Review of Cedar Boys (2009) by Ian H — 09 Aug 2009

I cannot speak highly enough about this film. A tough in-your-face look at wanting to be accepted by a culture that excludes you or expects you to fit a gross stereotype; and where those in that culture only want you so long as you can give them what they want. Perhaps, given the themes, some may find it too much: but it does raise some very uneasy questions on Australian, Sydney in particular, life and culture -- particularly for those first- or second-generation Australians.

It is great to see a portrayal of ârealâ Australians: and simply great to see young talent, actors and crew [this was Seerhat Caradee's [writer/director/co-producer] debut feature film], involved in such a unique and original film too. May their careers flourish, for I think these are exceptionally talented people: and may movies exploring the lives of young people, particularly those from other cultures, continue to be told: for we are a nation of migrants â and all stories of all people should be told. I hope it makes it overseas for this is a truly fantastic Australian film and one that shows an Australia rarely seen on screen: and one that should be because it is engaging, challenging and confronting.

Anyway to the movie: Cedar Boys is a hard-hitting look at what happens when you, typecast as trouble because youâre young, male and Lebanese, step outside of your neighbourhood and familiar surroundings. The three protagonists, Tarek [a panel-beater with dreams], Nabil [a cleaner who seems relaxed and honest] and drug-dealing Sam, were so wondrously portrayed by 3 superb young actors [Les Chantery, Buddy Dannoun, Waddah Sari] that, after some amazing in-depth explorations of their world, I was drawn into their lives. The story, and its moral of leaving your familiar surrounds and how others see [and use] you, ramps up when Tarek meets an Anglo Eastern Suburbs [rich area of Sydney] girl which then leads him, and Nabil, into a world of drugs and crime with the aim of getting money quickly. The characters, the 3 main ones in particular, are all exceptionally well-rounded individuals: these are âreal peopleâ â not stereotypes or over-the-top caricatures. And add in superb and clever writing [while you can see glimpses of a major altercation and crash from their high life coming, I was surprised at the twists and turns on the way there], great direction and cinematography, and an in-your-face soundtrack [not entirely my sort of music: but this was not a film about me], and you have 100 or so minutes where I was glued to my chair: utterly and absorbed in the action unfolding before my eyes.

A simply superb film: congratulations, and thanks, to all involved.