Halal Love

Halal Love (and Sex) (2015), also known as "Halal Love," is an intricately woven story that gives an insightful, somewhat humorous, and yet profound look into the love lives of three Lebanese couples trying to navigate their way through the complexities of Islamic law and cultural traditions. The film, directed by Assad Fouladkar, stars Darine Hamze, Rodrigue Sleiman, Zeinab Hind Khadra, and Hussien Mokdad in pivotal roles.

The movie delves into three distinct but interconnected narratives, each portraying a unique set of characters in a variety of circumstances, navigating the labyrinthine ethics and laws surrounding romantic relationships in their religious and cultural context.

Firstly, we are introduced to Awatef, a middle-aged woman, portrayed by Darine Hamze, who is looking to spice up her dull marital life by persuading her husband to take a second wife. Peculiar and unusual, her request doesn't arise from jealousy or resentment but from a desire for companionship, a shared responsibility, and as a means to revitalize her own marriage.

Next, we meet a recently married couple, Mokhtar, played by Rodrigue Sleiman, and Batoul, performed by Zeinab Hind Khadra. Batoul was a virgin until her wedding night, and when a secret from her past arises, it disrupts the newlyweds' life. The circumstances lead her to explore a "pleasure marriage," a temporary marriage contract, which is permissible under Shia doctrine but widely debated and controversial. The couple's journey shows the struggles associated with old traumas and the attempts to find a lawful workaround within their faith.

Our third story follows Loubna and Abou Zeid, who have divorced each other due to their complicated situation, in a desperate attempt to distance themselves from their shared traumas. However, they soon find that achieving that distance isn't as easy as they imagined. Their tale explores the gray areas within their strained relationship, wavering between past connection and present separation.

"Fouladkar uses humorous storytelling to navigate through these often-taboo subjects," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Meanwhile, the Village Voice referred to the film as a "humane, lighthearted, satirical drama."

Halal Love (and Sex) is an exploration of love within the confines of religion and its rules. It raises questions about human nature, the relentlessness of desire, and the lengths people will go to satisfy their emotional and physical needs under religious observance. Despite the heavy themes, it never loses its touch of humor or its sense of heartfelt humanity.

Significant time is spent exploring the negotiations, the complications, and the rituals that stem from the characters' determination to abide by the religious and societal norms, even if it means going through lengths to find loopholes. The societal pressure instills a fear in them, making them wary of deviating from the path set by their faith. Yet their human desires and emotions continuously push them to test the boundaries.

The film is visually mesmerizing. The Middle Eastern backdrop enhances the narrative and adds depth to the characters' stories. The city of Beirut becomes an immersive character in itself, reflecting the blend of traditional and modern that the characters represent.

However, at its heart, Halal Love (and Sex) is not a judgmental film; it doesn't belittle Islamic law or the cultural norms. Instead, it brings to life the struggles of everyday people who are trying to find happiness and fulfillment within those boundaries. It's a compassionate exploration of how religious codes interact with modern relationships and the human heart's desire for connection.

The performances by the lead actors are captivating and resonate with the viewers deeply. Darine Hamze's portrayal of Awatef is insightful and poignant, reflecting the nuanced emotions of a woman torn between societal norms and personal desires.

In conclusion, Halal Love (and Sex) is a unique cinematic experience, shining a light on a delicate topic while blending humor, emotion, and cultural reflection. It's a film that stays with its audience, inspiring thoughtful conversations around love, religion, and societal norms. A recommended watch for anyone interested in global cinema, cultural dialogues, and human stories.