How sad is this?

Great Film overall

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

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.

Beirut, now this is the way to make a great movie. Action suspense, great actors and extremely good storyline make this one of the best this year. I have been looking for a movie like this that would keep my interest and not bore me with a terrible or worst direction. This movie seems to follow a direction that was easy to follow and keep my interest. I really like it. Hollywood should use this kind of movie as an example of good taste. Jon Hamm and Shea Whigham (He portrayed Elias "Eli" Thompson in the HBO drama series Boardwalk Empire), just to name two were great. I hope they get more movies where they can show their great talent.

Just saw Beirut and was very impress with the film, acting and story line. I was surprised it has not gotten better reviews. For people complaining it was not filmed in Beirut, that seems ridiculous. It was realistically shot in similar terrain and seemed authentic. It was a well put together story and interesting to watch. Good cast as well. With so many super hero, action movies getting attention, it is important we support thought provoking, smaller budget independent films.

Beirut (1.5 out of 5 stars).Beirut is a dull espionage thriller that takes place during the Lebanese Civil War in 1982. The film misses on a lot of opportunities in being an effective thriller. Especially, from screenwriter Tony Gilroy (who did the Bourne movies). The plot takes place in the 1970s when Mason (Jon Hamm) and his wife Nadia are caring for a Lebanese boy whose brother is connected to the Munich massacre. While, the boy's brother attacks Mason's party and killing his wife. A decade later, Mason an alcoholic and washed out diplomat is brought back to Beirut. When his former friend Cal (Mark Pellegrino) is taken hostage. The plot was dull and boring. Diplomats debate continuously about the hostage situation. There is a twist that is not worth caring for. It does not help when the script lacks characterization depth. It is difficult to even have emotions for the characters. Even for the main lead, who is an alcoholic and risk taker. In the end, you still did not care for him. Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike are both tedious with their performances. Dean Morris is terrible and playing a character with an obvious hairpiece. There was no suspense or thrills. Do not expect any. The entire movie is just spent with Mason trying to find the Lebanese boy's older brother. So he can trade him for his friend Cal. While other dictator's are wanting to make a better deal involving money. Overall, Beirut is horrible. The plot is dull. The direction is tedious that lacks suspense and emotions to the characters. The performances are boring. This movie is definitely a pass.