by Mariam Nundu

Created on: February 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 06, 2009

It is not often that I watch a film and feel truly glad that I did. That feeling that you can get with exceptionally well made films is rare even for big budget, Hollywood-type, films. This feeling is even more satisfying when the film in question happens to be a small budget foreign film. Of course I am talking about 'Caramel'(PG), which was released in 2007. Although this film can be, broadly speaking, categorize as a 'chick flick' due to its main subject matter, this term is too restricting and frankly won't do the film justice.

Let's start with the basics then: 'Caramel' (approximately 1hr 15mins long) is filmed in Beirut and tells a story of young woman's journey through love, friendship, adultery, family and marriage. The film, directed by Nadia Lakani, who also plays the lead role, is subtitled. This in itself should speak volumes to the brilliance of this film to have gained audiences outside Beirut. The story behind 'Caramel' is centred around a young woman named Layale (played by Nadia) who works at a salon (Si Belle) with her friends. Layale discovers true love through the entanglements of adultery, trust, friendships and family. Nadia's portray of Layale is nothing short of brilliance in fact the characters anguish and desperation for an unrequited love is very moving and believable.

Despite this main story line, 'Caramel' manages to shine the spotlight equally to the remaining cast. This is again a testimony to the equally brilliant execution by the other cast members combined with the incredibly fresh dialogue and of course the brilliant directing. All parts no matter how different do not overshadow or disrupt the main story line. In fact they add important dimensions to the whole tale. 'Caramel' is loitered with unforgettable characters and moments. I certainly haven't seen this level of brilliance, charm and freshness in a foreign film since 'Amelie' (the 2001 French film).

'Caramel' doesn't only entertain but also educate the audience something that is rare especially in 'chick flicks'. The audience is able to enjoy not only the brilliance of the acting, the authenticity of the dialogue but also learn a thing or two about Beirut and its people. This movie doesn't try to be glamorous or 'Western' instead it simply showcases life in a small town in Beirut. The buildings are shabby in places, the salon's generator keeps going off; are just a few example of the 'modest' portray of life in that part of Beirut. It is this modest portray that give this

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