Is What About Tomorrow? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1978)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

What About Tomorrow?, a standout production of 1978, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Zakaria and Soraya, a married couple, decide to move to live in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in order to improve their living conditions, and they join work in a bar in Hamra Street, which accepts the various segments of Lebanese society, which forces them to make many concessions in order to achieve the desired social advancement. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Zakaria and Soraya, a married couple, decide to move to live in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in order to improve their living conditions, and they join work in a bar in Hamra Street, which accepts the various segments of Lebanese society, which forces them to make many concessions in order to achieve the desired social advancement."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Ziad Rahbani is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Ziad Rahbani captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Ziad Rahbani is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 159 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is What About Tomorrow? truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 10/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, What About Tomorrow? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1978 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ziad Rahbani respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, What About Tomorrow? is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ziad Rahbani or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, What About Tomorrow? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.