Where Do We Go Now? 2012
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Where Do We Go Now? unfolds the poignant tale of a secluded Lebanese village, where both Muslims and Christians coexist. This village, encircled by landmines and accessible solely by a narrow bridge, becomes a microcosm of the civil unrest plaguing the country. The women of this village embark on a mission, employing various strategies with mixed results, to keep their men oblivious to the escalating conflict. They sabotage the village radio and eventually destroy the community’s only television.
The narrative kicks off with a young boy named Roukoz, who, accompanied by his cousin Nassim, undertakes the crucial task of venturing outside the village to retrieve essential supplies such as soap, utensils, and newspapers. Roukoz resides with Nassim’s family, mourning the loss of Nassim’s father. In a moment of unfortunate clumsiness, Roukoz attempts to repair the church speakers but falls, shattering the cross in the process.
As the plot unfolds, we meet several pivotal characters: the village mayor and his wife Yvonne](/actor/yvonne-maalouf), the cafe owner Amal, who captivates the attention of Rabih, the village painter, and Nassim’s brother Issam along with his wife Aida, not to mention the village priest and the imam. During a Sunday mass, the priest addresses the congregation, emphasizing the need for church repairs while attributing the broken cross to the wind. He reassures the attendees, reminding them that their fellow Muslims are not at fault.
Tensions rise when the imam discovers goats roaming the mosque, pleading with his community not to blame the Christians. Despite his efforts, a confrontation arises as a Muslim man points fingers at the Christians, igniting a brief altercation.
As the village teeters on the brink of chaos, the women cleverly band together to prevent their men from escalating the violence. They go so far as to hire Ukrainian dancers for entertainment. However, tragedy strikes when Nassim falls victim to interfaith violence, causing the women to confront their most significant challenge yet. In a bold move to regain control, they concoct sweet pastries laced with hashish for the men, confiscating their weapons in the process. Upon waking, the men are met with a startling sight: all the Christian women disguised in Muslim garb and vice versa. This audacious act presents a daunting challenge to their husbands and sons, forcing them to confront their sectarian prejudices.
To everyone’s astonishment, Nassim’s funeral proceeds peacefully, culminating in a transformed dynamic where the men look to the women for guidance and direction, hinting at the possibility of unity amidst division.
Timeline
Introduction to the Village
The film opens in a secluded Lebanese village where Muslims and Christians coexist amidst the looming threat of civil unrest. This peaceful yet precarious coexistence sets the stage for the unfolding drama as the villagers navigate their differences.
Roukoz and Nassim's Mission
Young Roukoz, accompanied by his cousin Nassim, embarks on a vital journey outside the village to retrieve supplies like soap and newspapers. Their experience underscores the daring spirit of youth amidst the larger backdrop of war.
Accidental Mishap in Church
In an unfortunate incident, Roukoz attempts to fix the church speakers but accidentally falls, breaking the cross. This event symbolizes the tension brewing in the village, as perceived mishaps fuel existing sectarian disputes.
Village Characters Introduced
As the narrative progresses, we meet essential characters such as the mayor, his wife Yvonne, the cafe owner Amal, and the village priest. Each character plays a crucial role in the community’s dynamics and highlights the tensions between the two religious groups.
The Sunday Mass
During a Sunday mass, the priest addresses the congregation, stressing the importance of church repairs and downplaying the broken cross incident. His reassurance attempts to maintain peace, emphasizing the friendship between Muslims and Christians.
Conflict at the Mosque
Tensions escalate when the imam finds goats in the mosque and pleads with his followers to refrain from blaming the Christians. Unfortunately, a heated confrontation ignites, demonstrating the fragility of peace in the village.
Women Unite for Peace
In light of rising tensions, the village women cleverly unite to distract their men from conflict. Their creative strategy includes hiring Ukrainian dancers, illustrating their determination to preserve peace and stability in the village.
Tragedy Strikes
Tragedy befalls the village when Nassim becomes a victim of interfaith violence. This heartbreaking event forces the women to confront the harsh realities of their situation, further heightening the urgency of their mission.
Hashish Pastries Scheme
In a daring move, the women create pastries laced with hashish to incapacitate the men and confiscate their weapons. This bold strategy signifies their desperation to bring peace in the midst of chaos.
Transformational Disguise
After the pastries take effect, the women appear before the men disguised in each other's religious garb. This surprising act challenges their husbands and sons to confront their sectarian biases and reassess their views on each other.
Nassim's Peaceful Funeral
To everyone's surprise, Nassim's funeral is conducted peacefully, reflecting a significant change in the village's atmosphere. This moment signals a potential shift in dynamics, as the men begin to look to the women for guidance.
Hints of Unity
The aftermath of the funeral brings newfound interest in collaboration among the villagers. The unity demonstrated suggests that despite the painful past, there is hope for healing and reconciliation moving forward.
Commitment to Change
As the film nears its conclusion, the villagers show a commitment to moving beyond their divisions. The women’s bravery and resourcefulness highlight the possibility for peace, creating a new narrative for the village.
Characters
Roukoz
Roukoz is a young boy who embodies innocence amidst the chaos of war. He is shown as naive yet determined, grappling with loss and the burden of responsibility at such a tender age. His clumsiness serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of adulthood thrust upon him in times of conflict.
Nassim
Nassim is portrayed as the embodiment of youthful hope and the tragedy of sectarian violence. His journey outside the village to fetch essentials is symbolic of the innocence lost through interfaith conflict. His untimely death becomes a crucial turning point for the village, especially for the women seeking to harness strength in unity.
Yvonne
Yvonne, the mayor's wife, stands as a pillar of strength and wisdom within the community. She plays a crucial role in maintaining order amidst the chaos, representing the nurturing aspect of womanhood in times of strife. Her efforts to protect her family showcase the depths of a mother's love and concern for peace.
Amal
Amal, the cafe owner, is a vibrant character who symbolizes the heart of the village. Her interactions with the men, especially Rabih, reflect the intertwining of personal relationships with the larger societal conflicts. She embodies hope through her efforts to bring joy and distraction amid despair.
Setting
Time period
The story takes place during the Lebanese Civil War, a period marked by significant social and political strife. This backdrop creates an atmosphere of tension and fear, affecting not only the men of the village but also their families, who attempt to shield them from the escalating violence.
Location
Lebanese village
The movie is set in a secluded Lebanese village, a setting that symbolizes the coexistence of different religious communities amidst political turmoil. Known for its narrow entrance across a precarious bridge, the village encapsulates the struggles of its inhabitants as they navigate their lives surrounded by conflict and landmines.
Themes
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Peace vs. Conflict
The film explores the persistent struggle for peace within a community divided by religious differences. The clever strategies employed by the women highlight their resilience and determination to preserve harmony in the face of impending violence. This theme serves as a reflection on the broader societal issues plaguing Lebanon.
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Unity in Diversity
While the village is divided along religious lines, the women’s efforts to maintain unity depict the strength of familial bonds. Their bold actions to disguise themselves challenge traditional gender roles and encourage a sense of solidarity among the community’s members, prompting reflection on identity and coexistence.
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