label designation, the film combines real-life crisis, potent emotion and an ending of stunning defiance making it a strong entry for Lebanon in the Academy’s international feature competition.
The only thing of value Tarek has left is the piano, which once belonged to his mother, and could conceivably fund his escape if he finds a buyer. But after a neighborhood informer tells ISIS about the instrument, a convoy of black-clad gunmen, including Karim’s childhood acquaintance Abdallah , descend upon the peaceful compound and leave both the piano and Karim worse for wear.
This compelling setup is practically identical to that of “Nocturne in Black,” with Yaacoub and Farhat repeating their roles as antagonists. But “Broken Keys” expands the action with a longish, less persuasive subplot following Karim on what seems like a fool’s quest to the distant town of Ramza, where he hopes to find a piano exactly like his own that he can strip for parts, as well as adding more chilling scenes showing the brutality of ISIS.
Another small script quibble: When Tarek returns to Sekka, mission accomplished, and just two days before the smuggler departs, is there really enough time for him to fix the piano, rescue Ziad from the clutches of the ISIS school and bond with the lad while playing soccer? Thank goodness for the flexibility of movie time.