The Insult: How Hatred and Racism Can Spiral Out of Control!

This film has received the Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and it deserves it!  The Director, a Lebanese Christian (Ziad Doueiri), also co-wrote the screenplay with a Muslim (Joelle Touma) (which – as you will see – will become very relevant).  The film takes place in Lebanon – a country still seething with ethnic, religious, and political tensions.  Palestinian refugees, who have lived there a long time, make up about 10% of the population, while Christians comprise about 40%.  There is considerable long-standing animosity between the two groups for very good reasons. Tony Hana (Adam Karam), a Christian mechanic in his 30's, gets into a petty dispute over a drain pipe with a Palestinian refugee, Yasser Salameh (Kamel El Basha).  During their heated argument, Tony says something very provocative.  Unfortunately, Yasser loses control and physically assaults him.  This leads to Tony suing Yasser for damages. The case is emotionally-charged and reaches national attention.  Tony is represented by a famous attorney, Wajdi Wehbe (Camille Salameh), while Yasser is represented by a less-experienced female attorney, Nadine (Diamand Bou Abboud).  The courtroom scenes are excellent, but this film isn't really a courtroom drama.  It's rather a brilliant film, artfully illustrating how current conflicts and past injustices, infused by personal and collective wounds, can reach a fever pitch! The ensemble cast is excellent and the screenplay is one of the most articulate and intelligent of the year.  This movie is a MUST SEE!  If you don't see "The Insult," I may get "offended!"