review : Caramel

Director - Nadine Labaki
Written by - Nadine Labaki, Rodney El Haddad, Jihad Hojeily

Cast - Nadine Labaki, Yasmine Elmasri, Joanna Moukarzel, Sihame Haddad, Gisele Aouad

Country - Lebanon [2007]


A film that exposed me to my ignorance. The lives of 5 women living in Beirut overlap in a salon. The film departs from the usual scene and story of a war ridden Beirut and displays the cities gentler, warmer side. Each woman staunchly battles her situation and is, at the same time, able to see the lighter, brighter side of things.
Nadine Labaki's direction tells of an organic love that each of us has for the city we grew up in. I look forward to more perception altering titles from the middle east.

review : The Servant

Director - Kim Dae-woo
Written by - Kim Dae-woo
Cast - Kim Joo-hyuk, Jo Yeo-jeong, Ryu Seung-beom

Country - South Korea [2010]

The film opens into feudal Korea with an outlaw recounting his tale to a writer. A rigid class system exists in a time when brothels are socially accepted as a form of entertainment, particularly among the royalty. This is the backdrop for a triangle between a royal, his servant & an ambitious singer at the brothel. The story runs a slow, melodious pace, punctuated with moments of levity as hearts change sides and events take their turns. An entertaining story with a mildly grim conclusion.