In exploring his roots, renowned film maker Philippe Aractingi tells the story a lot of Lebanese know by heart but never watched on screen. Heritages is a magical documentary, a mix of smiles and tears, motions and emotions, a must watch…
It is hard for us Lebanese to talk about our History, let alone the civil war (1975-1990). In my opinion, this is one of the reasons a lot of local film makers have tried to make a movie or two about the war.
Most tried and failed, because they were talking about the war from different points of view. In “Heritages”, Philippe Aractingi tells the story of the Lebanese civil war through his own eyes. He captures the essence of the true Lebanese identity by sharing thoughts, concerns and regrets we all have in our minds.
This is what makes his movie a masterpiece. Aractingi did not try to impress through this movie, he just wanted to explain to his own children what it is to be Lebanese, and why the country is what it is today. In telling this story to his own children, he takes his audience for a ride through his own memories. A ride most of them will never forget.
Heritage will keep you hooked and leave you wanting more, because this movie is about you, about your parents, your grand parents and your ancestors in one way or the other. There is without a doubt, one person in this movie you will be able to identify with. Whether you are a young girl, a young boy, a father, a mother, a grand mother or a grand father.
Heritages will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you want to go through your dust filled family albums, and maybe even make your own documentary!
Hats off.
