Caramel – 2007
Director: Nadine Labaki
Cast: Nadine Labaki, Adel Karam, Yasmine Masri, Joanna Moukerzal, Aziza Semaan, Gisele Aouad
Rating: 
Caramel is what is referred to in the Middle East as a waxing method used in beauty salons. It has the same color and texture as the caramel we eat and in the movie its literal translation in Arabic is “Sugar”… the aim of using this title, other than the movie is set in a beauty salon, is the mix between the bitter and the sweet since the way to make caramel is sugar, lemon and water.
The reason behind adding this review is not to promote a movie from where I come from, Lebanon, but because I feel I ought to tell the world about it and let every single movie lover watch and enjoy living in Beirut for an hour and a half.
It may have a different taste to the Lebanese since you can relate to all characters, plot scenes, and conversations… you will feel that you’ve been there, had such friends, or went through the same situation whether funny or heartbreaking.
As I mentioned, it is mainly in a beauty salon and involves women from different religions, backgrounds, and burdens. You will see the bride-to-be and the social restrictions she faces, the 40+ divorced woman who tries to convince herself before others of her eternal youth, the tomboy who is being pushed to look feminine and find a boyfriend, the old lady who devoted her life for her aged sister and never got a chance to fall in love, and finally Layal (Nadine Labaki) the sweet average girl who is in love with a married man. You will see them laugh, fight, cry, and loose their grip on life all along the movie… trying their best to make you feel the same as well.
The movie direction is a milestone for a country that was always a pioneer in art and theater direction but not cinema; in this field, Lebanon was always behind. However, Nadine Labaki who is the director and lead actress gave hope back to the Lebanese cinema and pushed Lebanon to an award in Cannes Film Festival and a chance for the movie to be short-listed for the “Best Foreign Movie” nominations in the 80th Academy Awards… I will be crossing my fingers when the nominations come out later in January.
The other attributing success is the original sound composed by Khaled Mouzannar; an amazing mix of emotions with an oriental touch. Each piece gives you the right feel of the situation and triggers you to smile or cry… no wonder why my love for the movie grew as well as Nadine’s love for him did when he later became her better half.
I will never get enough of the pleasant familiar sound, street, or taxi the movie portrays… it is my virtual trip to Lebanon that releases a promising sigh especially with the message the movie ends with: à mon Beyrouth (to my Beirut)
If you love Lebanon, ever heard of this beautiful place, and or want to see what it is like… Caramel is your ticket… watch it!
5 responses so far
I still have not seen this movie yet for one reason only : Everyone said it is a feminine movie!
Even when it comes to relating to the charachters and all, a guy who’d seen the movie would only appreciate the plot and effort, but would not relate to it since it is very female oriented, a female life in beirut, not a guy’s one.
I will still watch it when it’s released on DVD.
In terms of cinematics, sound and performances… it’s an achievement worth a big applause.
Not sure if the male audiences would enjoy the plot or locations though… at the end of the day it’s more of a chick flick! I did enjoy it, however, and did relate to it. The dialogs and situations felt very real… sort of thing you would actually see and hear around everyday Beirut. So, for the guys… one thing in the plot for you… maybe it would help you better understand what goes on in the background of an average Beiruti girl’s life!
Speaking of the average Beiruti girls… I forgot to mention that all actresses are selected based on their backgrounds and religions to reflect the real personality… none of them are famous or ever made it to the big screen
First of all, nice blog
Caramel is a good movie, it reflects our culture really well and for everyone who knows beirut and has lived in lebanon can definitly relate well to the movie. The best character is the old lady, shes so cute and gave a spark to the whole movie
i enjoyed watching it walla.
Hey Zada! it is really great to see you on the blog
Thanks for the feedback and keep visiting…
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