Capernaum
A raw, neorealistic lament for a lost childhood, capturing the chaotic heartbreak of Beirut's slums through the defiant eyes of a boy who sues God for the crime of his own existence.
Capernaum
Capernaum

کفرناحوم

"It takes courage to hope."

20 September 2018 France 126 min ⭐ 8.2 (1,851)
Director: Nadine Labaki
Cast: Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shifera, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole, Kawsar Al Haddad, Fadi Kamel Yousef
Drama
Childhood Neglect and Lost Innocence Statelessness and Lack of Identity Poverty and Survival Injustice and Systemic Failure
Budget: $4,000,000
Box Office: $64,978,931

Capernaum - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

I want to sue my parents... Because I was born.

— Zain Al Hajj

Context:

Said in the courtroom at the beginning of the film, in response to the judge asking why he is taking legal action against his parents.

Meaning:

This is the film's central premise and most iconic line. It's a profound philosophical statement that encapsulates Zain's suffering. It's not just a complaint against his parents, but against the very fact of his existence in a world that has given him nothing but pain. It questions the morality of procreation without the means to provide a decent life.

Life is a pile of shit. Not worth more than my shoe.

— Zain Al Hajj

Context:

Zain says this during a phone call to a television show from prison, explaining the reality of his life and why he is suing his parents.

Meaning:

This quote brutally expresses Zain's worldview, shaped by constant hardship. It reflects his complete disillusionment and the devaluing of life itself when it is filled with nothing but violence, insults, and neglect. It's a statement of utter despair from a child who has seen too much.

I want adults who can't raise kids not to have any.

— Zain Al Hajj

Context:

Spoken in the courtroom, this line clarifies the purpose of his lawsuit to the judge and the world. It is his demand for a fundamental change to prevent the suffering of other children.

Meaning:

This is the core of Zain's legal and moral argument. It is a simple, yet powerful, plea for responsibility. It shifts the focus from his personal tragedy to a universal principle: the right of a child to be born into a caring and capable environment. It's the ultimate goal of his lawsuit.