Certain facets of the film are reminiscent of Tarantino, including Doueiri's prominent use of foot-tapping music, black humour and his occasional, knowing references to Hollywood, such as his neat reversal of the La Marseillaise scene from Casablanca.

But this is assuredly Doueiri's statement, a semi-autobiographical tale about lost youth and a lost city, which serves as both a celebration and lament. A celebration in terms of its vibrancy and humour as we follow three youngsters living in a splitered Beirut, where conflict is steadily escalating conflict.

For them, war means spectacle and adventure as flares light up the sky. Freed from school they discover the delights of the adult world, taking in everything from brothels to movie-making. "Camera! Action! Look at those thighs!" cries a delighted Tarek (Rami Doueiri) as he covertly films an old man making out. But behind the excitement lies a lament for their innocence as it, like much of their homeland, goes up in smoke.

Beirut of the mid-1970s is portrayed unflinchingly, with street massacres and gunpoint interrogations shot in an eerie, documentary style. But Doueiri was there as it happened and also replicates the camaraderie, sense of excitement and humour amid the horror.

West Beirut won a clutch of awards, including the International Critics' Award at Toronto. That particular accolade was given with an explanatory line from the judges which ably sums up the film's strengths and charisma, praising the movie, "For its youthful, energetic and unconventional approach to human values in the midst of civil war and its tragedies."

Gavin Collinson