ASK THE RAZZ

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Author: Razzouk Razzouk

The Club World Cup: A Reality Check for FIFA and the Global Game

The latest edition of the FIFA Club World Cup felt more like an obligation than a celebration. A tournament few care about, especially in the U.S., where football (or soccer) still struggles to crack mainstream interest despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s dreams and his close ties to Lionel Messi. The event’s outcome, however, spoke volumes.
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A Generous Iftar at Al Mandaloun Café

Lately, I haven’t been dining out much, but yesterday was an exception. I went with my cousin, his wife, and her cousin—who is half-French and has lived in France all her life. Given the company, we had to pick a place that wouldn’t disappoint, and the final choice was Al Mandaloun Café. It turned out
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Bi Al Dam : A Masterclass in Chemistry and Casting

Out of all the shows on Shahid this Ramadan, Bi Al Dam is truly in a league of its own. From its gripping storytelling to its impeccable performances, this series stands out as one of the finest productions of the season. What makes Bi Al Dam exceptional is not just its intriguing plot but the
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الانتخابات الرئاسية اللبنانية: من يملك الكلمة الفصل؟

مع اقتراب موعد الانتخابات الرئاسية اللبنانية، تتزايد التساؤلات حول من يملك القرار الحقيقي في اختيار رئيس الجمهورية المقبل. في ظل الأوضاع الراهنة في لبنان والمنطقة، يظهر أن المعادلة أبعد ما تكون عن كونها محلية بحتة، بل يبدو أن للخارج دورًا حاسمًا، وربما الكلمة الفصل. رغم تغير الإدارات الأمريكية بين الديمقراطيين والجمهوريين، يظهر أن التأثير الأكبر
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Meet Akira Kurosawa(4):The Poet of Humanism

Beyond his technical mastery and innovative storytelling, what sets Akira Kurosawa apart from his contemporaries is his deep-rooted sense of humanism. Films like Ikiru (1952) and Red Beard (1965) showcase Kurosawa’s ability to explore the essence of what it means to live a meaningful life. Ikiru is perhaps his most personal film, telling the story
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Meet Akira Kurosawa(3): A Global Influence on Cinema

Kurosawa’s impact on cinema is not limited to Japan. Directors from around the world have cited his work as a major influence on their careers. The likes of George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Francis Ford Coppola all point to Kurosawa as a key inspiration. Lucas openly acknowledged that Star Wars drew heavily from
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Meet Akira Kurosawa(1):The Pioneer of Japanese Cinema

Akira Kurosawa, born in Tokyo in 1910, stands as one of the most influential directors in cinematic history. He revolutionized Japanese cinema and placed it on the global stage with films that were not only visually striking but also deeply philosophical. In 1950, Kurosawa released Rashomon, a film that changed everything. Through the use of
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Meet Sergio Leone(4): Once Upon a Time in America

After redefining the Western genre with his masterful films, Sergio Leone turned his attention to a different kind of epic—a sweeping saga of crime, friendship, and betrayal set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Once Upon a Time in America (1984) would be Leone’s final film, a deeply personal project that he had nurtured
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Meet Sergio Leone(3): Once Upon a Time in the West

After the immense success of the Dollars Trilogy, Sergio Leone took a bold step forward with Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). Moving beyond the gritty anti-heroes and morally ambiguous tales that had become his trademarks, Leone crafted a grand, operatic Western that delved into the mythic and tragic dimensions of the American
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