern music, don't miss it.
I am not Lebanese, nor Arab, so for me this was a treat on several levels. I got to see a country that's been in the news a lot, but about which I know little. The music is wonderful, the dancing interesting. Contrary to what most people here are saying, I thought the acting amateurish and the plot predictable. Mediocre cinematography.
But that's not the point -- this is a fun movie. It's a bit longer than it should be, but the music is thrilling. Also funny. I saw it at the Arabic Film festival in San Francisco, and most of the audience was Arabic if not Lebanese, so I got a sense I didn't get all the humor, but most of the dialog is accessible to anyone. If you like Middle Eastern music, don't miss it.
an amazing movie
sunangel_29 April 2006
Seriously, this is an amazing film. it should be nominated for the foreign film Oscar. I just absolutely loved every minute of it, it shares an amazing message while displaying the culture of Lebanon in a beautiful way. Everyone should see it more than once. Lebanon is in serious need of movie such as this one every Lebanese should see it for a cultural renewal and every non Lebanese should see it to be able to truly appreciate Lebanese life and culture. This move is awesome, the actors are perfect, and the story really makes sense to everyone. Watch it especially for the dance scenes, though, because they are superbly choreographed. The color and style and movement will make you want to learn some Dabkeh yourself.
A Great Movie
muxizian21 May 2009
I am really stunned at this movie. i watched it twice in a row and will watch it more and more. No despite other comments it's not like any other movies or musicals. It is well written, the music & songs are very well integrated within the fabric of the movie like I've never seen before. The story of the movie although a simple story about the re-group of a group of dancers but it's a patriotic invitation to all Lebanon to re-unite and to develop old rotten ideas into a new modern realistic way of living together. An invitation to all arabs to forget about all the differences and lead anew life of today, like the new digi dabka of today.
Simply Delightful
deemer7513 April 2009
This movie simply brings a smile to your face. It's very entertaining with rather good production and acting. The music and scenes makes you long to visit Lebanon and it brings forth generational, ethnic, religious, and love issues within the characters while also ensuring you're entertained and smiling. . . makes you want to get off your chair and do the Debka dance which is what brings together this group. What I found rather interesting is that the movie had no issues showing some of the intricate problems facing Lebanon such as ethnic divide, religious difference preventing relationships, despair and death as a casualty of the civil war, and those that want to hold tight traditions from the past and not allow them to be adapted to the present and future. Yet through it all the Debka dance is what brings these people and their issues together where through the dance they are in harmony together... A must see!
Just No...
renuka-4415 July 2017
This film manages to take everything that is corny and cheesy in Lebanese cinema and squeeze it into 2 hours and 20 minutes, then it also takes elements from bad Hollywood romantic comedies and adds it to the mix. Aside from the fact that the director decided to use the civil war as a background for the events (which has become a staple of Lebanese cinema) he does it badly, so badly, I found myself cringing involuntarily. The main character is attempting to assemble a Dabke (traditional Lebanese dance) dance troupe and add a contemporary flavor to it - contemporary flavor that he's gained from spending 15 years in the country that colonized Lebanon that is civil and advanced unlike the peasants there- with the help of his childhood friends. Along the way, we observe the diversity of characters and their daily struggles in such a society while trying desperately to gain a laugh or two from "Some Ol' typical Lebanese-y behaviors"... HAHA- NOT. After these old friends get together, suppressed emotions rekindle and they now have to deal with them, with the inclusion of some bad Dabke choreography and singing that really serves nothing.
Conclusion: this movie is bad. And Lebanese cinema has good directors, Phllipe Aractanji does not fall in that category. People should stop giving him money to make films.
Conclusion: this movie is bad. And Lebanese cinema has good directors, Phllipe Aractanji does not fall in that category. People should stop giving him money to make films.
Bosta is running for the Oscar!
saba_sahar11 January 2007
Bosta, aka "The Bus" is selected as the official Lebanese entry in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Oscars), Best Foreign Language Film category.(2006)
Synopsis : Bosta tells the story of seven former school friends who meet again after 15 years, to drive across Lebanese regions in a rundown school bus, which they repaint and renew as a wound they are healing.
The group makes a stop at each of their native villages, to do what they've always done best: dance. But they are also trying to introduce a new blend of music, a mix of the traditional dance - the dabkeh - coupled to a techno beat; a mix that embodies this generation that grew up too fast. This group of friends tries to bring a modern twist to the past in a world that has lost all bearings.
The bus thus takes its passengers across Lebanon, on an emotionally bumpy journey of self-discovery and re-acquaintance with the multiple identities of their country.
An initiatory journey, addressing difficult themes such as tolerance between religions, the role of women in Lebanese society, the son-father relationship, and homosexuality - all in a subtle and light tone resulting in a musical trip to a techno-Lebanese beat!
Check the website: http://www.bostathemovie.com/
Synopsis : Bosta tells the story of seven former school friends who meet again after 15 years, to drive across Lebanese regions in a rundown school bus, which they repaint and renew as a wound they are healing.
The group makes a stop at each of their native villages, to do what they've always done best: dance. But they are also trying to introduce a new blend of music, a mix of the traditional dance - the dabkeh - coupled to a techno beat; a mix that embodies this generation that grew up too fast. This group of friends tries to bring a modern twist to the past in a world that has lost all bearings.
The bus thus takes its passengers across Lebanon, on an emotionally bumpy journey of self-discovery and re-acquaintance with the multiple identities of their country.
An initiatory journey, addressing difficult themes such as tolerance between religions, the role of women in Lebanese society, the son-father relationship, and homosexuality - all in a subtle and light tone resulting in a musical trip to a techno-Lebanese beat!
Check the website: http://www.bostathemovie.com/
See also
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